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Sniffer dog finds £1m haul of illegal rhino horn
The ivory haul was found by sniffer dog Lizzy at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. (Stock photo)
Largest haul seized in South Africa in recent years 

Customs officials in South Africa have seized illegal rhino horn worth around £1 million, after it was sniffed out by a detection dog.

A haul of 36 horns and horn fragments were tightly packed in eight boxes, along with other items such as decorations and doormats, BBC News reports.

The boxes were ready to be shipped to Dubai, according to the South African Revenue Service.

Weighing 116kg (256lbs), the haul is thought to be one of the biggest seized in South Africa in recent years. It was found by sniffer dog Lizzy at OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg.

Despite successful conservation efforts in South Africa in recent years, WWF says the number of rhinos poached in the country has increased by 9,000 per cent since 2007, from 13 to 1,215 in 2014.

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SPVS and FIVP launch VSA survey

News Story 1
 SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The survey will ensure that each organisation's submission accurately represents the experiences of practising veterinary professionals. It will also explore awareness, use and perceived value of the roles undertaken by the RCVS.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be completed here until Thursday, 19 March 2026. 

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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.