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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

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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...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

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Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.