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RSPCA launches appeal after suspected chicken poisonings
The allotment holder suspects the deaths may be due to corn feed contaminated with poison.
Chickens found having been frothing from the mouth 

An appeal for information has been launched by the RSPCA after multiple chickens were found dead on an allotment in Wales.

RSPCA Cymru said the allotment holder arrived at the site in Brithdir to find 30 chickens dead, some of which were his own. The chickens has been frothing from their mouths and had blood on their combs, suggesting they had been poisoned.

In light of these events, the RSPCA is now calling on anyone in the area with information to contact their inspectorate appeal line. The allotment holder suspects the deaths may be due to corn feed contaminated with poison.

“Clearly, the death of these poor birds is highly suspicious and disturbing – and we fear the chickens would have suffered immeasurably by any poisoning,” said RSPCA inspector David Milborrow.
 
“There is strong evidence to suggest any poisoning was a deliberate act - and we are calling on the local community to come forward with any information they may have.”

Anybody with information is encouraged to contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. 

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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.