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RSPCA reveals Britain’s most ‘unloved’ pets
The American bull dog tops the list of pooches who spent the most time looking for love.

American bull dogs and brown cats spend longest time in care

With love in the air, the RSPCA has revealed the most ‘unloved’ breeds of dogs and cats in their care who are struggling to find their perfect match.

The American bull dog tops the list of pooches who spent the most time looking for love, with an average stay of 66 days. Staffordshire bull terrier crosses and huskies follow close behind, spending 60 days and 59 in care respectively.

Despite the popular belief that black and white cats are the most unpopular colours, the RSPCA figures show that brown cats may wait that little while longer (36 days) to find their forever home. Conversely ‘blue cats’ fly out of the centres, waiting just 18 days.

“The staff who care for our animals day in and day out know just how loveable each and every one is and how different they are from one another but we do find that some breeds and colours take longer to find their perfect match,” explains Dr Samantha Gaines, pet welfare expert at the RSPCA.

“This is probably due to a combination of reasons. For example, size or beliefs about particular breeds and types can stop people from even considering the possibility of adopting an American Bulldog or Staffordshire Bull Terrier. “

This valentine’s day, the RSPCA urges anyone considering a pet to do their research before they visit a rehoming centre - especially because the reputation of a particular type or breed is often undeserved.

“With so many of the same type of dog in our care or cats with the same coat colour, it can be difficult for individuals to stand out from the crowd despite their great potential, adds Samantha. “Sadly in some cases, animals are overlooked just because of how they look

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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.