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ADCH and Royal Canin highlight struggling animal rescues
Many animal rescue centres have had to downsize their staffing over the course of the pandemic.
The two companies are raising awareness of the post-lockdown financial struggles in animal welfare.

The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH), is raising awareness of the struggles that animal rescues still face post-lockdown, due to the pandemic.

Alongside Royal Canin, ADCH is highlighting the financial struggles of animal rescues, animal charities, and pet food banks, which saw their income plummet after COVID-19 restrictions limited fundraising opportunities. 

As a representative of 153 animal rescues and charities from over the UK and Ireland, ADCH surveyed its members three separate times over the course of the pandemic, in order to consider the damage done by COVID-19 on the rescue sector. 

The outcome of the surveys suggested that animal rescue centres were losing up to half of their income throughout the pandemic, and several had funding pressures which led to the loss of staff through downsizing. 

Speaking on how ADCH has helped to prevent these rescues from shutting, ADCH chair Giles Webber said: "We knew from our surveys that rescues were finding it difficult with the closure of shelters and outside fundraising events so ADCH immediately set up a grant system that distributed 54 grants to struggling rescues totalling over £300,000.

“Whilst many organisations had to downsize their staff levels, we are delighted that none so far have closed which is testament to their resilience and the hard work of ADCH."

Royal Canin has also assisted in keeping rescues and pet food banks open, by donating £200,000 of pet food to various places across the UK and Ireland. 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.