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Man Builds £10,000 Rabbit Hutch
Log cabin-inspired custom hutch has mezzanine level, CCTV, and a fan.

When hutch builder Jason Batterbee of Dersingham near King's Lynn wanted a new project, he thought a new hutch for his pet rabbits Hunnie and Runnie would be just the thing. However, he has taken this particular project a little further than is the case with most hutches.

“The basis for it went out of the window. I get carried away, but I think more is better for them and the bunnies have got a life of luxury.” Mr Batterbee says.

After around nine months of work fitted in around other commitments and over £1000 in raw materials, Hunnie and Runnie's new hutch is a two-bedroom special inspired by a log cabin. Features include a roof made of cedar wood, a mezzanine level, stainless-steel guttering, a fan, and a CCTV system accessible from inside the Batterbee's home. According to Mr Batterbee, everything was handmade specifically for the project. It is this sheer quantity of skilled workmanship that he believes justifies the designer price tag.

But Mr Batterbee is not finished. “I've had the idea of possibly putting in some radiators for them – stainless steel of course – which we can heat via solar panels,” he says, before adding “It can be improved and I've got some other ideas, but the boss [wife Mairi] will have to say yes or no.”

However, it is not only the Batterbee's rabbits who are getting the luxury treatment – the family's two pet iguanas have the sounds of the jungle played to them by iPod.



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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.