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Seal found in Norfolk garden
seal in Norfolk garden
“It’s not uncommon for seals to venture up rivers away from the sea looking for food and they normally manage to find their way back.”
Lost animal made it back to the sea for the new year

A grey seal in search of a new home on New Year’s Eve mistakenly made his way into a Norfolk garden, 2km from the sea.

The lost wanderer was spotted among the trees and shrubbery by a woman at her holiday home in Blakeney.

RSPCA animal collection officer Naemi Kilbey said the seal had made his way into the garden, which is just off a coastal road, through a fence. It is thought he came inland from the sea along the River Glaven, just a short distance from the garden where he was found.

“It’s not uncommon for seals to venture up rivers away from the sea looking for food and they normally manage to find their way back,” Kilbey explained.

“But it looks like this guy’s internal navigation system got a bit frazzled and he ended up a little lost! The lady certainly had a shock when she spotted him lazing around in her shrubbery!”

Fortunately, the seal had no obvious injuries or illnesses so officers released him back into the sea on New Year’s Day.

“It was so lovely to start the new year watching him swim back out to sea where he belongs,” Kilbey added. “Hopefully, he’ll find the new home he was looking for somewhere that’s a little more seal-friendly!”

Image © RSPCA

 

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

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.