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Donations flood in for Winter Bag Appeal
Appeal volunteers distribute the bags to homeless people living on the streets of Edinburgh.
Volunteer-led scheme helps homeless people and their pets in Edinburgh. 

A scheme to support homeless people and their pets in Edinburgh has enjoyed a record-breaking number of donations this year.

The Dick Vet Winter Bag Appeal, organised by veterinary volunteers at the University of Edinburgh, invites campus staff and students to fill bags with warm clothes and necessities such as toiletries and blankets.

Now in its sixth year, the annual event was started by former Dick Vet student Dr Jaime-Leigh Thompson and is now run by a small group of veterinary students.

The donated bags are collected by Appeal volunteers, who work with Edinburgh-based charities Bethany Christian Trust, Steps to Hope SCIO and CrossReach Cunningham House, and distributed to the homeless and vulnerable people in the city. 

Originality focussed on Christmas, the scheme has extended into the New Year to ensure those sleeping on the streets continue to receive support during the coldest months of the year. 

Fifth-year student Zoe Powell-Davies, who is one of the Appeal volunteers, commented: “Being exposed to how cold Edinburgh is in the winter, I couldn’t imagine how I could cope without food, shelter and warm clothing.

“The weather can be bitter and ruthless to those on the streets and, having helped distribute bags in previous years, I have seen first-hand how much these donations are appreciated by those who receive them.”

Volunteers say they have had a 'phenomenal' response to the 2021 campaign and have managed to fill a total of 125 bags. The team hopes to continue to collect donations early next semester and are inviting students to bring back any unwanted items/Christmas gifts to campus. 

The scheme also accepts dog-related donations such as food, treats, toys, blankets, coats and reflective collars. These bags are distributed by All4Paws, a student-run veterinary clinic that provides free care for pets of homeless people.

For more information about the appeal and details on how to donate, visit ed.ac.uk/vet/news-events/2021-news/festivebagappeal

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.