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Dogs Trust scoops award for puppy smuggling campaign
The Puppy Smuggling Taskforce calls on MPs to support Dogs Trust in its efforts to prevent the illegal importation of puppies into the UK.
Charity wins 'Best Animal Welfare Campaign' in Parliamentary Charity Awards 2021.

Dogs Trust has won a prestigious award for a second year running for its ongoing work tackling the issue of puppy smuggling.

The national charity scooped first prize in the Savanta ComRes Parliamentary Charity Awards 2021 for 'Best Animal Welfare Campaign'. The awards pay recognition to charities that lead their field in communicating with parliamentarians across eight categories. 

Specifically, Dogs Trust received the award for its Puppy Smuggling Taskforce - a campaign that calls on MPs to support efforts to prevent the illegal importation of puppies into the UK. Since it launched in October 2020, the campaign has garnered the support of more than 50 MPs from across the political spectrum.

Alongside this campaign, Dogs Trust also launched its fifth Puppy Smuggling investigative report, revealing new research into online puppy advertisements and outlining what the Government can do to end the suffering of smuggled dogs.  

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won an award in such a prestigious category. Given that these are the only Parliamentary awards which are voted for by MPs themselves, our success really is testament to the hard work of the team and charity as a whole.

“We faced tough competition, so it’s fantastic to get recognition for our longstanding work – especially during a very difficult year - on putting an end to the cruel puppy smuggling trade and many other issues to ensure the welfare of dogs is always taken into consideration by policymakers.”

“We’ll continue our political work across the UK and are looking forward to the awards next year already!”

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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.