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Dog summit hosted by Scottish Government
Image dog barking
Topics discussed at the summit include dog licensing and microchipping.
Government and welfare representatives give views on responsible ownership

A recent summit on responsible dog ownership brought together representatives from Scottish Government, the police and animal welfare and veterinary organisations.

Hosted in Edinburgh last week, the Responsible Dog Ownership Summit was announced last year by first minister Alex Salmond, after he met with the families of dog attack victims.

The meeting covered dog control, licensing, compulsory microchipping and enforcement of the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act.

These issues have also been raised in the Government's recent consultation - "Promoting responsible dog ownership in Scotland: microchipping and other measures". The consultation has reportedly received around 2,000 responses so far.

Summit attendees included the Dogs Trust, Scottish SPCA, BVA, Police Scotland, NFU Scotland and members of the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking at the event, representatives from the Kennel Club pledged its commitment to compulsory microchipping in Scotland, in the form of educating the public.

The club also highlighted the importance of a legal requirement to keep information up to date, minimum standards for databases and implanter training.

Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: "With over 600,000 dogs in Scotland, it is important that all those concerned with them work together to promote responsible ownership.  

"We therefore commend the Scottish Government for holding this event to share ideas on how to tackle current issues relating to dog control and new measures that can be introduced to improve matters."

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.