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Stuck stallion gets rescued after gate mishap
The horse required pain relief after the incident, but should make a full recovery.
On a mission to visit his friends, the plucky horse encountered an unexpected obstacle.  

A horse got himself in a bit of a sticky situation last Tuesday (10 August) when he got stuck straddling a gate.

The stallion was attempting to visit his fellow-horse neighbours over the other side of the gate, but when he tried to clear the four foot high gate, he got stuck halfway over.

Walkers in Rochester, Kent, noticed the struggling stallion and called the RSPCA for assistance, where inspector Tina Nash attended the scene.

Tina commented: “The horse, a stallion, was trying to get to the mares on the other side of the gate and obviously thought he could clear the 4ft gate. But it seems this lovely lad isn’t the greatest showjumper and got himself stuck halfway!

“If he’d have spent a little more time looking and investigating, he’d have realised that he could have walked along the fenceline a little further, he could have just trotted around to see his lady friends!”

The poor embarrassed horse didn't have to wait too long for help though, as a crew from the Kent Fire and Rescue service joined the RSPCA at the scene, and used straps to gently lift the horse up and off the gate.

A spokesperson for the Kent Fire and Rescue Service commented: “Animal rescue emergencies are as important as any other for Kent Fire and Rescue Service. The Animal Rescue Unit is made up of specially trained firefighters, who have a passion for helping all creatures great and small.”

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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.