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Golden eagle disappears in “suspicious" circumstances
The missing eagle had been translocated as part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project.
A police investigation into the disappearance is ongoing.

The police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward following the disappearance of a golden eagle in the Scottish Borders.

Merrick, a female golden eagle, was last seen on Thursday, 12 October to the west of Fountainhall, between Heriot and Stow.

Despite a search of the area, after she was reported missing on Wednesday, 18 October, Merrick has not been found and the police are treating her disappearance as “suspicious”.

The eagle had been translocated to the Scottish Borders last year as part of the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project. The conservation scheme aims to increase the species’ population in the region by relocating eagles from further north.

The chair of the project, Michael Clarke, said: “The disappearance of any golden eagle is extremely upsetting, but particularly when there is evidence to suggest that they have come to harm under suspicious circumstances.”

Eagles in the project are satellite-tagged and their location monitored. Police Scotland are continuing to investigate the disappearance.

Detective sergeant David Lynn, Police Scotland wildlife crime coordinator, said: “We are determined to protect these magnificent birds. We work closely with a number of partners to tackle wildlife crime, which can be challenging and complex to investigate.

“As our enquiry continues I would urge anyone with any information that may assist to contact us through 101 quoting reference number 1193 of 18 October. Alternatively, please contact Crimestoppers through 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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."