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BSAVA president to brave charity wing walk
BSAVA president Julian Hoad will be dressed in a full Cheshire cat onesie for his wing-walking challenge. 
Julian Hoad will take flight dressed as a Cheshire cat.

BSAVA president Julian Hoad is set to take to the skies in a daring charity wing walk for BSAVA PetSavers.

Julian, who will be donning a Cheshire cat onesie for the challenge, will secured to the top of a vintage biplane on Thursday, 29 May in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. 

The bold adventure marks the end of Julian’s presidential year, and is all in the name of raising funds for BSAVA PetSaver’s groundbreaking research. 

So far, the charity has invested over £2.7 million into diseases affecting companion animals, including cancer, heart conditions, gastrointestinal issues, neurological and joint disorders, and many more.

Reflecting on his challenge, Julian said: "Every day, vets face the heart-wrenching task of managing the distress and pain our pets suffer due to disease or poor health.

“With your support, we can ensure that they have access to the latest knowledge and resources needed to provide the best care possible.”

He added: “The need for advanced research is more pressing than ever and our pets deserve every chance at a healthy life. If dressing up as a cat and flying on the wing of a plane makes people take notice of the vital need for pet health research, then it will be worth it.”

Alison Selby, Fundraising Manager for BSAVA PetSavers said: “No one has ever been quite so daring in their fundraising efforts for us, so we are thrilled that Julian has decided to take this on to raise awareness and funds for BSAVA PetSavers.

“For every grant application that we fund, at least two or more are declined due to lack of funds. Fundraising events like this helps to land more funding in the hands of researchers who make a real difference in the veterinary community and directly impact the lives of countless pets and their families.”

At the time of writing, Julian has raised £524 of his £1,000 target. To donate to his challenge, visit his Just Giving page.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

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Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.