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RSPCA searching for owner of singing cockatiel
Peek-a-boo was rescued on 14 November, in the Kearsley area of Bolton.
The male cockatiel was found in a street in Greater Manchester.

The RSPCA is hoping to reunite a talkative and tuneful parrot with his owner, after he was found straying in Bolton.

The charity believes that the male cockatiel, which they have named Peek-a-boo, originally came from a loving and caring home, due to his tame behaviour and ‘charming’ personality.

Peek-a-boo was rescued by the RSPCA on 14 November, after a member of the public found him near a bench on a road in the Kearsley area of Bolton. He was found uninjured, and taken into private boarding accommodation.

He soon impressed his rescuers when he broke into song while being moved from his boarding accommodation to stay with one of the charity’s foster carers. Once he had settled with his foster carer, he began to sing and talk more often.

A popular favourite of Peek-a-boo’s is ‘If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands’, which he sings regularly to claps of encouragement, and rounds off with a loud peck on his perch.

The RSPCA say that his intelligence and personality indicate that he is a loved family pet, meaning it is likely that he escaped accidentally. However, his ring did not provide enough information for them to locate his owner.

Helen Chapman, an RSPCA animal rescue officer, said: “Peek-a-boo is extremely tame and is a delightful character who has been well looked after and loved by someone, who must have spent a lot of time on him.”

She added: “Once he settled in with one of our regular foster carers, he was singing happily. His voice sounds like he is mimicking an older woman.

“It is such a shame that he is in this situation and if he has escaped accidentally then whoever owns him will surely be heartbroken that he is missing.”

Anyone with useful information should contact RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Image © 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.