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Comedy wildlife photo awards shortlist revealed
From a kangaroo playing air guitar to a squabble between feathered friends.

The thousands of entries for this year’s Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have been whittled down to a shortlist of the best photos and videos.

Forty-one standalone photographs are shortlisted, along with three videos and three portfolios. They will be judged by a panel which includes TV presenter Kate Humble, comedian Hugh Dennis, and the co-founder of the Born Free Foundation Will Travers.

The public can also vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice Award. The winners will be announced on 23 November.

We’ve picked six of our favourites from the shortlist.

(C) Otter Kwek/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Otter Ballerina

This snap of a smooth-coated otter was taken by the appropriately-named Otter Kwek in Singapore.
 
Mr Kwek said: “I showed this photo to a ballet teacher, and she commented that the otter is a natural but just needs to tuck in its tummy a bit.”

(C) Dikla Gabriely/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Picture me! Picture me!

This brown bear from Finland was very keen to attract the attention of photographer Dikla Gabriely.

(C) John Blumenkamp/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Monday Blahs

John Blumenkamp, who took this snap in the Grand Teton National Park, USA, said: “This great grey owl spent most of the afternoon posing majestically and looking, well, wise. But for a moment or two after doing some elegant stretching, he/she would slump and give a look of 'Is Monday over yet?'” 

(C) Jason Moore/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Air Guitar Roo

Spotted by Jason Moore as he was driving in Australia, this grey kangaroo is very much enjoying playing air guitar. Perhaps he's pretending to be a member of legendary Aussie rockers AC/DC.

(C) Jacek Stankiewicz/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Dispute

These goldfinches, photographed by Jacek Stankiewicz in a Polish forest, are clearly not getting along.
 
Mr Stankiewicz said: “My friends interpret this scene in two ways. 1. A young naughty kid is arguing with a parent. 2. One kid is reporting to the parent that its brother did something wrong: look he has broken the glass in the window.”

(C) Adrian Slazok/Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards
Everyone Can Fly

Snapped on the east coast of England in late autumn, Adrian Slazok's photograph shows a grey seal taking off from the beach.

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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.