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Rabbit specialist crowned ‘vet of the year’ at CEVA awards
RWAF estimates that 70,000 rabbits have received RVHD2 vaccination thanks to Richard.
Dr Richard Saunders praised for getting RVHD2 vaccination into the UK

Rabbit specialist advisor Dr Richard Saunders was crowned ‘Vet of the Year’ at the 2018 Ceva Animal Welfare Awards.

Richard, who helps guide the welfare and strategy of the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), won the prestigious ’Chris Laurence Vet of the Year’ award for his dedication to improving rabbit welfare. Judges praised Richard for his work in getting a new vaccine into the UK to protect rabbits against RVHD2.

Rae Todd, CEO of the RWAF, commented: “We're incredibly proud of Richard for all of his hard work and delighted that he's received recognition for his work. We all owe Richard a huge debt of gratitude for his commitment to the industry and for protecting all pet rabbits. So far, we estimate in the region of 70,000 rabbits have been vaccinated thanks to Richard.”

Richard graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1994 before obtaining his Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2001 and his Diploma in Zoological Medicine in 2010. He is a registered RCVS specialist in zoo and wildlife medicine - one of only 30 people in the world.

As a veterinary advisor for the RWAF, Richard dedicates his work to raising awareness and improving standards of rabbit welfare in the UK.  Broadcaster Matt Baker who presented Dr Saunders with his award said:

“I am truly humbled by the hard work and dedication of individuals and organisations who are passionate about improving animal welfare and would like to congratulate both the finalists and the award winners who are making a real difference to the lives of animals both in the UK and abroad.”

Cuneyt Seckin, managing director of Ceva Animal Health, added: “The Ceva Animal Welfare Awards go from strength to strength, both in terms of the number and quality of entries that we receive during the nomination process and the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of the finalists and winners who often go above and beyond the call of duty in the name of animal welfare.”

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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.