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PETA launches campaign against apes in show business
Use of chimpanzee in upcoming film sparks online petition

UK charity PETA has launched an online advertising campaign following the use of a chimpanzee in the upcoming movie The Wolf on Wall Street, which features actor Leonardo DiCaprio.

Alongside primatologist Jane Goodall, PETA US have urged DiCaprio not to work with great apes in the future due to the poor treatment they say the animals receive in show business.

The US adverts include a graphic video about the lives of primate "actors", which the charity says is aimed at informing DiCaprio and cinema-goers that chimpanzee actors are taken from their mothers at an early age and suffer abuse.

According to PETA, an online petition asking fans to urge DiCaprio not to work with great apes again has so far received 35,000 signatures.

PETA UK's Mimi Bekhechi said: "We hope the next time Leo receives a script with an ape 'actor' in it, he'll remember that these sensitive animals are stolen from their mothers at birth and subjected to physical abuse – and he'll demand a rewrite."

Actress Anjelica Hudson has narrated a video for PETA US on the suffering of great apes in the entertainment business.

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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.  

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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.