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Children rescue badger stuck in a pit
The pit inside the old pump house where the badger was discovered.

The RSPCA has applauded the actions of three boys from Sussex that saved a badger found in a 20ft-deep pit. Eleven-year-old brothers Elias and Idris, and their friend Aaron, discovered the stricken animal in an old pump house whilst helping on their elderly neighbour’s farm.

After spotting the badger, the boys rushed home to fetch a boiled egg and a chicken water trough and lowered them down into the pit and poured water through a hose from a watering can. The boys’ parents then called the RSPCA for help.

RSPCA inspector Liz Wheeler used her extendable net to scoop the badger out of the pit and, after examining the animal, released him back into the wild. “The three boys were lovely and did an amazing job helping this badger," she said. “I’d like to say a big well done and thank you to them - they saved this badger’s life!”

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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."