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Blue Cross marks 125 years of animal welfare work
Pictured: a postcard from the Blue Cross historic archive 'Vet and Nurse bandaging dog'.

A new survey on people and pets' connection marks the occasion. 

Marking 125 years of charity work, national pet charity Blue Cross has released the results of a new survey, demonstrating the deep-rooted and important connection between people and pets.

Of the respondents, 40 per cent said that their early pets were their fondest childhood memory, over 60 per cent said that the pandemic made them realise the importance of owning a pet, and 42 per cent agreed that owning a pet is vital to combatting loneliness. 

With the increase in pet ownership across the UK, the work that Blue Cross does to support pets and people through rehoming, veterinary, animal behaviour and pet bereavement services is just as necessary as the charity's early work supporting the working horses of London. 

Kerry Taylor, Education Manager at Blue Cross, commented on the importance of the charity's work after 125 years: “We are very proud of our heritage and the work the charity does in 2022. 

“We are needed today more than ever, with people seeking help after an impulse purchase of a pet online from unscrupulous sellers. Something which sadly we know increased during the pandemic, with pet theft and scams online escalating and costs for puppies rocketing into the thousands.

“We strongly advise anyone thinking of getting a pet to look at a rescue who has been fully assessed and checked by a vet before adoption. If buying a puppy, then we strongly recommend thorough research before hitting the ‘buy now’ button online.”

Since the charity's formation in 1897, the Blue Cross estimates that 38 million lives have been impacted by its work, with plans to support over 120,000 pets over the next three years.

 

Image (C) Blue Cross

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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.