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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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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.