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Polecat makes surprise visit to council offices
Employees at the Welshpool Youth Centre were left shocked after they spotted a polecat lurking on the premises.
RSPCA officer returns animal safely to the wild 

An unusual critter made a surprise appearance at Powys Council offices in Wales on Tuesday (11 September), prompting staff to contact the RSPCA.

Employees at the Welshpool Youth Centre were left shocked after they spotted a polecat lurking on the premises. Fortunately, the polecat was in good health and confined to a room, before being rescued by an RSPCA officer.

RSPCA inspector Phil Lewis collected the polecat and returned it to a nearby field. He said that returning wildlife to where it belongs can be “one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”

“Fortunately, the wild animal was safe and well, and was carefully confined before I came to complete the rescue, and return him to where he belongs,” he said.

“Rescuing and releasing wild animals is often one of the most rewarding parts of the job – and we’re grateful to the staff member who called us, and helped ensure an adventurous day ended safely for the polecat!”

Cllr Phyl Davies, Powys County Council’s cabinet member for property and assets, said: “This is probably one of the most unusual visitors to one of our buildings. It came as a shock to staff when they found it in the office. 

I would like to thank staff from the RSPCA for safely collecting the polecat from the office and releasing it back into the wild.”

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.