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Goshawk rescue prompts ownership warning
Owned goshawks must be registered by their keeper under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Owned goshawks must be either ringed or microchipped.

An illegally-owned goshawk rescued from a town in Wales has prompted the RSPCA to issue a warning about the ownership of these spectacular birds of prey.

The male goshawk was spotted by a member of the public in Tonypandy and collected by the RSPCA. He was wearing jesses but was not ringed or microchipped – suggesting the bird was owned illegally.

RSPCA chief inspector Elaine Spence said: “The law surrounding goshawks is clear - but this incident has prompted us to issue a reminder to the public.

“Except in specific and time-limited cases of rehabilitation, keepers must register them, and either ring or microchip them - but that hadn't happened to this goshawk. This gives us cause to believe this goshawk was illegally owned - and sadly, we know goshawk nests are frequently a target for wildlife crime.”

Owned goshawks should be registered by their keeper under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and must be either ringed or microchipped. The only exception is for those rehabilitating a sick, injured or disabled bird of prey, where authorised persons can provide treatment under general licence for a period of 15 days.

The RSPCA said that the goshawk has a small wing injury and is receiving treatment at a specialist centre.

 

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.