Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Regimental goat appointed by Welsh battalion
Fusilier Llywelyn
Army Wales posted on Twitter: 'The cutest kid ever to parade to a drumbeat. Meet the new Regimental Goat for @TheRoyalWelsh @BritishArmy' (Image: @Army_Wales)
Fusilier Llywelyn is the new kid at The Royal Welsh

A new regimental goat has been appointed by the 1st battalion of The Royal Welsh. Nearly 500 soldiers lined the streets as Fusilier Llywelyn took his first steps on the road to a promising military career.

For centuries it has been tradition for a goat to lead every Royal Welsh parade. There are many theories as to why - some say that heroic goats saved the lives of men in battle by bleating warnings to the sentries on duty.

Another explanation could be that goats were such a familiar part of the Welsh landscape, that they were taken into battle as a reminder of home.

After the death of Fus. Llywelyn's predecessor - Lance Corporal Gwillam 'Taffy VI' Jenkins - the battalion began searching for a new recruit from the royal herd at Great Orme, Wales.

Last week, Fus. Llywelyn led his first official parade, the annual Rorke's Drift parade in the Garrison town of Tidworth.

It is the custom for a member of the battalion to be appointed 'goat major', taking overall responsibility for the regimental goat. Daily duties include watering, feeding, exercising and grooming.

Current goat major, Fus. Mathew Owen, believes the new recruit has star quality.

Speaking on the day of the parade, he said: "Since he was recruited in November Llywelyn has undergone intensive training, and preparing for his pass out today.

"He worked very hard this morning and was absolutely fantastic. Llywelyn has loved the attention, he is one for stardom."

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

RCVS Knowledge appoints Veterinary Evidence editor-in-chief

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence.

A world-renowned expert in evidence-based veterinary medicine, Prof Cockcroft will lead the strategic development and editorial quality of the open-access journal. He was previously in the role from 2017-2020.

Katie Mantell, CEO of RCVS Knowledge, said: "We are excited about the extensive knowledge of evidence-based veterinary medicine and clinical veterinary research that Peter brings, and we look forward to working with him over this next phase of the journal's development." 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Defra to host bluetongue webinar for vets

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) will be hosting a webinar for veterinary professional on bluetongue on Thursday, 25 April 2024.

Topics covered will include the transmission cycle, pathology and pathogenesis, clinical signs (including signs seen in recent BTV-3 cases in the Netherlands), and control and prevention.

The session, which will take place from 6pm to 7.30pm, is part of Defra's 'Plan, Prevent and Protect' webinar series, which are hosted by policy officials, epidemiologists and veterinary professionals from Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The bluetongue session will also feature insights from experts from The Pirbright Institute.

Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions. Places on the webinar can be booked online.