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Christmas bags appeal to help homeless people and their pets
The bags are being dropped off at soup kitchens across Edinburgh.

Vet students and charities band together to distribute vital items

Edinburgh vet students have been distributing rucksacks stuffed full of essential items to help homeless people and their pets.

For the second year in a row, the bags are being dropped off at soup kitchens across Edinburgh and delivered to people living on the city’s streets. They contain warm clothing, toiletries, blankets, food items and a Christmas card.

Items for dogs are being given out at a student-run veterinary clinic, All4Paws, which provides free pet care for homeless and vulnerable people. They include reflective jackets, leads, toys, dental chews, food and blankets.

The initiative is a collaboration between students from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the Roslin Institute and local homeless charities. It was launched in 2016 by Edinburgh graduate Jaime-Leigh Thompson and is led this year by students Marie Gallagher and Katie Ross.

Third-year vet student, Marie Gallagher, said: "The outstanding success and support from the vet school and all its friends has been fantastic. It's so heart-warming to know that we're helping someone this Christmas.”

Fellow student Katie Ross said: "The involvement from everyone at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute has been incredible, and it has been so rewarding to see so many people band together to contribute to such an important cause.”

Image (C) University of Edinburgh

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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.