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Scottish SPCA pledges time to Summer Clean campaign
The Paws on Plastic campaign aims to get dog walkers involved in litter clean-up.

The charity has pledged 500 miles to the Keep Scotland Beautiful initiative. 

Staff at the Scottish SPCA have pledged 500 miles to Keep Scotland Beautiful's Summer Clean campaign.

The campaign, which is running from 28 May until 20 June, requests that people pledge time to pick up litter. Staff at the animal charity will be taking part in the Paws on Plastic initiative, which encourages people to pick up a minimum of two pieces of litter per dog walk. 

Scottish SPCA received 273 calls to its helpline specifically about animals affected by litter between January and May 2021. At almost two incidents per day, the charity is very aware of the devastating effects of litter on animals.

Chief superintendent of the Scottish SPCA, Mike Flynn, said: “We see first-hand the devastating consequences litter can have on animals. Seals and birds get caught up in fishing line or wire or animals can ingest small pieces of rubbish and choke or die.”

“We are proud to be making a difference by taking part in Paws on Plastic for the Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Summer Clean.”

Barry Fisher, CEO of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish SCPA has pledged 500 miles to keep Scotland beautiful this month. We’ve warned of a looming litter emergency and our surveys show an increase in the number of sites surveyed being severely littered – but the Scottish SCPA has seen first-hand the horrific impact litter can have on animals.”

“With the support of thousands of people across Scotland who are pledging to get outside and do some litter picking as part of our Clean Up Scotland Summer Clean this month, we know that together we can make a difference. Not only will removing litter from our country help protect our wildlife and domestic animals from potential injury, it will also help our own health and wellbeing and that of our economy.”

More information on Keep Scotland Beautiful's Summer Clean campaign can be found at keepscotlandbeautiful.org

 

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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. 

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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.