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Blue Cross medal opens for nominations
The Blue Cross Medal closes to nominations on 26 August 2022.

Charity invites owners to nominate heroic pets.

Nominations have now opened for the 2022 Blue Cross Medal, celebrating pets who have done something amazing or heroic.

Blue Cross chief executive Chris Burghes explained: “The Blue Cross Medal champions all heroic pets - from amazing assistance or therapy pets to every-day household pets who make exceptional companions. 

“If you own or know of a pet that has done something out of the ordinary to change someone’s life, we want to hear from you.”

One remarkable pet will win the medal, and owners can nominate their pets for consideration until Friday 26 August. 

Originally, the Blue Cross Medal was awarded to people who rescued animals, and was first awarded in 1917, however in 1940, the medal was given to an animal itself.

The winning animal, a dog named 'La Cloche' saved his owner from drowning after a German torpedo hit their ship, and ever since, the medal has celebrated the actions of pets who save and change lives across the country.

Successful pets have been awarded for a whole range of heroic acts, the 2021 winner, a blind therapy cat named Carrots, was celebrated for the comfort he brings to sick patients and their families at a hospice. 

Other heroic pets include a cat named Jim who saved his family from a fire in 1942, Daisy the Labrador who could detect cancer, pet blood donor Romeo the Staffordshire bull terrier and Lemmy the mastiff, who saved his young owner from depression.

Anyone who owns or knows a heroic pet is invited to visit bluecross.org.uk/blue-cross-medal to make a nomination. 

 

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.