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Lynx return: 'serious consideration' needed
Eurasian lynx
Natural England would have to approve any application to reintroduce lynx into the wild.
Natural England issues statement on possible reintroduction

Any possible release of Eurasian lynx in the UK would need 'very serious consideration', Natural England has said in a statement.

The Lynx UK Trust recently revealed that it hopes to carry out a trial reintroduction of the species, which has been absent from Britain for around 1,300 years.

Earlier this week, the trust revealed the results of a public survey, which showed 91 per cent of those who took part supported the reintroduction of lynx in the UK.

As the appropriate licensing body in England, Natural England would have to approve any application to reintroduce lynx into the wild.

'Any application to introduce lynx into England would need very serious consideration in terms of its impact right across the UK.

'If such an application were made, Natural England would consider it in line with prevailing legislation; international guidelines; following proper public consultation and evidence gathering, and taking into account any input from Government.'

Lynx UK Trust hope to reintroduce the species to sites in Norfolk, Cumbria, Northamptonshire and Aberdeenshire. It is still exploring possible sites for a Welsh reintroduction. Up to six lynx would be fitted with a satellite collar and released at each site. They would then be monitored for three-five years.

The team believe the trial reintroduction could offer a natural solution to deer overpopulation in the UK, regenerating forests and boosting the ecosystem.

However, the National Farmers Union opposes the scheme, believing efforts and funds should be put towards retaining current biodiversity.

Countryside adviser Claire Robinson said: "Lynx have not been in this country for hundreds of years. The environment has changed drastically in that time. We do not know how lynx would behave in the current environment, how they would source their food and what habitat they would use."

So far, Lynx UK Trust's legal advisers have had a preliminary meeting with Natural England to discuss the process of application. The team are continuing to engage in public consultations and education programs, alongside preparing a formal application.

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Rabbit Awareness Week set to return this summer

News Story 1
 Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) is returning this summer, running from 24-28 June 2024. The theme for this year will be 'Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies'.

The focus on rabbits' diet comes after the most recent PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report report revealed that 42 per cent of veterinary professionals identified inappropriate diet as one of the five most important rabbit welfare issues that need to be address.

The campaign will include veterinary blogs, videos, and digital waiting room resources. Practices can sign up to receive updates about RAW. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CVS Group hit by cyber attack

CVS Group, which owns more than 450 veterinary practices in the UK, has been hit by a cyber attack.

In a statement, the group said the incident involved unauthorised external access to a limited number of its IT systems. As soon as the attack was discovered, the group took its IT systems temporarily offline, causing 'considerable operational disruption'.

It has warned that the security steps taken and ongoing plans to move its operational systems and IT infrastructure to the Cloud are likely to have an ongoing impact over a number of weeks.

Due to the risk that personal information was accessed, CVS has informed the Information Commissioner's Office. The company is working with third party consultants to investigate the incident.