Nominations for the National Equine Forum's Sir Colin Spedding Award are now open. The award is presented annually to an exceptional hero or heroine of the equestrian world.

The award is one of the most respected annual honours within the UK equine sector. Individuals or organisations from any equestrian field are eligible, as long as their qualities have not been formally recognised elsewhere.

For more information about the award and to submit a nomination click here. The award will be presented to the winner at the National Equine Forum on Thursday, 5 March 2020.

Registrations are now open for the RCVS CPD course for overseas veterinary professionals, which covers an introduction to the UK veterinary professions.

The course is aimed at overseas-qualified veterinary surgeons and nurses during their first two years of working in the UK, in addition to those considering working here. It provides graduates with the key information and skills required to practice in the UK, as well as helping them understand their legal duties as veterinary professionals.

For more information and to book your place please click here. The course will be held at Belgravia House, London, on Wednesday 12 June.

The British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) has begun work on its first hen welfare and education centre. Located in north Devon, the 250 square metre building will comprise a state-of-the-art rehoming centre and fully equipped veterinary clinic.

Image Guy Harrop

Following recent news of a rise in knife crime on Britain's streets, the RSPCA is raising awareness of high levels of these crimes against animals.

Over the past three years, the charity said it has received around 420 calls about animals injured by knives - an average of three a week.

Assistant director to the inspectorate, Dermot Murphy, said: "The country has been horrified by the tragic toll that knife crime is having on young people in our towns and cities. Sadly, we are seeing far too many shocking incidents of blades also being used on animals. These figures are a shocking representation of our times."

Four Chinese giant salamanders have been taken in by ZSL London Zoo after Border Force prevented an attempt to smuggle them into the country. The animals are critically endangered, often referred to as living fossils, and have remained largely unchanged for millions of years.

One of the animals already on display is called Professor 'Lew', named after the Chinese for 'dragon keepers'. Zookeepers will eventually introduce one of the other salamanders in an attempt to boost their numbers.

ZSL's curator of amphibians, Ben Tapley, said: "Chinese giant salamanders may not be everyone's idea of beautiful - I've heard them described as giant brown blobs with eyes - but Professor Lew's crinkly purple tail and slimy smile have already made the newcomer a big hit with all our keepers, who have been finding any excuse to visit the Reptile House."

The RSPCA has launched a new campaign to help the seven million dogs who are estimated to be suffering from separation anxiety.

#DogKind is aiming to raise awareness of this often silent issue. Research suggests 85 per cent of dogs may be finding it difficult to cope alone, yet only half showed signs. Around three quarters of owners were unaware that their dogs were struggling.

The charity has provided guidance to help owners cope with separation anxiety.

Image RSPCA