Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Goldfish rescued from 7ft deep well
The goldfish is now being cared for until a new home can be found for him.

The RSPCA came to the rescue of the lonely fish.

RSPCA Cymru received quite a shock recently when it was called to rescue a goldfish who was stuck 7ft down a well in Newport, Wales.

The goldfish was lucky to have even been noticed, because the property he was found at had been vacant, and was being sold at auction. He may not have been noticed at all, had a member of the public not thought to lift the well cover and take a look inside! 

When the member of the public lifted the well cover, they found the goldfish inside, 7ft down and completely alone. They contacted the RSPCA for help, and Inspector Claire Davey attended the scene to rescue him. 

Claire said: “We were given permission by the landowner and the estate agents to collect the fish but we have no idea how this little fella got there. It’s a complete mystery!

“The well was 7ft deep and it was quite difficult to catch the little fish and bring him to safety due to the depth and poor visibility but finally I managed to reach him with my reach and rescue pole - after about 30 minutes!
“Who knows what could have happened to this fish if he had not been spotted. It is unlikely that the fish would have survived for long there. I scooped him out and took him to the safety of a tank where he will be looked after until we can find him a lovely new home.”

The RSPCA have offered some tips on caring for goldfish, including:

  • make sure you know what space, depth and surface area of water is needed for the number and size of your fish
  • find out about what food your fish will eat, and how often and how much they will need it
  • get to know your goldfish to help spot signs of something being wrong, and if in doubt, ask your vet.

It is unclear how the goldfish came to be down the well, but he is now being cared for properly until he finds a new forever home. 

For more information on the RSCPA, or to support their mission, visit their website at rspca.org.uk/getinvolved

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.