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Treasury's chief mouser enlisted as a tour guide
Gladstone
Sporting his trademark red polka dot bow tie, Gladstone was fitted with a camera to give the public a unique view of the Treasury.

Gladstone gives a 'cat's eye view' of the department
 
Treasury cat Gladstone has taken on the job of 'tour guide' this week, in addition to his usual mousing duties.

Sporting his trademark red polka dot bow tie, Gladstone was fitted with a camera to give the public a unique view of the Westminster building, ahead of this weekend's Open House London event (15-16 September).

The parliamentary feline can be seen strutting down the department's corridors and peeking into offices, while having doors held open for him.

Gladstone arrived at the Treasury in July from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. A former stray, he was named after the former Prime Minister and chancellor William Ewart Gladstone.

An unknown Treasury source recently revealed that Gladstone has devoured six mice during his time in office. His neighbour Larry, chief mouser for Number 10 Downing Street, has a less impressive mousing record and reportedly took six months to make his first kill.

Scuffles between Larry and the Foreign Office cat Palmerston have been rife in recent months. Parliamentarians hope that Gladstone will play peacemaker.

Image © HM Treasury

 

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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.