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Treo Awarded Dickin Medal
Treo with Sergeant Dave Heyhoe and PDSA Senior Vet Elaine Pendlebury.
Treo, a Military Working Dog, has been presented with a PDSA Dickin Medal – recognised worldwide as the animals’ Victoria Cross.

The PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive in recognition of conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in military conflict. Arms and Explosives Search dog, Treo, was accompanied at the ceremony by his handler, Sergeant Dave Heyhoe. The pair have worked together for five years.

During the six months we spent in Helmand Province the challenge was unrelenting but Treo did not waver from his duties for a second. He’s a true soldier friend.
In August 2008, Treo located a ‘daisy chain’ improvised explosive device (IED), carefully concealed by the Taliban, on a roadside regularly used by soldiers. The ‘daisy chain’ of munitions (two or more explosive devices wired together) is detonated by a single signal but capable of causing maximum devastation. Treo, in lead position, located the IED, preventing deaths and horrendous injuries. The device was booby-trapped to initiate as the Infantrymen passed.
 
On 3 and 4 September 2008, Treo once again located an IED, saving 7 Platoon, The Royal Irish Regiment, from guaranteed casualties. Again in lead position, the dog successfully identified the device and saved the lives of soldiers and civilians alike.

“Treo is a very special dog,” said Sergeant Dave Heyhoe. “There’s a reason why I call him ‘my boy’; it’s because I feel safe when he is by my side and I know he has saved my life many times over. During the six months we spent in Helmand Province the challenge was unrelenting but Treo did not waver from his duties for a second. He’s a true soldier friend.”


Commenting on the award, PDSA Chairman Michael Bolton said: “We are proud to honour Treo with the PDSA Dickin Medal, the animals’ Victoria Cross, for his gallantry in saving countless human lives. He continued with his duties irrespective of the dangers that faced him and in the process saved many, many lives.”
 
Treo’s award brings the total number of PDSA Dickin Medals presented to animals for their wartime heroism to 63. Since its introduction by PDSA founder, Maria Dickin CBE, in 1943, the PDSA Dickin Medal has now been awarded to 27 dogs, 32 WWII messenger pigeons, three horses and one cat.

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

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RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.