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Emergency appeal to save donkeys from drought
Brooke’s team in Nairobi aim to provide water to 13,100 donkeys and feed to 800.

Brooke launches JustGiving campaign

UK-based equine charity Brooke has launched an emergency appeal to help thousands of vulnerable donkeys living in Kenya.

In February 2017, following months of low rainfall, the government of Kenya declared a national drought emergency. Of the 47 arid and semi-arid counties, 23 are affected and the drought is expected to last until July 2017.

Responding, the Brooke charity has launched a JustGiving campaign which aims to raise around £23,000 for working donkeys, that provide a lifeline to poor people living in rural areas.

Alongside their day-to-day work, Brooke’s team in Nairobi aim to provide water to 13,100 donkeys and feed to 800. It is thought that one donkey can support a family of six, so the work is thought to benefit 80,000 people.

“Crippling seasonal drought is becoming more frequent in Africa. We saw it where we work in Senegal in 2015, and now in Kenya,” said Dil Peeling, director of animal welfare and sustainability at Brooke.

“Working donkeys are vital to people’s livelihoods here - they carry water and food for families, fuel and building materials. They help people earn the money they use to put food on the table and children in school."

Over the coming weeks, the drought situation is expected to get worse. Currently the campaign stands at 16,000, to make a donation visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/Brooke-Emergency-Appeal-Kenya-Drought.

Image (C) Brooke/Freya Dowson

 

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.