Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

King Charles named patron for several vet groups
King Charles will promote and recognise the work of many charities and organisations.
RCVS, BVA and RSPCA have each announced the monarch as a patron.

King Charles III has chosen to continue his patronage of several veterinary and animal welfare organisations, continuing a legacy from Queen Elizabeth II.

Groups including the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) have welcomed the King’s continued support of their work.

News of King Charles’ royal patronages was confirmed by Buckingham Palace earlier this month, revealing that he would be taking on many roles previously held by the late Queen Elizabeth II. As a patron, King Charles will promote and recognise the work of many charities and organisations.

Sue Paterson, president of RCVS, said: “We are delighted that His Majesty the King is our new Royal Patron, continuing his mother’s support for the veterinary professions.

“We know that His Majesty is a keen advocate for animal health and welfare, the environment and biodiversity, and so his interests align very much with ours in areas such as sustainability, tackling antimicrobial resistance, and in supporting veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to best meet their professional standards.”

BVA president Anna Judson also welcomed the royal support, which continues a decades-long patronage.

Dr Judson said: “This ongoing royal commitment recognises the vital contribution vets make to animal welfare and their critical role in society, from taking care of the nation’s pets through to ensuring animal welfare in food production, public health and international trade.

“On behalf of our members, we’d like to thank His Majesty for his commitment to BVA, our profession and the work we do.”

King Charles has further extended his support to RSPCA. The animal welfare charity has a 180-year-long connection with the Royal Family, first granted by Queen Victoria in 1840.

His patronage follows that of Queen Elizabeth II, who held her patronage for 70 years.

Chris Sherwood, RSPCA chief executive, said: “His Majesty’s powerful voice for nature and regenerative farming will be vital in raising the profile of animal welfare and inspire more people than ever to create a better world for every animal.

“As we celebrate our 200th anniversary this year, we look forward to continuing our close and enduring association with the monarch and the Royal Family; steadfast in our belief that the UK is, and always will be, a nation of animal lovers, and optimistic at what we can achieve together for animal welfare.”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Charities' XL bully neutering scheme closes

News Story 1
 A scheme that helped owners of XL bully dogs with the cost of neutering has closed to new applications due to high demand.

The scheme, run by the RSPCA, Blue Cross, and Battersea, has helped 1,800 dogs and their owners after XL bullies were banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

In England and Wales, owners of XL bully dogs which were over one year old on 31 January 2021 have until 30 June 2024 to get their dog neutered. If a dog was between seven months and 12 months old, it must be neutered by 31 December 2024. If it was under seven months old, owners have until 30 June 2025.

More information can be found on the Defra website. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu cattle outbreak spreads to tenth US state

Cattle in two dairy herds in Iowa have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), making it the tenth state in the USA to be affected by the ongoing outbreak of the disease in cattle.

Since March 2024, more than 80 herds across the USA have been affected by the virus and three dairy workers have tested positive. Authorities have introduced measures to limit the spread of the virus and farmers have been urged to strengthen their biosecurity protocols.

Mike Naig, Iowa secretary of agriculture, said: "Given the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza within dairy cattle in many other states, it is not a surprise that we would have a case given the size of our dairy industry in Iowa.

"While lactating dairy cattle appear to recover with supportive care, we know this destructive virus continues to be deadly for poultry."