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Brits hoard clothes while shop donations fall
Gok Wan
Gok has donated a pair of Jean Paul Gautier jeans he wore on Comic Relief The Apprentice.

PDSA launches Vet Your Clothes campaign to boost stock

Over 50 per cent of people in Britain are hoarding clothes they don't wear, while stock donations to PDSA charity shops has fallen by 13 per cent, according to new research.

An online survey commissioned by the veterinary charity found 56 per cent of people over the age of 16 are holding on to items that could be worth millions to charity, despite the fact they don't fit, don't suit them or were a fashion fad.

The poll also found more than 25 per cent of people to take part were throwing their unwanted clothes in the bin rather than donating them.

Meanwhile, donations to PDSA's shops has fallen by more than 10 per cent in the past four years.

"This is leaving us short of the goods to sell in our shops, which means less money to fund our Pet Hospitals,” said Philip Klette, the charity's head of retail.

"Many charities have noticed a decline in donated stock levels over the past few years but people might not realise that, just by clearing out a few unworn items, you could make a massive difference to PDSA."

In a bid to try to boost its stock donations, the charity is launching a Vet Your Clothes campaign, which has already won support from celebrities including fashion guru Gok Wan and comedian Russell Kane.

Gok has donated a pair of Jean Paul Gautier jeans he wore on Comic Relief The Apprentice. He said: "If you haven’t worn something in the past year, the likelihood is that you never will, so please do something amazing and support PDSA.

"As a dog owner myself, I know just how much pets mean to people so please do what you can to help PDSA treat sick and injured pets."

PDSA is encouraging people to donate unwanted items to their nearest shop or Pet Hut store, and show their support on social media using #vetyourclothes.

Image courtesy of PDSA

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.