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RSPCA reports concern over knife crime

Following recent news of a rise in knife crime on Britain’s streets, the RSPCA is raising awareness of high levels of these crimes against animals.

Over the past three years, the charity said it has received around 420 calls about animals injured by knives - an average of three a week.

Assistant director to the inspectorate, Dermot Murphy, said: “The country has been horrified by the tragic toll that knife crime is having on young people in our towns and cities. Sadly, we are seeing far too many shocking incidents of blades also being used on animals. These figures are a shocking representation of our times.”

The charity launched its education and prevention programme Generation Kind last year, in a bid to promote compassion and empathy for animals.

Mr Murphy added: “We hope that by focusing on behaviour change for the next generation we will be able to see a change in the way we as a society treat animals. Sadly, violent behaviour towards animals can go hand in hand with brutal behaviour towards other people and we hope our education programme can help promote a society which is kinder to animals and each other.”

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.