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RSPCA may prosecute live fish drinkers
The RSPCA has received at least 14 reports of people drinking live fish.
The RSPCA has received at least 14 reports of people drinking live fish.

Reports of drinkers downing shots containing live fish

Criminal prosecutions may be brought by the RSPCA after its received reports of people eating live fish as part of an online drinking craze.

The RSPCA says it has already received at least 14 calls about fish being eaten alive as part of the Neknominating drinking game currently taking place on social media websites.

It said people were filming themselves quickly drinking large amounts of alcohol and then nominating a friend to do the same. The challenges also involve carrying out extreme feats on camera – and that in turn has led to reports of videos of people drinking shots of alcohol with a fish inside.

RSPCA wildlife scientist Nicola White said: “We are extremely concerned about this shocking new trend. We have had quite a few similar cases reported to us in a very short space of time – but this could be just the tip of the iceberg as there’s probably many more we have not been told about.



“Eating a live animal and posting of a film of it on the internet is not some light-hearted joke – it is unacceptable. It sends out a clear message that animal cruelty is ok as long as it is in the guise of entertainment.



“We urge people not to take part in this horrible craze and to report to us anyone who is taking part.”



Since the weekend there had been at least 14 calls to the RSPCA about ‘Neknominating’ footage involving swallowing live fish.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: "Eating live fish is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act, and the RSPCA are investigating several of the cases which have been referred to us. Because of this we are unable to go into detail of individual cases until more is known."


Images by www.clubantietam.com and Ben Webb

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."