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
Stuffed toy tiger leads to police call-out
Cuddly toy mistaken for real escaped tiger

Police in the German city of Braunschweig urgently scrambled a specialist armed response unit and called in a team of wildlife experts equipped with tranquilizer guns when a member of the public reported seeing an escaped tiger in the street. However, upon arrival at the scene the police promptly realised that the tiger in question was in fact a near life-sized stuffed toy and therefore presented no danger to public safety.

"It's better to be safe than sorry,” insisted Sara Faerber, 28, who raised the alarm. “In the half-light it looks just like a real tiger sitting there watching me. I edged backwards and then ran off and expected to feel it leap on my back at any moment. I was really scared.”

The toy was ultimately transported back to the local police station on the lap of an officer. Commenting on the matter, a police spokesperson said that "We'd like to find the owner just to piece together what happened. If we don't, we will probably arrange for it to be donated to a local children's home."

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.