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Vet launches venture to support animal welfare charities
Vet Maggie Roberts previously worked for Cats Protection.
The company will provide veterinary and legal advice.

A veterinary surgeon has launched a new consultancy company to provide veterinary and legal advice to charities and other not-for-profit organisations involved in animal welfare

Maggie Roberts, who previously worked for Cats Protection as director of feline welfare and director of veterinary services, has set up Advovet alongside lawyer Dominic Sullivan.

As well as working for Cats Protection, Dr Roberts has served as a member of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Small Animal Expert Group among other roles and was recently appointed as the independent chair of the Microchipping Trade Association.

Mr Sullivan has also worked for Cats Protection, including as interim chief executive. Together the two founders have a combined 45 years’ experience in the animal welfare sector.

The company will offer advice on medicine, shelter design, training, governance, and charity and animal welfare law.

Dr Roberts said: “Many people start up animal charities with the best of intentions but can lack the experience of running an organisation or dealing with multiple animals.”

“During my career I’ve seen many become overwhelmed or run out of funds, which can have a negative effect on their mental health and the animals in their care. Others may be doing well but don’t have the capacity or expertise to maximise their impact.

“However, with the right support and guidance these organisations can make a real difference to the animals that need them and this is where we want to help.”

Image © Advovet

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

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As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.