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Entries open for RSPCA Young Photographer Awards
The overall winner of the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards 2024 was Anwen Whitehead.
Nominations close on 13 August 2025.

Entries have officially opened for the 2025 RSPCA Young Photographer Awards.

Photographers that are aged 18 years and under now have until 13 August 2025 to submit photographs, taken by camera or mobile device, which capture the animal kingdom.

The competition consists of 11 different categories, including Pet Portraits, Urban Animals and Portfolio entries. There are also separate categories for entrants under 12, aged 12-15 and aged 16-18.

The charity has this year launched a new category, 'Documenting Animals'. This category will celebrate three photographs which tell a story about an individual animal or comment on the natural world.

Entrants are asked to use their photo journalist skills to document real stories about events and animals to inspire and educate. Entries must be accompanied by 120 words illustrating the series of images, providing background to the overarching narrative.

Andrew Forsyth, RSPCA photographer and competition judge, said:  “We’re looking for a positive story that leaves a lasting impression.

“We want the entrants to show that they have thought about the narrative of their images, perhaps they might show the changing landscape of a nature reserve or a conservation project, maybe showing how humans help animals through rewilding initiatives or volunteering, or perhaps the images capture a series of moments which perfectly encapsulates an animal welfare or conservation issue."

This year's RSPCA Young Photographer Awards will be judged by a panel of experts in wildlife photography: Ellie Rothnie, Andrew Forsyth, Emma Jacobs and former competition winner Catriona Parfitt.

The winners in each category will be awarded trophies and a selection of prizes at a ceremony at the Tower of London in December.

Ellie Rothnie said: “The RSPCA’s Young Photographer Awards is the ultimate celebration of young creative talent.

“Every year, the entries are astounding, and indeed many winners from this competition have become immensely successful professional photographers. I am truly honoured to be a judge again, I can’t wait to see this year’s entries.”

Image © RSPCA Young Photographer Awards

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.