Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2nd October 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Rugby-playing pig hopes to find a new team
Genevieve
Just like a rugby player, Genevieve needs plenty of space for exercise, loves getting muddy from time to time and enjoys company.
Rescue pig Genevieve has impressive rugby skills

A pot-bellied rescue pig has been impressing RSPCA staff with her rugby-playing ability. The charity is hoping to find her a team of her own kind to practise with.

Two-year-old Genevieve came to the RSPCA's Southridge Animal Centre after she was found trotting along a country lane by herself.

Centre manager Anna White, said: "Pigs are really intelligent animals and need a stimulating environment to stop them from getting bored.

"Like all pigs she loves to root around so we give her treat balls to play with and things like logs and plenty of straw to investigate."

When staff decided to try her out on a rugby ball they found she was a natural, knocking it around the pen with her snout.

"I'm not sure she'll be getting a call up to the England squad just yet but hopefully we may get a call from some potential new owners," said Anna.

Just like a rugby player, Genevieve needs plenty of space for exercise, loves getting muddy from time to time and enjoys company, so she will have to be rehomed with other pigs.

For more information on Genevieve contact RSPCA Southridge on 0300 123 0704.

Image © RSPCA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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."