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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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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."