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RSPCA removes 5kg of matted fur from rescue dog
Barney's fur was so matted it covered his eyes and affected his eating and drinking.
“He looked like a completely different dog after his extensive grooming!”

A dog has had 5 kilograms of matted fur removed after arriving at an RSPCA rescue centre in Surrey.

Barney, an old English sheepdog, hadn’t been exercised, socialised or groomed for five years when the RSPCA officer saw him for the first time. His fur was so matted that it covered his eyes and affected his eating and drinking. 

Because he was so matted, Barney had to be sedated by the veterinary surgeon for clipping. A total of five kilograms of matted fur was removed from the dog.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Chloe Wilson said: “He looked like a completely different dog after his extensive grooming!”

The charity says that the matted fur has not caused any health problems for Barney, and he is now ready for rehoming. 

Sue Walters, from the RSPCA’s Millbrook Animal Centre said: “When Barney came into us, he was so shut down and scared, but our team gave him lots of time to trust them and now he has come on leaps and bounds. He now really enjoys his walks with the people he knows and trusts.” 

The RSPCA is looking to find Barney a home with owners that have experience of old English sheepdogs, and the grooming requirements that they require on a regular basis. 

Ms Walters added: “Barney needs a home that will go slow with him and give him time to settle and adjust to a new family and home environment. He needs an understanding home where his new family realise that it may take a bit of time for him to bond with them. Barney does like other dogs, and would benefit from living with a neutered dog, depending on introductions. 

“Barney has been through a hard time and he is becoming such a loving dog and really does deserve the best.”

Image (C) RSPCA

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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.