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RSPB withdraws from hen harrier project
hen harrier
The charity is convinced that the main reason for the hen harrier's scarcity is illegal killing.
Charity says licensing of grouse shooting estates is the 'only viable option'
 
The RSPB has withdrawn its support for Defra's Hen Harrier Action Plan, saying its voluntary approach has been unsuccessful. The charity is now calling for grouse shooting estates to be licensed in order to tackle the illegal killing of birds of prey.

Defra's action plan was developed to boost England's population of hen harriers, but last year the RSPB said there were just six successful hen harrier nests from 12 attempts. In a blog post this week, RSPB's conservation director Martin Harper said 2016 is set to be far worse, with only three nests so far.

The charity is convinced that the main reason for the hen harrier's scarcity is illegal killing, associated with land managed intensively for grouse shooting. Early results from the national hen harrier survey suggest the species is doing better away from intensively managed grouse moors in north and west Scotland, Mr Harper added.

There have been a number of incidents in England and Scotland this year, including the disappearance of the hen harriers 'Chance' and 'Highlander' and several suspicious red kite deaths in Yorkshire. Together with recent cases involving pole traps, as well as a 'decoy bird' to attract hen harriers, it's clear that some people are still breaking the law and a different approach is needed to tackle this illegal activity.

The RSPB believes reform can only come from the licensing of grouse shooting, as this would mean shoots could be banned if birds of prey are killed illegally. Mr Harper says the charity will continue to work with partners on the ground, including raptor workers, landowners who wish to cooperate, the public and the police.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.