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Scottish SPCA unveils animal welfare strategy
The SSPCA has pledged to eradicate the cruel puppy and kitten trade.

Pledges include eliminating the low-welfare puppy and kitten trade.

The Scottish SPCA (SSPCA) has unveiled an ambitious 10-year strategy for animal welfare, with a commitment to reduce levels of abuse and eradicate the cruel puppy and kitten trade.

The strategy, entitled For All Animals, also contains a pledge to create a network of more than 250,000 Youth Ambassasors and to ensure all farmed animals in Scotland are raised to the charity's own high welfare standards.

The SSPCA aims to grow its net income by 20 per cent over the next decade and become a Net Zero organisation. It said it would use the increased revenue to develop new and exisiting facilities where the need is greatest and enhance staff and volunteer development. 

Scottish SPCA chief executive, Kirsteen Campbell, said: “Demand for our services is going to continue to grow and grow. That’s why many of the ambitions we have set out intend to get downstream of the main drivers of animal welfare issues and tackle them at their source. 

“We are at a critical juncture for animal welfare in Scotland, where pets, wild and farmed animals face increasingly complex challenges. These can’t be solved by any individual or agency and a key part of For All Animals is creating and building the right partnerships."

She continued: “Our vision for animal welfare in Scotland is one where it is the best place in the world for an animal to be. It is a country where abuse is in retreat, where profiteering from animals is a thing of the past and where people everywhere treat animals with respect and kindness. 

Scottish SPCA board chair, Fiona MacLeod, added: “Prevention is the P in SSPCA, and that will always be our ultimate aim. If an animal never needs our help that means their welfare has never been at risk or compromised. That is why this vision sets out what we think is required to create the circumstances which maximise the chances of every individual animal’s welfare requirements being met.”

“We will continue to resolutely support the animals who do need our help. Therefore, we are committed to becoming a more sustainable and resilient charity in terms of generating more net income, improving our environmental credentials and offering a first-class experience to not only the animals we care for but the people who so generously support and work with us.”

Image (C) Scottish SPCA

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.