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Pennard Vets appoints new exotics lead
Veterinary surgeon Mark Rowland, who specialises in treating exotic animals, has been appointed by Pennard Vets.
Mark Rowland to join independent vet group.

Independent veterinary group Pennard Vets has appointed a new lead for its exotics department.

Mark Rowland, Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine, qualified from Liverpool University in 1996, and has spent 25 years in practice. 

Achieving the Royal College Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2007, Mark is renowned in the industry for his exotics knowledge, and has lectured both in the UK and internationally on the subject.

Pennard Vets director Andy Green discussed Mark's credentials: “Mark is the most qualified vet in the South East of England working in exotics, and we are delighted he is bringing so much experience to Pennard Vets. 

“We hope to become the go-to practice for all exotic pets in the South-East and believe that our new and existing clients will all benefit from Mark’s unique and thoughtful approach to veterinary care.”

Celebrating his new appointment, Mark said: “As well as treating dogs, cats and small pets like hamsters and guinea pigs, I’ve always been interested in caring for insects, fish, tortoises, birds, parrots, reptiles, and all other exotic pets.

“Exotic pets can suffer with all sorts of problems, including respiratory issues and hibernation complications, as well as accidents and injuries. Birds of prey for example can often hurt themselves needing urgent treatment, and each day brings new challenges. I have treated  tortoises  that had been attacked by dogs  and a fish that had swallowed a huge pebble – no case is ever the same!

“I’m really pleased to be joining Pennard Vets, which has seven sites across Kent, and is owned by its employees, which made it a particularly attractive place to join, as I now also own a stake in the business and can help shape the future of it. 

“I can’t wait to meet our clients and their pets and hope to make a real difference to their lives.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.