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Penguin 'prank' leads to charges
Image: Luke Marsden
Three charged after theft from Australian theme park

Three men have been charged with theft, trespass and unlawfully keeping a protected animal by police in Queensland, Australia after they stole a fairy penguin from the Gold Coast Sea World following a night out. It is understood that the three men, who multiple sources have claimed were intoxicated, partially undressed and swam with the park's dolphins before gaining entry to the penguin enclosure and taking the seven-year-old male named Dirk (pictured) back to their hotel room.

The trio were allegedly caught after boasting about the incident on Facebook. One of the three, who gave his name as Rhys Jones, has said "Still a bit fuzzy about the whole thing but on behalf of the three of us we are very sorry and it was just a prank which went way too far”, adding that "We are all three of us sorry to Sea World for the time lost in them searching for Dirk and we're glad he's all right."

Dirk was eventually returned to Sea World after being found in a nearby estuary, with a passer-by raising the alarm after seeing the penguin being chased from the water by what was speculated to be a shark and then being chased back in by a dog. Fortunately, Sea World was able to recover him and he is apparently exhausted but unharmed. The three men are due to appear in court on Wednesday 2nd May.

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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.