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Outgoing RSPCA chair receives New Year Honour
René Olivieri will accept a CBE for his services to the charitable sector.
René Olivieri has been awarded a CBE.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has congratulated its outgoing chair, as he receives a CBE in this year’s New Years Honours.

René Olivieri, who was appointed chair of the RSPCA in 2019, will accept a CBE for his services to the charitable sector.

Mr Olivieri has served four years in the role, during which he saw the board of trustees through the global pandemic.

He was also responsible for overseeing the charity’s ten year strategy, Together for Animal Welfare. The plan will see the RSPCA call on government organisations, businesses and supporters to help them achieve their eight goals, which include stopping illegal puppy and kitten trading, reducing animal cruelty by half, and securing legal protection for animals.

Mr Olivieri has a particular interest in the welfare of farmed animals. He was the founder of the Farm Animal Welfare Forum (FAWF), which brings together organisations such as the British Veterinary Association, RSPCA and Compassion in World Farming to improve farm animal welfare.

His work has also seen him chair and be a member on the boards of professional and charitable organisations including wildlife trusts, publishing and academia. In February 2022, he became chair of the National Trust.

Mr Olivieri stepped down as RSPCA chair in April 2023, however will continue in his role as vice chair and trustee of RSPCA Assured. The new chair, Claire Horton CBE, began her three-year term on 1 January 2024.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: “I am delighted to congratulate René on the news of this wonderful achievement - what an honour to be recognised for services to charity.

“To be awarded CBE is an outstanding accolade, marking decades of dedication to improving animal welfare, as well as his commitment to nature and heritage. The animal world is undoubtedly better off thanks to his commitment.”

Image © RSPCA

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.