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Animal welfare discussion forum returns for 2021
The AWF Discussion Forum takes place in September.

Event will explore how to uphold animal welfare in the face of a pandemic.

The Animal Welfare Foundation's (AWF) popular Discussion Forum is returning for 2021, organisers have announced, with animal welfare in a changing world set to be at the heart of all discussions.

Taking place virtually on Wednesday 15 September, the programme includes four main sessions, including two debates and a discussion. The sessions include: 

Innovation and overtreatment – Does the desire to innovate compromise companion animal welfare?
Farming, sustainability and welfare – What are the interactions between farming methods, production systems, sustainability and welfare?
Covid-19: Upholding animal welfare in the face of a pandemic
What are we doing to improve welfare? AWF-funded research projects.

The panellists, among many others, include Eddie Clutton, clinical director of the Wellcome Trust Critical Care Laboratory for Large Animals, Karen Humm, associate professor in transfusion medicine and emergency critical care at the RVC, and Daniella Dos Santos, small animal vet and BVA senior vice president.

Delegates will be encouraged to get involved in all of the debates and Q&A sessions. There will also be break out rooms where participants can take part in other discussions, soon to be announced.

AWF chair Chris Laurence said: “At a time of competing priorities; with a Global Climate Change emergency, the rise of technology and innovation, and an ever-challenging, post-pandemic landscape, it has never been more important that animal welfare is considered in these discussions. There will an array of thought-provoking content for all delegates, whether they are an animal welfare expert, vet, vet nurse or student.”

BVA president James Russell added: “As someone with a background in large animal and farm work, the farming debate is one that I am particularly excited about. At a time when sustainable farming is more important than ever, and technological advancements on-farm are coming on in leaps and bounds in the UK, vets must look at how high standards of animal health and welfare can be maintained.

“I am really looking forward to hearing which side audience members come down on before and after taking part in the debate sessions. There will be something for anyone involved in animal welfare and the veterinary profession, and I urge everyone to book their spaces before they disappear!”

Tickets for the AWF virtual Discussion Forum are on sale now at animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk

 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.