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Firefighters pay tribute to last 9/11 search dog
Firefighters salute Bretagne as she makes her way into the hospital to be euthanized.

16-year-old Bretagne described as 'one of a kind'

Firefighters in New York have bid an emotional farewell to the last remaining 9/11 search and rescue dog.

Bretagne, a 16-year-old golden retriever, was one of 300 search and rescue dogs deployed by Texas Task Force 1 to scan the wreckage of the World Trade Centre for victims.

On Monday (6 June) she was euthanised at a Texas veterinary hospital, accompanied by her owner Denise Corliss.

As Bretagne made her last walk into the hospital she was saluted by representatives from the CY-Fair Volunteer Fire Department and Texas Task Force 1.

Draped in an American flag, she was later taken to Texas A&M University where vets will study the effects of Ground Zero on her body.

Speaking to the New York Daily News, a CY-Fair Volunteer Fire Department spokesman described Bretagne as “one of a kind” adding that she was eager to do searches, even after she retired.

In her final weeks at home, Bretagne spent much of her time completing a bucket list created by Mrs. Corliss and her husband.

The list included taking Bretagne back to a local elementary school where she used to accompany children during story time.

Bretagne celebrated her 16th birthday in New York City last year, just days before the 14th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

She also helped in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest hurricanes to ever hit the United States, before retiring at the age of 10. 

Image (C) Houston Chronicle.

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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.