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Dog attacks 'fuelled by poor socialisation'
post in letter box
Around eight postal workers are attacked by dogs every day, while PDSA says millions of dogs do not get daily off-lead exercsie.
Training and exercise could also cut postal attacks - PDSA

As dog attacks on postal workers are once again in the spotlight, the PDSA says poor socialisation and lack of training and exercise could be to blame.

Royal Mail this week revealed that an average of eight postmen and women are attacked by dogs every day in the UK.

The incidence of aggression or inappropriate behaviour in dogs is a "huge concern", said PDSA vet Vicki Larkham.

Boredom and inactivity often lead to destructive or aggressive behaviour, yet according to the latest PDSA Animal Wellbeing report, close to a quarter of a million UK dogs never go for walks on the lead for 10 minutes or more.

Over two million do not get off-the-lead exercise outside the home or garden for 10 minutes or more every day.

Vicki added: "A properly trained and socialised puppy is less likely to act aggressively as it grows up. It’s up to every owner to make sure this happens, but unfortunately, many miss out on this vital part of their dog’s development…

"We are undoubtedly a nation of animal lovers, with four out of five pet owners stating that owning a pet makes them feel physically or mentally healthier. But anti-social behaviour in dogs continues to create problems, fuelled by a worrying lack of training, socialisation and exercise."

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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.