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Battersea names hospital in honour of Paul O’Grady
Paul O'Grady presented 11 series of For the Love of Dogs from Battersea.

The presenter served as an ambassador for the charity.

Battersea has paid tribute to its former ambassador Paul O’Grady by naming a veterinary hospital in his honour.

The Paul O’Grady Veterinary Hospital will mean that the comedian and television presenter continues to be closely associated with the charity.

O’Grady presented 11 series of the award-winning documentary For the Love of Dogs, which shone a light on the rescue animals at Battersea.

The charity has also announced how it will spend the money raised by a tribute fund set up following the passing of the popular comedian and television presenter in March. A total of £480,000 was donated to Battersea by members of the public.

As well as funding life-saving and transformative veterinary treatment for animals in the charity’s care, five other animal welfare charities supported by O’Grady will benefit from the donations.

StreetVet, for which O’Grady was also an ambassador, will be receiving a share of the fund, as will RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery. The cattery was close to the broadcaster’s home in Kent and he served as its president.

The other three charities to benefit are based in Merseyside, where O’Grady grew up. They are Freshfields Animal Rescue, Carla Lane Animals in Need, and The Oldies Club.

Each of the five charities will receive £20,000.

Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the generous donations from thousands of people following the death of our beloved ambassador, Paul O’Grady. It really is a testament to how loved Paul was, and we shall always be forever grateful for everything he did for us.”

Paul’s husband Andre Portasio added: “Seeing how loved Paul was by so many has been truly touching. Paul was so passionate in his support of rescue animals, and it gives me some comfort to know that through the hard work and commitment of Battersea and other charities Paul’s legacy will live on.

“I know that Paul would have been pleased to know that the most disadvantaged animals he was so fond of championing are getting the love and support they deserve.”

 

Image (C) Shutterstock

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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.