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Holidaymakers stranded due to 'turtle curfew'
Zante’s Bay of Laganas is one of the most important breeding grounds for loggerhead turtles.

Curfew protects endangered loggerheads from light and noise

Holidaymakers were reportedly left stranded on the Greek island of Zakinthos (Zante) on Sunday (30 July) due to a ‘turtle curfew’ on flights.

According to The Guardian, the curfew had been in place because of vulnerable loggerhead turtles breeding nearby.

Passengers waiting for their flight - a replacement for an aircraft that had technical difficulties - were stuck at Zakinthos International Airport. Some travellers, who did not book alternative flights, only arrived home on Tuesday.

It is currently turtle breeding season in Greece and, according to the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece, Archelon, late June to early July sees the highest levels of spawning.

Zante’s Bay of Laganas is one of the most important breeding grounds for loggerhead turtles, who like to lay their eggs in the sand. In 1984, due to its importance as a reproductive area, the Greek government introduced measures to protect it.

These measures were further strengthened in 1994, when night flights into and out of Zante were prohibited. This is because the runway for take-off and landing passes over the beach and the aircraft noise and lights disturbs nesting turtles.

Easyjet later apologised for the passenger's delay. A spokesperson said: “We do all possible to try and minimise delays and as such planned to send a replacement aircraft.

"Unfortunately, due to the night curfew rule at the airport, we were unable to get the replacement aircraft into the airport. The flight departed Zante and arrived at London Gatwick today."

Image (C) Strobilomyces

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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."