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Sky lanterns and balloons banned from festival
Sky lanterns are popular with festival go-ers but they have a devastating effect on animal welfare.


BBC Radio One has been praised for banning sky lanterns and balloons at last weekend’s ‘Biggest Weekend’ in Swansea, owing to the danger they pose to animals.

Sky lanterns are popular with festival go-ers but they have a devastating effect on animal welfare, as they can trap, entangle or be ingested by animals. Mass helium balloon releases can also have grave impacts on animals.<br> <br>

The RSPCA led a campaign urging local authorities to ban the release of sky lanterns on their land in Wales - a step that has now been taken by each of the country’s 22 councils. Wildlife expert Llewelyn Lowen said the move is “really positive news for animals in the local area”.

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here. 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.