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Woman’s Best Friend?
According to a new report, men are being sidelined as small dogs take the number one spot in women’s affections finds new report.

The research, designed to explore the role small dogs play in women’s lives, reveals that women are turning to their four-legged friends for emotional support with one in three cuddling their pet to cheer themselves up instead of talking to their partner.
 
Furthermore, it seems men face being kicked off the sofa in favour of a furry substitut as one in three women say they would rather watch TV with their small dog than partner.
 
Even the prime spot on the mantelpiece is dominated by four-legged family members. A quarter of women say a picture of their small dog now sits in spots formerly held by family photos.
 
Small dogs command the lion’s share of women’s budget for gifts too. A quarter of women confess to spending more on treating their small dogs than themselves.

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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. 

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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.