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Chief mouser Larry to remain at No. 10
Larry with David Cameron and Barack Obama
David Cameron introduced Larry to US president Barack Obama at Downing Street in 2011.

Larry fans relieved as cabinet office confirms the cat will stay

In a time of intense political uncertainty, animal lovers are rejoicing at the news that Downing Street's chief mouser, Larry the cat, will remain at No.10 after current Prime Minister David Cameron steps down.

Mr Cameron is preparing to tender his resignation to the Queen later on today, after which Theresa May will take his place.

Larry fans were understandably concerned about the feline's future in office. Early this week, an unofficial Twitter profile for the cat tweeted: 'One final thing before they'll let you have the job @TheresaMay2016 - tell the people you'll keep me in Number 10.'

Putting fears at rest, a cabinet office spokeswoman said: "It's a civil servant's cat and does not belong to the Camerons - he will be staying."

National treasure Larry was rehomed from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 due to concerns about the rat problem at No. 10, but his career in politics has often been marked by accusations that he spends more time napping than rat catching.

Larry is the first feline to hold the post of chief mouser since Humphrey, who was appointed in 1989 after wandering into No.10 as a stray and retired after eight years in office.

Image by White House photographer Pete Souza

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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.