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Blood bank not accepting XL bully donors
The announcement comes ahead of the XL bully ban.
The rule comes as the XL bully ban approaches.

Pet Blood Bank UK has said that it will no longer be accepting XL bully type dogs as blood donors in England and Wales.

The announcement comes ahead of the first stage of the XL bully ban, which begins on 31 December 2023.

The legislation will mean that, as a banned dog, XL bully types will need to wear a muzzle in all public spaces. This includes the donation centre, which the blood bank says will compromise the dogs’ welfare when donating blood.

The charity will continue accepting pre-existing XL bully type donors at its donation centres in Scotland, subject to any updates in the Scottish legislation.

However, they will no longer be accepting any new donor registrations from the breed at any centres in the UK.

Pet Blood Bank UK says that, while they understand the news is ‘disappointing’, they hope that XL bully type owners will continue to support them by volunteering and fundraising.

Image © Shutterstock

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.