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Exotics centre inundated with reptiles
Around 50 snakes, including corn snakes, boa constrictors and king snakes have been admitted to RSPCA Brighton.
Around 50 snakes admitted to RSPCA Brighton

An RSPCA exotics centre is appealing for potential new owners following an influx of forgotten and abandoned reptiles.

Around 50 snakes, including corn snakes, boa constrictors and king snakes have been admitted to RSPCA Brighton.

Staff say that summer is always a busy time for them with reptiles, especially the more commonly-kept species, like corn snakes.  However, this year they have been inundated.

“We have so many beautiful snakes looking for new owners, through no fault of their own, and we would love to see them find their forever homes with caring and responsible owners who know how to care for them properly,” explained RSPCA exotics senior scientific officer Nicola White.
 
“Some were neglected, many were abandoned, and others were signed over to us simply because their previous owners no longer wanted them.”
 
She added: "Reptiles are specialist animals so it is very important that owners research the needs of the particular species thoroughly and make sure they can provide what they need for the entirety of their lives.

“Not everyone has the facilities, time, commitment and understanding needed to look after them properly so we’d ask people to think very carefully before taking them on.”

Anyone who is looking to re-home a snake from the RSPCA should contact the Brighton branch on http://www.rspcareptilerescue.co.uk/

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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."