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Pet bereavement leave petition gains more than 9,000 signatures
Emma told her manager that she could not go into work because she was “physically sick” with grief.

Worker dismissed after the sudden death of her dog 

A petition to allow workers to take bereavement leave from work after the death of a family pet has received more than 9,000 signatures. 


The petition was started by Emma McNulty from Glasgow, who said she was “too devastated” to work after the sudden death of her dog, Millie.  


Emma told her manager that she could not go into work because she was “physically sick” with grief. But she was subsequently sent messages informing her that she must find cover or risk losing her job altogether.

Emma said that she did not go into work that day and was later dismissed. Writing on the Change.org petition, Emma said:


“I think it’s disgusting how some company’s think it’s acceptable to treat someone in this way with no remorse, a family pet (in my case my dog) has just as much importance as a human family member.

“It’s time company’s [sic] acknowledged this and give people the time they need to grieve with no worry of loosing [sic] their job.”

At the time of writing, Emma’s petition had gained 9,663 signatures of its 10,000 target. 

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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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.