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Live exports suspended after Ramsgate incident
NSA react after 45 sheep die at Ramsgate

All live exports have been suspended from Ramsgate Port until further notice, following an incident last week which saw 45 sheep die.

On Wednesday 12th September, 43 sheep were put down after a lorry was stopped at the port, and the animals found to be injured. The RSPCA found that none of the animals could reach the drinkers in the vehicle. In a separate incident, a loading area floor collapse while sheep were being taken off a lorry. Six sheep fell into the water but two drowned.

The following day, Thursday 13th September, Thanet council suspended all live exports from the port. The council said it would lift the ban following the construction of suitable facilities for the animals at the port.

Phil Stocker, Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association, said: "Our understanding is that this incidence could have been avoided if regulations and controls, which are effective in the majority of cases, were followed."

Agricultural minister David Heath has ordered an immediate review into the events at Ramsgate and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has been told to take a zero tolerance approach to enforcing and maintaining animal welfare. 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.