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.
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

Dog finds missing cat in mine shaft
RSPCA animal rescue officer Stephen Findlow helped rescue Mowgli.
Daisy helped direct rescuers to missing Mowgli.

A missing cat has been found thanks to the intervention of the owner’s springer spaniel.

Michele Rose, who lives in Harrowbarrow, Cornwall, had been searching for her missing cat Mowgli for several days with no success.

During this time, her dog Daisy regularly ran in and out of the woods near their home. Eventually, Ms Rose followed Daisy to an old mine shaft. Mowgli was meowing at the bottom of the 30-metre shaft.

The RSPCA was called and animal rescue officer Stephen Findlow attended late in the afternoon.

Mr Findlow said: “The owner had been missing the cat for four days and was constantly brought to the location by her dog, as it sniffed the cat out!”

On his first visit, it was decided that there weren’t enough hours of daylight left to attempt a rescue.

Mr Findlow returned the following morning with two teams from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, including rope specialists. The missing cat was safely brought up, where he was greeted by Baloo, another of the family’s cats.

Mowgli was taken to a local veterinary practice. Despite the long drop, he had no injuries, although he had lost 2kg during his time at the bottom of the shaft.

Images © RSPCA

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.