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Police force considers feline crime fighters
Cat on the prowl
Moggies on patrol: Durham Police could soon be the first constabulary in the UK to introduce police cats.

Durham constabulary looks into recruiting the UK’s first police cat

Durham Police could soon be the first constabulary in the UK to introduce police cats, following a little girl’s letter to the chief constable asking why there are no felines on patrol.

Five-year-old Eliza Damson-Hopper wrote to Durham Police chief Mike Barton suggesting the police should use cats as well as dogs to fight crime.

She received a reply saying he would ask his inspector who is in charge of police dogs ‘to think about the idea’.

The force has since confirmed that it will consider using cats in a not-yet-specified role.

Inspector Richie Allen, of the dog support unit, told BBC News: "I can confirm the force is looking into recruiting what we believe to be the first UK police cat.

"Their duties and responsibilities have not yet been agreed but if nothing else they will become the force mascot. Of course, if it smells a rat we'll expect it to catch it."

Eliza owns a cat called Mittens and a dog called Susie. Together with her mother, Cheryl Damson from Country Durham, she typed out a letter to the chief constable.

It read: “A police cat would be good as they have good ears and can listen out for danger. Cats are good at finding their way home and could show policemen the way. Cats are good at climbing trees and hunting and could rescue people that are stuck.”

Mr Barton replied saying that he always liked cats and drew a picture of his cat Joey on the back of the letter. 

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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.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.