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Thousands of ducks die on farm
Image: PETA
PETA calls on chefs to swear off foie gras

A factory farm in New York, which calls itself the "premier producer of foie gras", is estimated by its own calculation to lose 15,000 ducks a year before they make it to slaughter.

As part of a new US investigation, PETA has released video footage showing inhumane practices being carried out at the Hudson Valley Foie Gras farm.

The footage shows workers overfeeding the ducks through steel tubes three times day for several weeks in order to enlarge the animals' livers, as well as inhumane slaughter practices.

According to experts, such force-feeding leads to oesophageal tears and splits, liver rupture and failure, heat stress and aspiration pneumonia.

As a result of the recent investigation, PETA is calling on chefs to cease selling foie gras in their restaurants.

Mimi Bekhechi, associate director at PETA UK said: "Every exposé of foie gras farms has revealed how grotesquely cruel it is to jam pipes down birds' throats and force-feed them until they sicken and die." 

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SPVS and FIVP launch VSA survey

News Story 1
 SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The survey will ensure that each organisation's submission accurately represents the experiences of practising veterinary professionals. It will also explore awareness, use and perceived value of the roles undertaken by the RCVS.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be completed here until Thursday, 19 March 2026. 

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.