Animal lovers in and around North Somerset are in for a treat with the launch next week of a series of talks by leading experts on key aspects of small animal welfare.

            The series, to celebrate the Small Animal Practice’s 21st birthday, will open on September 13 with a talk by Rachel Casey on ‘Clever cats’ and how you can explain their behaviour.  The next event ‘Rabbiting on’, on October 5, will deal with health and welfare issues for rabbits and will be given by Siobhan Mullan.  Exotic animals will be the subject of a talk ‘A walk on the wild side’ on November 3 by Ian Sayers and Steve Smith, and exotic diseases, ‘What has my dog brought back from holiday?’ will be the subject of the final talk on December 2 by Sue Shaw. 

            All four events are being organised by the University of Bristol’s renowned School of Veterinary Science at Langford.  The School incorporates the Small Animal Practice, which the University has been developing over the past 20 years into one of the country’s foremost facilities of its kind.

            Dr Alison Blaxter, Director of the Small Animal Practice, said: “The Small Animal Practice is of national importance for its teaching, research and clinical work, but it’s also part of the local general practice community.

            “We’re keen to develop our relationship with all those who care for and work with small animals.  These talks will be a great way of opening up the Small Animal Practice to more people who share our enthusiasm and want to learn more.”

            Dr Alison Blaxter added that money raised from the events would be put towards the building of the new Small Animal Practice; building work is due to being this autumn.