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Indian politician awards donkeys for loyalty
donkey
Mr Nagaraj said that donkeys were the most ignored creatures, which need to be recognised.
Awards presented at bus terminus in city centre

A politician from India has honoured two donkeys in Bangalor in recognition of their hard work, loyalty, honesty, discipline and obedience.

Speaking to NDTV on Tuesday, Vatal Nagaraj, who heads a regional political party in Bangalore, said: "I have decided to honour all domestic animals like donkeys, dogs, buffaloes, cows and oxes, as they are more loyal than human beings, hard-working, disciplined and obedient."

Mr Nagaraj presented the awards to the two donkeys at the inter-state bus terminus in the city centre, much to the amusement of the people who were gathered there.

After bathing the donkeys and dressing them up for the occasion, Nagaraj draped the donkeys with colourful beads and shawls. He then showered them with rose petals. The event drew huge applause from scores of his supporters, admirers and the curious crowd that stopped to witness the occasion.

On Monday (January 5) The Times of India reported Nagaraj saying that donkeys were the most ignored creatures, which need to be recognised.

Vatal said: "No applications invited, no applications received. And no juries set up to chose the candidates for award. This happens to be the most unique award ceremony in the world."

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.