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Peter Laurie named Battersea's new chief executive
"I feel very honoured and excited to be asked to lead Battersea." Peter Laurie (pictured).

Mr Laurie aims to lead renowned charity out of lockdown.

Animal welfare charity Battersea has announced that Peter Laurie will take over as its new chief executive, following the departure of Claire Horton CBE from the charity.

“Peter is well-known and respected in the animal welfare sector,” said Battersea chairman, Paul Baldwin. “During his six years at Battersea, he has led the development of Battersea’s work to support animal rescue organisations across the UK and worldwide.

"He played a leading role last year in working with sector colleagues and Government to provide a framework for animal rescue and rehoming organisations to continue operating during the pandemic.

“Battersea is a dynamic, thriving, and ambitious charity that is already making great strides as a force for change, and I very much look forward to working with Peter to fulfil our ambitious plans.”

Mr Laurie joined Battersea in February 2015 as director of operations. He became deputy chief executive in March 2017 and has held the position of interim chief executive since January.

His appointment comes at a time when Battersea's services are in increasingly high demand. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on rescue centres, pet owners and animals alike, and a rise in demand for pets has caused a sharp increase in puppies and kittens being smuggled or imported into the UK.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Laurie said: “I feel very honoured and excited to be asked to lead Battersea. It’s a charity I am deeply committed to and a cause I am truly passionate about. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, our staff, volunteers and supporters are as determined now as at any time in our history to be here for every dog and cat that needs us.

“We look forward to harnessing new opportunities and working in partnership with colleagues across the UK and around the world to create brighter futures for these wonderful animals”.

Image (c) Battersea.

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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...
News Shorts
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.