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Queen Camilla opens new Battersea dog garden
Her Majesty the Queen met with staff and volunteers at Battersea's new dog garden.
The garden had originally been created for the Chelsea Flower Show. 

Her Majesty The Queen paid a special visit to Battersea on Monday (14 July) to open the charity’s new dog garden.

In her first visit to Battersea since 2016, Her Majesty was greeted by a guard of honour featuring dogs Bertie, Phoenix, Bella and Dipsy, as well as staff, volunteers and supporters of the charity.

During her visit, Queen Camilla toured the garden with Battersea’s chief executive Peter Laurie and lead horticulturalist Dawn Richards, who explained that it would be a space for dogs to play, train and exercise. 

Designed by Monty Don and Jamie Butterworth, the garden had originally been created for the Chelsea Flower Show, before being kindly donated to Battersea by the Royal Horticultural Society and BBC Radio 2.

Her Majesty spoke with Monty Don, Battersea gardening volunteers and others involved with the development of the garden before unveiling a commemorative plaque. 

Battersea’s Chief Executive, Peter Laurie, said; “It was an absolute honour to welcome our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen, to Battersea and introduce her to our dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters. During the visit, Her Majesty officially opened our new dog garden – a sensory space that the dogs in our care will benefit from tremendously. With so many animals arriving at our centres each year, it is vital that we create calm and enriching environments where they can exercise, train and relax.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have a Patron that has been a longstanding supporter of Battersea and who understands the importance of the work that rescues do. Today was a wonderful opportunity to talk with Her Majesty about the work we are doing at our centres and further afield, as well as share our ambitions for the future to help millions of dogs and cats worldwide.”

Image (C) Battersea.

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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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.