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Battersea star Bella dies aged 15
Missy and bella
Missy and Bella

Elderly star of Battersea's ITV show dies 50 weeks after being rehomed

A canine star of ITV's Paul O'Grady: For the Love of Dogs has died aged 15, exactly 50 weeks after she was re-homed.

Last year, the Staffordshire bull terrier was taken to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home along with her nine-year-old daughter Missy after their owner became too ill to care for them.

The pair had such a close bond they could not bear to be parted and had to be rehomed together.

After appearing on the TV show in May last year, they found a new home in Scotland.

Sadly Bella was diagnosed with spondylitis, a painful condition that made it difficult for her to walk. Despite treatment, her condition got progressively worse and her owner Arlene had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye to her.

In a heartfelt tribute to Bella, Arlene said: "I only wish I had Bella all her life. It makes me sad to not know how her life was before and I hope she was happy there.

"I know she was happy here with us and we were very happy to have her. She was such a nosey character, into everything and always at my feet, following me from room to room.

"Lately when I went out she would lie with her nose on my slippers waiting for me to come home. We will miss her sorely as she got right into our hearts from the minute we got her home, and will always stay there."

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

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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...
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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.