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RSPCA launches charity appeal as neglect cases rise
Bella is one of many dogs which benefit from donations made to the RSPCA.
It has reported a 30 per cent increase in pet neglect cases.

The RSPCA has launched an urgent charity appeal, after reports revealed a 30 per cent increase on pet neglect cases compared to 2024.

Up until the end of October, the charity’s emergency line received 73,294 reports of neglect in England and Wales.

This latest finding follows data released by RSPCA last month, which found that animal abandonment has similarly risen this year. Incidents reported to the RSPCA increased by 23 per cent in the first 10 months of the year, totalling 24,270 incidents by the end of October.

In response to these statistics the RSPCA has launched The Big Give Back to Animals.

The urgent appeal calls for donations to support the RSPCA team to cope with rising demands for help. This includes the charity’s rescue efforts, veterinary care, specialist behavioural training, and day-to-day care.

Alongside its daily animal rescue work, the RSPCA says it is committing extra funding to crisis measures, including a cost-of-living hub and expanded pet food bank partnerships.

Simon Osborne, RSPCA superintendent, said: “Animals are facing shocking levels of neglect right now - they are often starving behind closed doors and being left without the treatment they urgently need. The truth is, times are desperately tough – and innocent animals are tragically the ones paying the ultimate price.
 
“The heartbreaking surge in neglect reports has already shattered our records, and we fear for what is to come over the winter months.

“These are not just statistics; behind the staggering numbers are individual animals, all who desperately need and deserve our help to survive. It’s unbearable to see the pain in their eyes but that’s the reality facing our so many animals and our rescuers fighting to save their lives.”

Donations to RSPCA’s Big Give Back to Animals can be made here.

Image © RSPCA

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.