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Superstar chickens prepare for the red carpet
Chicken
The chickens are owned by traditional farmer Kenny Gracey who runs Forthill Farm in Tandragee.

Boogaloo and Graham nominated for live action short Oscar

Two chickens, who star in the oscar-nominated film Boogaloo and Graham, are preparing to strut their stuff down the Hollywood red carpet.

Filmed entirely in Northern Ireland, Boogaloo and Graham is set in 1970s Belfast and follows two young boys who discover the facts of life, aided by their pet chickens.  The film has received an Oscar nomination in the live action short category.

The chickens are owned by traditional farmer Kenny Gracey who runs Forthill Farm in Tandragee. Known at the 'Doctor Doolittle' of Northern Ireland's film world, Kenny owns a whole host of movie star animals.

Speaking to BBC News, Kenny said: "I have goats, donkeys, deer, chicken, sheep, cattle and white pigeons.

"Goats, Suzy, Kate and Abbey were regulars on the last series of Game of Thrones and Logan-Bishop, the Longhorn Bull, played sidekick to Natalie Portman in Your Highness."

He added: "I have the old types of animals because of my interest in rare breeds.

"They are very apt for older period films where an animal like a Charolais would look out of place. But a Longhorn would be right. So the animals have come into their own. And now, for some people, I'm the first port of call. If I haven't got it, I'll get it."

Mr Gracey told the BBC that he is more than happy to accompany the chickens to Hollywood for the Oscars, if he's needed.

To watch the Boogaloo and Graham trailer visit http://vimeo.com/116878614

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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.

 

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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.