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Footage released of rescued cheetahs playing football
The big cats were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade before being brought to the sanctuary.

Charity releases video to mark big football events in England

Wildlife charity Born Free has released footage of rescued cheetahs playing football in Ethiopia, in honour of a big weekend for English football.

Last weekend saw a clash between Manchester City and Liverpool, whilst on Monday (8 January), the FA Cup became the first match in England to use video assistant referee (VAR).

A team of nine cheetahs can be seen having their own kick about at their sanctuary home, Born Free’s Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre near Addis Ababa, which is a vital sanctuary for hundreds of wild animals.


The big cats were rescued from the illegal wildlife trade before being brought to the centre. They were snatched from their mothers as young cubs and hand-reared, meaning they would be unable to fend for themselves in the wild. Now they enjoy lifetime care at the sanctuary’s spacious natural enclosures.

Born Free is launching a ‘Build a Future for Wildlife’ appeal to raise funds for much needed improvements at the centre. Over 200 animals have already been rescued, including cheetahs, lions, hyenas, birds of prey and primates. Now the facilities need to be expanded and renovated to cope with growing demand.

Cheetahs are viewed as status symbols in parts of the Middle East, with some paying up to $10,000 for a single cub. Wild cheetahs are captured throughout east Africa and illegally smuggled out of Ethiopia to meet the demand. Sadly a high number die in transit and there are just over 7,000 wild cheetahs left in the whole of Africa.

Find out more and make a donation at: http://www.bornfree.org.uk/give/a-future-for-wildlife/

Image © Blake McGrow / BFF

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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.