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PDSA launches unwanted gifts appeal
The PDSA is urging the public to donate unwanted Christmas gifts to its charity shops.
The veterinary charity is experiencing increasing demand for its services.

The PDSA has launched an unwanted Christmas gift appeal to support its vital veterinary work.

It comes amid rising demand for the charity's services during the cost-of-living crisis, and the problem is only expected to get worse.

In 2021, PDSA treated some 370,000 pets and saved the lives of 134,000 animals. However, the organisation's PAW Report, released the following year, found that almost a third of pet owners are worried about affording veterinary costs.

It followed shocking findings released by the PDSA in 2021, revealing that a staggering 930,000 pets were at risk of being euthanised if their owners were hit with unexpected veterinary bills. 

Lloyd Hughes, head of retail and buying at PDSA, urged members of the public to donate their unwanted Christmas items to the organisation's charity shops.

“PDSA receives no government funding and relies solely on public support to fund our vital work,” he said. “Without the money raised in our shops and donations given to us by kind-hearted members of the public, we wouldn’t be able to fund the life-saving treatment we provide in our 48 Pet Hospitals.

“By donating unwanted Christmas gifts, that may otherwise sit in a cupboard or even be thrown away, to our charity shops, people can make a real difference to the lives of pets and their owners, keeping families together.” 

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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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.