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Mouse attacks snake to free friend
Image: Hangzhou Zoo
Snake's dinner comes back to bite it

A mouse that tried to save his friend from being eaten by a snake has been freed by zookeepers.

Both mice were being fed to the poisonous snake at China's Hangzhou Zoo. However, the little hero wasn't willing to go without a fight.

According to zoo keepers, mice usually attempt to hide in the enclosure before becoming dinner. The mouse's bravery was therefore very out of character.

"I have never seen anything like that before," said zookeeper Wen Shao, who was responsible for feeding the snake. "Usually the mice keep as far away from the snake as possible but this one caused a lot of damage."

Mr Shao added that the mouse had been given its freedom after the attack, but it was too late for his friend.

Furthermore, the snake is now having to recover from the ordeal.

"We always give the snakes live food… but the mouse attacked the snake when it saw it trying to eat the other mouse," Mr Shao explained.

"It didn't do the snake any good either. It was expensive and the mouse did a lot of damage biting it on the head."

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.