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Animal lovers flock to Pup Aid

Event to raise awareness of puppy farming draws a crowd

Animal-loving celebrities and members of the public made their way to this year's Pup Aid event last Saturday, September 7, to help raise awareness of puppy farming.

The event took place in the dog-friendly Royal Park Primrose Hill in London, where celebrities judged the dog classes in the sun.

Awards included "Most Handsome Dog", which was judged by David Gandy and David Richards from the Dreamboys, and "Most Stylish Pooch in London", judged by Meg Matthews.

As well as a fun family event for dog lovers, Pup Aid is also a charity. It was launched in 2010 by TV vet Marc Abraham in order to improve public awareness of puppy farming.

Dogs bred by puppy farmers have often been taken away from their mothers too young, meaning they have impaired immune systems and will not have been socialised.

Often dogs are left in unhygienic conditions without proper ventilation, clean water or dog food, and they are not given preventative veterinary treatments, leading to serious diseases.

Pup Aid has launched an e-petition calling for a change in the law which will mean that puppies can only be sold if the mother is present at the sale.

So far, the petition has around 70,000 signatures, but will need 100,000 before the issue can be brought before parliament.

Click here to sign the petition.

Image: Judges with the top five in the Most Handsome Dog Class. ©Julia Claxton

Related News
Puppy farming statistics released
Petition launched to tackle puppy farming

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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 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.