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Help Sought for Rescued Horses
Groom Clare running with horse Lulu in paddock (picture courtesy of the RSPCA).
The RSPCA is seeking new owners for 17 of the horses rescued from horse dealer James Gray’s farm near Amersham, Buckinghamshire, in January 2008.

More than 100 horses, ponies and donkeys were removed from horrific conditions at Spindle Farm.  
 
Many of the animals had little food or dry bedding and were crammed into pens, fetlock (ankle) deep in faeces. Other horses had simply been left to die where they fell, others were burned on bonfires, and there was a pile of bones and a skull against an outbuilding.
 
Since then the horses have been lovingly cared for by the RSPCA, The Horse Trust, Redwings and World Horse Welfare. 
 
So far the case has cost the RSPCA £2.3million in legal fees, veterinary bills and the animals’ on-going care. The other charities have footed the bill for the horses they are looking after and are making separate arrangements for their future care2.
 
Now the court case and appeal are finally over, the RSPCA is beginning the search for permanent new homes for horses in its care that are ready to go to new owners. 
 
If you think you have got what it takes to offer a permanent new home to one of these horses please visit www.rspca.org.uk/amersham and complete the application form.
 
RSPCA equine rehoming officer Sally Learoyd said: “These horses have been through a terrible ordeal and we need to find extra special permanent homes for them. We’re looking for patient, experienced owners who have the facilities, time, knowledge and money needed to care for the horses for the rest of their lives. These horses are mostly youngsters, so potential adopters will need to be able to offer a long- term commitment.
 
“The horses are of the type you might expect to find on a dealer’s yard – mostly cob and Shetland types. Some were young, some ancient, some were sound and some wrecked. They were all sick and sorry and in desperate need of our help. Their rehabilitation has been a fascinating journey to witness and a testament to the bravery and patience of horses.”
 

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.