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Pony was stabled in a house
A pony. A council in Scotland has removed a pony that was stabled in a woman's house.
A pony. A council in Scotland has removed a pony that was stabled in a woman's house.

Council remove animal after vet raises welfare concerns

A pony, which had been stabled during winter in a woman's house in Scotland for more than two years, has been removed by a council.

Stephanie Noble, 67, moved the pony into her semi-detached home in Lewis on the Western Isles on Christmas Eve 2011.

She told a press agency there was nowhere suitable on the island to keep the animal, named Grey Lady Too.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar council informed her in October that she would have to make alterations to her home and that failure to do so would be considered an offence under the animal health and welfare act.

Now the council has removed the animal.

"In the interests of animal welfare, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar took possession of a pony from the Back area of Lewis.

"This action was taken after numerous animal health interventions and following a vet certifying that the pony was likely to suffer if its circumstances did not change.

"The Comhairle will seek an order from the court to allow us to make more suitable provisions for the future of the pony," said a statement from the authority.

Scottish SPCA Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, "We had previously advised Ms Noble of our concerns for the welfare of her pony which was being kept in an unsuitable environment.

"Ms Noble was asked to make better provisions for her animal and find appropriate stabling and grazing as required and we understand her pony has since been removed by the local council as a result of her failure to do so."

Image by Frederik De Graeve

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.