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Ex-police officer sells house to save charity
Ben with dog Reilly
"I’m now such a part of the furniture that people are surprised when they learn I’m a volunteer – they think it’s my career!"
Ben Wilkes has been named volunteer of the year

An ex-police officer has received an award for his overwhelming dedication as a volunteer for the Border Collie Trust GB.

Ben Wilkes first visited the Staffordshire charity 18 years ago, when he went to donate blankets for the dogs in need. But as soon as he set foot inside the centre, he knew he wanted to do more.

Finally in 2004, the unpaid volunteer took the incredible step of selling his family home and moving into the centre, after the former residents retired.

Ben and his wife are available to care for the dogs 24 hours a day and their duties range from dog collection to DIY.

For his outstanding commitment and hard work, Ben has been named Petplan's Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year 2015.

Commenting on his work at the trust, he says: "Sometimes in life you just happen to be in the right place at the right time – and that was the case with me becoming a volunteer at the Border Collie Trust.

"I’m now such a part of the furniture that people are surprised when they learn I’m a volunteer – they think it’s my career! Rescue work is a very unusual beast in that it can be very unpredictable, but it’s great bringing the police force mentality to the role as it gives me real focus and structure."

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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.