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BSAVA names new president
David Godfrey has been named president of the BSAVA for 2025-26.

David Godfrey will lead the organisation for 2025-26.

Small animal dermatologist, David Godfrey, has began his role as president of the BSAVA for 2025-26.

David succeeds Julian Hoad - who has become senior vice president - and will continue to focus on BSAVA’s Programme of Change.

An Advanced Practitioner in small animal dermatology, David holds postgraduate qualifications in small animal dermatology and medicine. 

Together with his wife, Rosie, he started the first feline-only practice in the UK. He is board certified in feline practice and has an RCVS Fellowship in feline osteoarthritis. 

David was pivotal in the establishment of the BSAVA West Midlands Committee and was a BSAVA Council member and Chair of the regions for three years before joining the board and presidential ladder.

At the BSAVA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday (19 June), David said: “The whole of the veterinary profession is lucky to have the strength of the BSAVA. BSAVA has a robust team, and I greatly look forward to working with them.

“It is an honour being BSAVA President for 2025-2026, but this next year will not be about me. It will be about the renewal of BSAVA, it will hear us shouting out with an ever-increasing voice about the most exciting innovations and I promise to do my very best.”

As well as focusing on BSAVA’s programme of change, David will focus on BSAVA’s new strategy, which includes new products and services. 

Julian Hoad said: "Iam incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve as President over the past year. I am proud to call myself a member of the BSAVA. It’s an association that diligently serves and supports so many of our wonderful profession.”

Other changes to the BSAVA board include Niall Connell, who begins his new role as junior vice president. Niall will sit alongside Jo Megarity, who joins the board as Honorary Treasurer.

Image (C) BSAVA.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."