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Sound system brings festive joy to homeless dogs
Research has shown that soothing tunes are beneficial to dogs.

Music has a calming effect on the animals

Dogs at a rescue centre in Birmingham are enjoying some festive tunes thanks to a new state-of-the-art sound system.

Dogs, staff and visitors to Birmingham Dog's Home can now enjoy a background of jovial seasonal songs, thanks to a package of sophisticated installations.

Brad Field, who installed the high-tech system, explained that dogs love the music, which also has a calming effect.

He added: “They are so well cared for by the hard-working staff at the dogs’ home and having the Christmas music has been an added bonus this year. 

"Everyone at Birmingham Dogs’ Homes has been a joy to work with and realising that I have been able to help in this small way is very rewarding."

Brad's company has also fitted a reception video display to show visitors all the good work that the centre does.

Birmingham Dogs' Home manager Areika Bickerton said that the music helped to provide a tranquil atmosphere, greatly helping the dogs settle in and be happier.

She said: “We’ve found the music useful for reducing dog anxiety and muffles background sounds that might otherwise upset them.

“Research has shown that soothing tunes are beneficial to dogs. It’s key for us that our dogs feel as comfortable as they can be prior to finding their forever home”.

Image (C) Birmingham Dogs Home

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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.