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Sharp rise in rabbits looking for new homes
rabbits
Rabbit Awareness Week is an annual event that brings together vets, pet retailers, welfare charities, manufacturers and owners.
RSPCA marks Rabbit Awareness Week with appeal for new owners

On the 10th anniversary of Rabbit Awareness Week (18-26 June), the RSPCA says that more rabbits than ever are looking for their forever homes.

The theme of this year's Rabbit Awareness Week is #BuddiesforBunnies to encourage owners to realise that rabbits are social creatures.

However, the RSPCA says they have seen a 50 per cent rise in rabbits looking for a home, compared with this time last year.

There are currently 258 rabbits looking for a home across the country compared with 176 at the same time last year, said an RSPCA spokesperson.

The charity hope this year's campaign will urge people to realise that the stereotype of a single rabbit at the bottom of the garden in a hutch is a misguided one.

“We have lots of rabbits in our care desperate to be given that second chance,” commented RSPCA rabbit welfare expert Dr Jane Tyson.

Rabbit Awareness Week is an annual event that brings together vets, pet retailers, welfare charities, manufacturers and owners to educate people about proper rabbit care.

To find out more visit www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk.

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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.