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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th May 2023
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Fire brigade rescues escaped iguana
Iguanas are excellent climbers.
The pet had escaped through a cat flap.

The Lincolnshire fire brigade rescued a pet iguana from high up in a tree after it escaped from its home.

Einstein the iguana was missing for 24 hours from his home in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. He had escaped through the microchip-activated cat flap after his owner had forgotten to reset it.

The day after his escape, Einstein was spotted on a branch high up in a neighbour’s tree. The RSPCA notified Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue, who sent out crews from two stations to rescue the pet.

With the help of a local tree surgeon, the fire brigade managed to bring Einstein down safely and restore him to his owner.

Horncastle Fire Station posted on Facebook: “A busy day for Horncastle crew today, and then we finished off with a small animal rescue, but to our surprise not what we were expecting.

“We got to meet the lovely Einstein the Iguana who got himself stuck up a very large tree. Thanks to Louth Fire Station and our amazing local tree surgeon for some assistance we managed to safely get him back down.”

Einstein’s owner Stuart Hoyle told the BBC: “Einstein considers himself the head of the household and he's always up to something. He's sometimes very clever and sometimes quite daft.”

Mr Hoyle revealed that after the rescue, Einstein returned to his favourite spot on the back of the sofa and ate a bowl of dandelions.

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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.