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Latitude criticised over pink sheep
The RSPCA said: "We want all animals treated with kindness and respect and would discourage people from painting or dying animals for novelty purposes.”
Petition calls on festival to end its 14-year tradition 

Latitude Festival has defended social media posts showing sheep that were dyed pink to promote the event, which took place last week (18-21 July).

A video showing the sheep being released at Henham Park prompted a backlash on social media after being posted to Instagram.

While some defended the sheep-dyeing tradition - which has become a signature of the festival for the past 14 years - others branded it ‘cruel’ and ‘disgusting’.

According to BBC News, Latitude organisers said the water-based dye is not harmful and sheep welfare is the priority for farmers.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA added that it would be writing to the organisers.

“We want all animals treated with kindness and respect and would discourage people from painting or dying animals for novelty purposes.”

A petition on Change.org is calling for Latitude to cease the tradition and to remove the animals from the festival, where they are exposed to ‘loud noise and drunken revellers’. It has been signed by more than 4,500 people.

Latitude has been approached for comment.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.