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Worcester Cathedral to hold 'Vicar of Dibley' style service
Wendy
Wendy, one of the greyhounds that will benefit from the service.
Animal Blessing to celebrate the Retired Greyhound Trust's 40th anniversary

Hundreds of hounds and their owners will congregate at Worcester Cathedral on Saturday 18 April for a special charity service in aid of the Retired Greyhound Trust (RGT) .

The service will be held in a style reminiscent of a ceremony in the BBC Sitcom, Vicar of Dibley.

The "All Creatures Great and Small" Animal Blessing is one of a number of events being held to celebrate the RGT's 40th anniversary. It will include a special, animal friendly service which includes animal-related hymns, music, readings.

Furthermore, a special Memory Tree will be available on which those who wish to remember a pet that has passed away can place a memorial heart.

After the special blessing, pets and their owners will be able to enjoy refreshments and browse a number of charity guest stalls.

Tracey Parbery, secretary of the Hall Green branch of the RGT and organiser of the blessing said: “We are excited to welcome greyhounds, owners, RGT volunteers and supporters to this very special service which commemorates 40 years of the Retired Greyhound Trust’s work. The RGT has found loving homes for over 70,000 greyhounds since 1975, and I thought this blessing would be a lovely way to recognise this achievement.

“We would like to extend an invitation to anyone who loves animals, supports the RGT or who would simply like to find out more about the charity’s work. It promises to be a great day for dogs and owners alike, and we hope many people will join us for this unique celebration.”

The Blessing starts at 2pm and admission is free. For further information, contact Hall Green Retired Greyhound Trust on 07703 280321 or by email via hallgreenrgt.co.uk.

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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.