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Queen Camilla opens new Battersea dog garden
Her Majesty the Queen met with staff and volunteers at Battersea's new dog garden.
The garden had originally been created for the Chelsea Flower Show. 

Her Majesty The Queen paid a special visit to Battersea on Monday (14 July) to open the charity’s new dog garden.

In her first visit to Battersea since 2016, Her Majesty was greeted by a guard of honour featuring dogs Bertie, Phoenix, Bella and Dipsy, as well as staff, volunteers and supporters of the charity.

During her visit, Queen Camilla toured the garden with Battersea’s chief executive Peter Laurie and lead horticulturalist Dawn Richards, who explained that it would be a space for dogs to play, train and exercise. 

Designed by Monty Don and Jamie Butterworth, the garden had originally been created for the Chelsea Flower Show, before being kindly donated to Battersea by the Royal Horticultural Society and BBC Radio 2.

Her Majesty spoke with Monty Don, Battersea gardening volunteers and others involved with the development of the garden before unveiling a commemorative plaque. 

Battersea’s Chief Executive, Peter Laurie, said; “It was an absolute honour to welcome our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, to Battersea and introduce her to our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters. During the visit, Her Majesty officially opened our new dog garden – a sensory space that the dogs in our care will benefit from tremendously. With so many animals arriving at our centres each year, it is vital that we create calm and enriching environments where they can exercise, train and relax.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have a Patron that has been a longstanding supporter of Battersea and who understands the importance of the work that rescues do. Today was a wonderful opportunity to talk with Her Majesty about the work we are doing at our centres and further afield, as well as share our ambitions for the future to help millions of dogs and cats worldwide.”

Image (C) Battersea.

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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.