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Dogs Trust scoops award for puppy smuggling campaign
The Puppy Smuggling Taskforce calls on MPs to support Dogs Trust in its efforts to prevent the illegal importation of puppies into the UK.
Charity wins 'Best Animal Welfare Campaign' in Parliamentary Charity Awards 2021.

Dogs Trust has won a prestigious award for a second year running for its ongoing work tackling the issue of puppy smuggling.

The national charity scooped first prize in the Savanta ComRes Parliamentary Charity Awards 2021 for 'Best Animal Welfare Campaign'. The awards pay recognition to charities that lead their field in communicating with parliamentarians across eight categories. 

Specifically, Dogs Trust received the award for its Puppy Smuggling Taskforce - a campaign that calls on MPs to support efforts to prevent the illegal importation of puppies into the UK. Since it launched in October 2020, the campaign has garnered the support of more than 50 MPs from across the political spectrum.

Alongside this campaign, Dogs Trust also launched its fifth Puppy Smuggling investigative report, revealing new research into online puppy advertisements and outlining what the Government can do to end the suffering of smuggled dogs.  

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won an award in such a prestigious category. Given that these are the only Parliamentary awards which are voted for by MPs themselves, our success really is testament to the hard work of the team and charity as a whole.

“We faced tough competition, so it’s fantastic to get recognition for our longstanding work – especially during a very difficult year - on putting an end to the cruel puppy smuggling trade and many other issues to ensure the welfare of dogs is always taken into consideration by policymakers.”

“We’ll continue our political work across the UK and are looking forward to the awards next year already!”

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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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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.