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Outgoing RSPCA chair receives New Year Honour
René Olivieri will accept a CBE for his services to the charitable sector.
René Olivieri has been awarded a CBE.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has congratulated its outgoing chair, as he receives a CBE in this year’s New Years Honours.

René Olivieri, who was appointed chair of the RSPCA in 2019, will accept a CBE for his services to the charitable sector.

Mr Olivieri has served four years in the role, during which he saw the board of trustees through the global pandemic.

He was also responsible for overseeing the charity’s ten year strategy, Together for Animal Welfare. The plan will see the RSPCA call on government organisations, businesses and supporters to help them achieve their eight goals, which include stopping illegal puppy and kitten trading, reducing animal cruelty by half, and securing legal protection for animals.

Mr Olivieri has a particular interest in the welfare of farmed animals. He was the founder of the Farm Animal Welfare Forum (FAWF), which brings together organisations such as the British Veterinary Association, RSPCA and Compassion in World Farming to improve farm animal welfare.

His work has also seen him chair and be a member on the boards of professional and charitable organisations including wildlife trusts, publishing and academia. In February 2022, he became chair of the National Trust.

Mr Olivieri stepped down as RSPCA chair in April 2023, however will continue in his role as vice chair and trustee of RSPCA Assured. The new chair, Claire Horton CBE, began her three-year term on 1 January 2024.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: “I am delighted to congratulate René on the news of this wonderful achievement - what an honour to be recognised for services to charity.

“To be awarded CBE is an outstanding accolade, marking decades of dedication to improving animal welfare, as well as his commitment to nature and heritage. The animal world is undoubtedly better off thanks to his commitment.”

Image © RSPCA

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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.