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BSAVA Congress News Archive
VMD launches new Intelligence Unit
12th June 2023
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has announced its new Intelligence Unit which will be supported by a new database, and changes to online reporting which allows complete anonymity, if required.

The launch of the new Intelligence Unit comes after a review of enforcement processes. The review identified the need for a more targeted approach to handling the information VMD receives about suspected breaches of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.

Individuals can use the new online reporting form that will allow complete anonymity. Anonymous reports can also be made using the new telephone number: 01932 338338.
Chris Packham appointed RSPCA president
30th May 2023
The RSPCA has announced that Chris Packham has been appointed as the charity's new president.

The naturalist and television presenter, who is well-known for his work on Springwatch, steps up to the role after fifteen years as vice-president.

Mr Packham said: "This honour comes at a historic moment as the charity counts down to its 200th birthday next year in 2024. 200 years of driving forward amazing change for animals, but, arguably, I am taking up my position at one of the most critical times for animals in the charity's history."
New course to help vets manage complaints
25th May 2023
A new course has been launched by the RCVS Academy. It aims to give veterinary professionals the skills to avoid and resolve complaints with confidence and compassion.

The scenario-based course is free to access and has been developed in partnership with the Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS).

Jennie Jones, head of VCMS said: "Leveraging insights from the VCMS and involving our entire team with its production has enabled us to develop highly effective materials that ensure veterinary professionals are well-equipped to manage complaints."
'Rubbish' animal artist hails success of marathon
19th May 2023
Hercule Van Wolfwinkle's animal portrait marathon raised a total of £10,500 for Streetvet and Turning Tides.

The 'rubbish' portrait artist walked 26 miles on Sunday, 14 May, from Worthing to Brighton and back again. On the way, he stopped to badly draw people's pets to raise money for the two charities.

The famous yellow Y fronts worn by Hercule during the last section of the marathon, and are usually put on the animals he illustrates, will now be auctioned to increase the funds raised.
Calls for Government to go further with shock collar ban
3rd May 2023
Cats Protection has welcomed the ban on remote controlled electric shock collars, but calls for the Government to go further.

Madison Rogers from Cats Protection said: "While banning remote controlled electronic shock collars is a huge step forward, we would like to see the Government go further and ban the sale and use of all types of electronic shock collars and aversive training devices. Just as with collars, these devices cause needless pain, fear and suffering to cats and other animals."

The charity says punishment like electric shocks can lead to behavioural problems and impact the bond an owner has with their pet.
Virtual panel to discuss the future of vet practices
19th April 2023
The future of veterinary practices will discussed at a virtual event being held on Thursday, 27 April.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, will be on the panel along with Malcolm Morley, BVA president, and Liz Barton from VetCT. They will explore the challenges and opportunities facing the veterinary industry and how to prepare for the future.

This keynote discussion is the first session in an afternoon of veterinary practice management talks to help owners and management staff who are currently facing a challenging environment.

For more information and to register for the event, visit the Elearning.vet website.
Pet Blood Bank UK announces virtual fundraising challenge
29th March 2023
Pet Blood Bank UK is asking veterinary professionals to join its virtual fundraising challenge, Around the Coast in 30 Days, by walking, running, swimming or cycling as many miles as they can.

Beginning on 1 May 2023, the charity is hoping those taking part can reach a collective target of 11,232 miles, the length of the UK mainland coastline.

For more details on how to get involved, see the Pet Blood Bank UK website.
BSAVA PetSavers launches fundraising campaign
14th March 2023
BSAVA PetSavers has launched a new fundraising campaign called PetSavers in Practice, and is calling on UK veterinary practices to get involved.

A fundraising pack that includes ideas and tips, can be downloaded on the BSAVA website.

Fundraising coordinator Shelby Tunstall said: "We are really delighted to be launching this campaign which will help PetSavers fund more research projects for companion animals."
IVC offers to sell practices after CMA investigation
6th March 2023
IVC Evidensia has responded to an investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into the takeover of eight independent practices by offering to sell them.

The first phase of the investigation, completed in February, found concerns about competition in 23 local areas as a result of the takeovers. Concerns about the provision of out-of-hours emergency care for small animals and equine services were also identified.

The CMA has indicated that there are 'reasonable grounds' for believing that it might accept the offer.
Environment Secretary rules out reintroduction of lynx and wolves
23rd February 2023
During her address at the National Farmers Union (NFU) conference, Thérèse Coffey MP said that she will not support the reintroduction of wolves and lynx to the British countryside.

As MP for Suffolk Coastal, she witnessed first hand the conflict between conservation and the countryside, when a proposed reintroduction of the sea eagle caused concern with local farmers.

Coffey said: "I don't want farmers to constantly have to worry about these issues.

"We have got plenty to do with the habitats that need improving and expanding."
VMD and Swissmedic sign collaboration agreement
14th February 2023
The UK's Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Swissmedic, the Swiss authority for therapeutic products.

The two organisations have agreed to increase collaboration when reviewing authorisation applications for veterinary medicinal products.

Gavin Hall, deputy director of the VMD, said: "This is another exciting and important step in the UK developing valued relationships with global regulatory bodies. We are working in a global environment needing global solutions and harmonisation."
Dog owners sought for virtual walking challenge
24th January 2023
Dog owners and walkers are being urged to sign up for the RSPCA's virtual dog walking challenge to help raise vital funds for the charity's rescuers.

It follows a shocking 25 per cent rise in abandonment cases and a 13 per cent rise in neglect incidents dealt with by the charity's rescue teams last year.

The My Big Walkies event takes place in March, and dog owners can pledge to either walk one mile a day or one hundred miles across the whole month. For more information and to sign up for the challenge, visit rspca.enthuse.com