Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th June 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

SSPCA asks public to help contain injured wildlife
The charity is asking people to contain some birds and small animals that need rescue.
Public appeal as 10 per cent of injured animals never found.

Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) has launched an appeal for the public to contain any sick or injured small mammals and birds that they find.

This comes as their 2022 statistics show that over 5,000 incidents regarding these animals went unresolved as the animal could not be located.

This makes up around 10 per cent of all calls about small animals and birds.

The charity now asks that members of the public contain some birds and small animals before they send out an animal rescue officer. This can be done by putting them in a container or placing a box over them.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “The public really are our eyes and ears and they do a great job of alerting us to animals in need. However, when small birds or mammals are not contained they can often leave the area before our animal rescue officer can assist them.

“This means our officer needs to spend time searching for the animal, cutting back on the number of other jobs they can attend. There’s also a very clear animal welfare issue of the animal continuing to suffer if they do need help and are never found. Animals who are injured or sick are much more vulnerable to predators so containing the animal also protects them.”

As containing wild animals can be dangerous, Scottish SPCA are only asking the public to hold birds other than geese, swans, gannets, herons and birds of prey. They also ask that, with small animals, people only do this for bats, amphibians, hedgehogs and small rodents.

The organisation does not expect the public to try to contain animals that are already trapped or are inaccessible. There are also exceptions made for people with a disability or phobia which means they cannot contain the animal.

Mr Flynn said: “We know that everyone who calls our helpline is already doing their part to ensure we can successfully rescue animals in need. By taking this one extra step, members of the public will be making sure we can use the charity’s limited resources in the most effective way possible.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.