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Rugby-playing pig hopes to find a new team
Genevieve
Just like a rugby player, Genevieve needs plenty of space for exercise, loves getting muddy from time to time and enjoys company.
Rescue pig Genevieve has impressive rugby skills

A pot-bellied rescue pig has been impressing RSPCA staff with her rugby-playing ability. The charity is hoping to find her a team of her own kind to practise with.

Two-year-old Genevieve came to the RSPCA's Southridge Animal Centre after she was found trotting along a country lane by herself.

Centre manager Anna White, said: "Pigs are really intelligent animals and need a stimulating environment to stop them from getting bored.

"Like all pigs she loves to root around so we give her treat balls to play with and things like logs and plenty of straw to investigate."

When staff decided to try her out on a rugby ball they found she was a natural, knocking it around the pen with her snout.

"I'm not sure she'll be getting a call up to the England squad just yet but hopefully we may get a call from some potential new owners," said Anna.

Just like a rugby player, Genevieve needs plenty of space for exercise, loves getting muddy from time to time and enjoys company, so she will have to be rehomed with other pigs.

For more information on Genevieve contact RSPCA Southridge on 0300 123 0704.

Image © RSPCA

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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.