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Children's authors back Kennel Club initiative
As part of National Literacy Week, children's authors have backed the Kennel Club Bark and Read scheme.
As part of National Literacy Week, children's authors have backed the Kennel Club Bark and Read scheme.

Reading to dogs scheme aims to boost children's literacy and self confidence

Children's authors Anna Wilson, Andrew Cope and Viviane Schwarz are supporting a Kennel Club scheme that encourages youngsters to read to their dogs.

The Bark and Read Foundation is aimed to boost literacy and improve children's self confidence.

This week is National Storytelling Week (February 1 to February 8) and as part of this The Kennel Club has asked schools taking part in the Bark and Read scheme, to let children chose their favourite books to read to their canine friend.

It comes as a survey by the National Literacy Trust found that only a quarter of children read in their spare time, and one in five said they were embarrassed to be seen reading.

Anna Wilson, author of The Smug Pug and Pup Idol, said: "Reading aloud and storytelling have always been very important to me. As an author, I go into schools and see how reading stories can help build confidence and improve literacy skills.

"Reading to dogs is a fantastic, innovative idea – it will help boost the confidence of children who are nervous of reading aloud in front of a class, for example, and will encourage a lifelong love of books and reading, I'm sure.

"I frequently read to my own dog when I am trying out new passages of writing, so I can highly recommend it."

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.