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Stuffed toy tiger leads to police call-out
Cuddly toy mistaken for real escaped tiger

Police in the German city of Braunschweig urgently scrambled a specialist armed response unit and called in a team of wildlife experts equipped with tranquilizer guns when a member of the public reported seeing an escaped tiger in the street. However, upon arrival at the scene the police promptly realised that the tiger in question was in fact a near life-sized stuffed toy and therefore presented no danger to public safety.

"It's better to be safe than sorry,” insisted Sara Faerber, 28, who raised the alarm. “In the half-light it looks just like a real tiger sitting there watching me. I edged backwards and then ran off and expected to feel it leap on my back at any moment. I was really scared.”

The toy was ultimately transported back to the local police station on the lap of an officer. Commenting on the matter, a police spokesperson said that "We'd like to find the owner just to piece together what happened. If we don't, we will probably arrange for it to be donated to a local children's home."

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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.