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Campaign success for Street Cat Bob author
Bob and James
James Bowen found his cat, Bob, in 2007 and the pair have been inseparable ever since.
James Bowen has raised over £90,000 towards cafe for homeless cats

James Bowen, author of A Street Cat Named Bob, has reached the halfway mark in plans to open a cat cafe to raise funds for homelessness and animal charities.

The former Big Issue seller has raised over £90,000 of his £125,000 target. The funds will be used to provide a home for abused, homeless and unwanted cats, whilst providing a safe-haven for individuals to have tea, coffee and refreshments.

Some of the proceeds will be donated to both animal and human causes, including the Big Issue Foundation for homeless people, and several other animal and literacy related charities.

Commenting on the campaign's success, James Bowen said: “I’m extremely happy that we have managed to raise over 50 per cent of our fundraising goal. I hope people continue to support the campaign so the cat cafe can become a reality and we can offer abandoned kitties a loving home, medical support and useful advice to all those who, like me, love these clever felines. In addition, we will be able to continue our important charity work, benefiting less fortunate people.”
 
A wide array of perks are available to the campaign's funders, including an exclusive t-shirt and mug. For a more personal touch, contributors can get a personal thank you letter written by James and Bob, or even enjoy afternoon tea with them. The newest perk is an exclusive ticket to the cafe's grand opening!

To contribute to the campaign, visit www.indoegogo.com

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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.