Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Suffolk boy wins prestigious Kennel Club Award
Pictured: (Left to right) Gerald King, Lynette Garstang, Lewis Steven Garstang and Vanessa McAlpine.

Lewis Steven Garstang was presented with the award for personal achievement in dog training. 

A 12 year old boy from Suffolk has won the Young Kennel Club (YKC) Young Person of the Year Award at Discover Dogs.

Lewis Steven Garstang, from Haverhill, took on the training and running of his father's dogs in agility after his father sadly passed away in 2018.

Rosie and Willow, two rescue dogs with vastly different temperaments, have been trained by Lewis, and he has built a significant bond with both of them. 

The award, given annually to one young person who has done notable work in dog activities, such as volunteering and fundraising for dog charities, organising dog activities in their local area, or helping others through training and mentoring, is presented by Ed and Cindy McAlpine in memory of their late son Shaun, who had achieved success as a dog handler. 

Vanessa McAlpine, events and youth development executive at The Kennel Club, commented on the award: “Congratulations to Lewis for winning this year’s YKC Young Person of the Year award. He is a well-deserved winner and is a real inspiration to many other young dog lovers around the UK.

“Well done to our other nine finalists and to all of our other YKC members who were nominated this year. They truly deserve the recognition for all of their hard work, time and dedication that they put into helping the lives of dogs.”

 

Image (C) The Kennel Club

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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
Applications open for BEVA Back in the Saddle

The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.