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RSPCA urging owners to use parrot passports
The stray lovebird was found in a garden in Somerset.
The advice comes after charity unable to reunite stray lovebird with owner.

The RSPCA is urging owners to ensure their pet birds can be positively identified with either a microchip or closed ring. It also recommends the use of a parrot passport, which helps identify a bird in the event of an accidental escape.

A passport can be used to store information about a bird and can include photographs and ring and microchip details.

The advice comes after the charity took in a stray lovebird that was found in a garden in Norton sub Hamdon, Somerset on 22 May. Because the bird was so friendly, the householder was able to catch it and take it to their local veterinary surgery, who contacted the RSPCA for guidance. 

The charity is now looking after the lovebird but it has not been possible to reunite the bird with its owner because it is not microchipped or ringed. 

RSPCA animal rescue officer Dean Wilkins said: “She is lovely and friendly, and we’re sure there’s someone out there who’s missing their beloved pet. I have taken her to our West Hatch animal centre near Taunton where she is being well looked after.

“The team there has named her 'Tequila Sunrise' as she’s so colourful!

“We were hoping that her owner might be found but unfortunately, this lovebird was not microchipped so we have been unable to trace them. And despite putting up posters locally and posting on a lost and found site, no-one has come forward with any information, so Tequila Sunrise will now be put up for adoption and hopefully someone will soon offer her a forever home.”

The RSPCA deals with hundreds of pet psittacines each year, and many are unable to be reunited with their owners because they are not microchipped or ringed.

Image (C) 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.