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Jimmy's Farm welcomes rare Suffolk Punch foals
There are fewer than 500 purebred Suffolk Punch horses registered in the UK.
Team 'delighted' at two new additions.

Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park has announced that it has welcomed two rare Suffolk Punch foals.

The oldest English breed of working horse, the Suffolk Punch is a short and stocky horse and is listed as critical by the UK Rare Breeds Survival Trust. 

Annie and Annabelle, two Suffolk Punches who live at Jimmy's Farm, have given birth to a foal each, the organisation reveals.

Both horses moved temporarily to the Suffolk Punch Trust to have their foals, and will return to the farm once mares and foals are all ready. 

Jimmy Doherty, founder and owner of Jimmy's Farm, commented: “I’m delighted at the arrival of both foals. 

“When the Suffolk Horse Society asked if we would be able to contribute to this breeding project by hosting the two mares, we were over the moon and jumped at the chance. We are elated with these two beautiful foals; the result of two successful pregnancies. 

“The Suffolk Horse is an irreplaceable feature of our local heritage here in Suffolk and these foals will help strengthen the population.”

Annabelle's colt was born on 9 May, while Annie's filly was born on 14 May. The arrival of both has been cause for great celebration, particularly for the filly, as the birth of new females is deeply important for breed population. 

Tracey Pettitt, from the Suffolk Punch Trust, led the team, and said: “I feel privileged to see the foals be born and honoured that Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park trusted us to do the job. 

“The mares are both healthy and have taken to motherhood like ducks to the water. This is the first time we’ve had two mares foal side by side. 

“Annie and Annabelle were born on the same day and have spent every day together since, they’re practically sisters.”

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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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.