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Orphaned otter cubs found wandering streets of Inverkeithing
The cubs (pictured), named Inver and Forth, were found in Inverkeithing on 6 February.

Scottish SPCA cares for cubs at National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Two otter cubs are currently being cared for by the Scottish SPCA after they were found wandering the streets by members of the public on Saturday 6 February.

The cubs – one male and one female – are around three to four months old. The Scottish SPCA suspects that their mother was involved in a road traffic accident or some other disturbance and didn't make it back to the cubs.

They were spotted wandering down the road in Inverkeithing on Saturday night. The female cub was followed to a nearby field by members of the public, who then contacted the rescue charity.

Centre manager Steven Gray said: “The pair wouldn’t have survived on their own as they rely on mum so we are thankful the members of the public contacted us.

“The female has been named Inver and the male has been called Forth.

“They will stay with us until they are around 12 to 14-months-old, just like with mum in the wild. We will teach them how to feed and take care of themselves and will release them when they are ready.”

The charity reminded members of the public not to approach an otter if they spot them as the animal may feel threatened and use its strong bite to defend itself.

Instead anyone who finds an otter that they suspect needs help should monitor it from a safe distance and then contact the Scottish SPCA's animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Image (c) Scottish SPCA.

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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."