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Leading vets and scientists appointed to AWF board of trustees
From L to R: Justine Shotton, Diedre Carson, Charlotte Burn, Romain Pizzi.

Experts will encourage debate around animal welfare issues

Veterinary charity Animal Welfare Foundation has appointed four of the UK’s leading veterinary surgeons and animal welfare scientists to its board of trustees.

Joining nine other experts on the board are zoo animal and wildlife specialists, Romain Pizzi and Justine Shotton; equine vet Deidre Carson; and biologist Charlotte Burn. Trustees play a key role in ensuring that AWF continues to improve on animal welfare by supporting veterinary education, funding research and encouraging debate animal welfare issues.

Welcoming the new trustees, AWF Chair of Trustees Chris Laurence said: “I am delighted to welcome Romain, Justine, Deidre and Charlotte to the AWF board. They bring with them an enormous range of knowledge, skills and expertise, which will be critical to helping us advance our mission and continue to fund quality research, support veterinary education and encourage debate on animal welfare issues.”

Former British Equine Veterinary Association president Deidre Carson commented: “I am passionate about animal welfare, conservation and biodiversity and believe that vets should be leading the way in improving the way animals and our environment are managed.  I am looking forward to working with other enthusiastic and knowledgeable people to progress the work of AWF and to see the results of those efforts.”

Dr Shotton, veterinary services manager at Marwell Zoo, said: “I believe that AWF can make a real and positive difference to the lives of millions of animals, and I want to be a part of that. I’m looking forward to being able to contribute my skills and experience to help progress our understanding of animals to better improve their welfare. I’m also looking forward to engaging in debate around animal welfare issues in order to identify ways forward with initially complex and challenging issues.”

Image (C) AWF.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.