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‘Paint the Town Red’ for Medical Detection Dogs
Medical Detection Dogs use their incredible olfactory powers to sniff-out human diseases.

Charity launches first-ever national awareness campaign

Registered charity Medical Detection Dogs has launched its first-ever national campaign to raise awareness of its lifesaving work and raise vital funds.


From the 9th to the 15th February, schools, offices and local communities are being urged to ‘Paint the Town Red’ by holding red mufti days, selling red cupcakes and decorating their shopfronts in red.


Medical Detection Dogs use their incredible olfactory abilities to sniff-out human diseases such as malaria, cancer and Parkinson’s. Each bio-detection dog costs a staggering £29,000 to train.

Bio-detection dogs are also partnered with people who have life-threatening conditions, such as Type 1 diabetes or Addison's. The dogs are trained to detect the smallest of changes in their partner's personal odour, which is triggered by the disease, and alert a potentially life-threatening event.

Despite being at the helm of research into the fight against cancer, Medical Detection Dogs receives no government funding. Instead, the charity is fully reliant on the generosity of donations it receives from trusts and the public.

“By joining in with our Paint the Town Red week you will not only be celebrating love for Valentine’s Day but also raising funds and awareness of the work of our amazing dogs,” said Medical Detection Dogs community fundraiser, Carolyn Green.


“The diseases our Bio Detection Dogs are trained to detect affect every single one of us and they could be at the forefront of early diagnosis of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and ultimately more lives being saved. 


“The conditions our Medical Alert Assistance Dogs work with are extremely complex and often our clients have given up hope of leading a normal life for fear of falling ill at any moment. These wet-nosed knights in shining armour turn this around and save their lives in more ways than one.


“Our dogs will be wearing their own red coats with pride that week so please join them!”

For more information about the campaign and to order an fundraising pack, visit medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk or email fundraising@medicaldetectiondogs.org.uk

Image (C) Medical Detection Dogs.

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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News Shorts
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.