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Three dogs die after drinking from fishing lake
westie outdoors
The lake will be closed for at least a week while tests are carried out (stock photo).
Cause of the deaths has not been confirmed

Three dogs have died after drinking from a fishing lake in Dartford, Kent Police have revealed.

Several other dogs are said to be in a critical condition at a local veterinary surgery after drinking from the same lake.

Brooklands Lake, which is off Powder Mill Lane, has been cordoned off and will be closed for at least a week while the Environment Agency carries out tests. Members of the public are being advised to avoid the area.

People were also warned to avoid the lake in 2013 after blue-green algae was found following a spell of hot weather. It has not yet been confirmed whether the water from the lake caused the dogs' illness.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency is quoted by Kent Online as saying: "Until we've analysed the necessary samples, we won't know what has caused these deaths.

"We haven't had any reports of fish dying, but that it also being looked at… Contamination, and diseases such as Weil's are being checked for."

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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.