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I'm a Celebrity receives record number of complaints
The use of snakes and other creatures has been a constant feature of I'm a Celebrity since it first aired in 2002.

The RSPCA calls on producers to update the show 'in line with public opinion'.

The RSPCA has reported a record number of complaints about the use and portrayal of live animals in this year’s ‘I’m a Celebrity - Get Me Out of Here’.

The animal charity says that some 17,000 complaints were made to ITV Viewer Services this year alone, and that despite these complaints, it is 'disappointed to see that nothing has changed'.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood called on the production company to 'think again' and 'entertain the animal-loving UK public without resorting to anti-animal trials'.

"Sadly, we are once again seeing many live animals on our TV screens put in situations that could compromise their welfare for a quick laugh,” he said. “We are also concerned at the way the programme portrays animals; it risks trivialising their lives for the sake of light ‘entertainment’.

“With people discussing how scared they are, and animals portrayed in such a negative light, this programme is a long way from the RSPCA’s vision of a world where all animals are respected and treated with kindness and compassion.”

The use of bugs, snakes and other creatures has been a constant feature of I'm a Celebrity since it first aired in 2002.

The RSPCA believes that – as well as causing distress to animals - the programme risks a negative portrayal of animals which may cause viewers to develop negative attitudes towards certain species. There is also concern that those watching the programme may seek to mimic particular 'Bushtucker Trials', it said.

Chris added: "It’s encouraging that a record 17,000 of our supporters have already written to ITV this year to air their views. We believe it is very possible to produce this programme without compromising the welfare of animals, so urge all those connected with 'I'm a Celebrity' to re-think and update this show in line with public opinion."

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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."