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Penguin 'prank' leads to charges
Image: Luke Marsden
Three charged after theft from Australian theme park

Three men have been charged with theft, trespass and unlawfully keeping a protected animal by police in Queensland, Australia after they stole a fairy penguin from the Gold Coast Sea World following a night out. It is understood that the three men, who multiple sources have claimed were intoxicated, partially undressed and swam with the park's dolphins before gaining entry to the penguin enclosure and taking the seven-year-old male named Dirk (pictured) back to their hotel room.

The trio were allegedly caught after boasting about the incident on Facebook. One of the three, who gave his name as Rhys Jones, has said "Still a bit fuzzy about the whole thing but on behalf of the three of us we are very sorry and it was just a prank which went way too far”, adding that "We are all three of us sorry to Sea World for the time lost in them searching for Dirk and we're glad he's all right."

Dirk was eventually returned to Sea World after being found in a nearby estuary, with a passer-by raising the alarm after seeing the penguin being chased from the water by what was speculated to be a shark and then being chased back in by a dog. Fortunately, Sea World was able to recover him and he is apparently exhausted but unharmed. The three men are due to appear in court on Wednesday 2nd May.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.