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Charity workers and scientists honoured by the Queen
obe
Two charity workers received MBEs for services to animal welfare.
Recipients of the Queen's New Year's Honours revealed

Numerous charity workers and scientists have been recognised for services to animal health and welfare in the Queen's New Year's Honours 2015, including Professor Venugopal Nair - head of the Avian Viral Diseases Programme at the Pirbright Institute.

Professor Nair was awarded an OBE for his involvement with the programme, which is currently focused on viruses that cause avian influenza, infectious bronchitis and Marek's disease. Working in partnership with vaccine producers, the project aims to develop more effective vaccines.

The founder of The Swan Sanctuary in Shepperton was one of two charity workers to receive an MBE - Dorothy Beeson was recognised for her work rescuing and rehabilitating swans.

Anne Owen, founder of the North Clwyd Animal Rescue Centre also received an MBE for services to animal health and welfare.

Among those to receive BEMs were:
  • Valerie Margaret Allen - for voluntary services to Rider and Equine Safety
  • Ruth Boyes - for services to the charity Pets as Therapy
  • Lance Cruse - for services to the protection of endangered species in the course of his work as a Border Force officer
  • Patricia Anne Dobbin and Louise Greer - for services to the charity Riding for the Disabled
  • Elizabeth Edwards, a research scientist at the John Innes Centre and volunteer for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust - for services to the environment and the public understanding of science
  • Trevor Llewellyn Richards, lately capital project liaison officer at the University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine - for services to biomedical research and the welfare of animals in research

 

Image Wikimedia Commons/Robert Pummel/CC BY 2.5

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.