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What a foal for Premier League striker
Kai was born at The Donkey Sanctuary's headquarters.

Football star delighted to have rescue donkey's foal named after him.

A foal born at The Donkey Sanctuary’s headquarters in Devon has been named after footballer Kai Havertz, much to the player’s delight.

Like his namesake, Kai the foal has shown an interest in football, playing with a ball provided to him and his mother Rosie for enrichment.

Staff at the sanctuary chose the name after reading a newspaper article in which the German international spoke about his affection for donkeys.

Havertz enjoyed spending time at a local donkey sanctuary when he was growing up in Aachen, Germany. He has since sent up a not-for-profit organisation, Kai Havertz Stiftung, which supports animal protection and welfare, as well as focusing on youth sport, and youth and elderly care.

Kai, the footballer, said: “I have followed the work of The Donkey Sanctuary for some time so when they got in touch to say they’d like to name a foal after me, I was delighted.

“Donkeys are such incredible animals, and I am very happy to give my name so this little donkey can help raise awareness of the importance of good donkey welfare, here and all around the world.”

Marianne Steele, chief executive of The Donkey Sanctuary, added: “Kai has proved to be a real champion of donkeys in every sense of the word.

“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to name our new foal after him and hope he will continue to inspire people to think about donkeys differently.”

 

Image (C) The Donkey Sanctuary

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.