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Abandoned New Year's Eve puppies in need of homes
Image: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Five puppies were abandoned at Battersea just hours before the dawn of 2013

The 12-week-old English Bull Terrier Cross pups were found in a small plastic box dumped outside Battersea's Old Windsor Centre. The five puppies were dirty and distressed, left with no food or water. Staff at Battersea quickly brought them into the warm and gave them food, water and a wash. They will need to stay at the centre for at least 7 days before they can be re-homed.

Centre Manager Kate Mughal says: “Given the timing we're worried they were bred as Christmas presents by someone looking to make a quick buck, but when they failed to sell they were disposed of. 


"Dumping animals without food or water near a busy main road could have disastrous consequences, but thankfully we found these pups quickly, and they’re now recovering from their ordeal."

For homes and rescue centres like Battersea, the festive season brings with it increased pressure on resources. Between Christmas day and New Year's Day, Battersea's three centres received 96 dogs and 52 cats. Of the 11 cats and 36 dogs that came to the Old Windsor centre alone, around half were strays.

The puppies have been festively named Midnight, Big Ben, Chimes, Bubbles and Fizz. The charity will be seeking caring new homes for them this year.

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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 

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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.