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Petition calls for microchip rules to be reconsidered
The group has contacted a number of specialist reptile vets and says over two dozen advised that they do not agree with microchipping tortoises from 60mm.
Concerns over requirement to chip 60mm tortoises

A petition has been launched calling for Cites to reverse its decision to change microchipping rules for tortoises, amid concerns that the practice could cause ‘undue pain and suffering’.

All tortoises of 60mm SCL (straight carapace length) or above must now be microchipped before they can be issued with an Article 10 Certificate. Previously, tortoises of less than 100mm SCL did not require a microchip.

The Tortoise Protection Group, which started the petition, said in a statement: ‘Whilst we applaud and support any legislation to reduce the trafficking of illegal tortoises, we do not believe in any legislation that causes undue pain and suffering to an animal, or putting any animal’s health at risk.’

The group has contacted a number of specialist reptile vets and says over two dozen advised that they do not agree with microchipping tortoises from 60mm SCL. Some have even refused to microchip tortoises as small as this.

Burnham House Veterinary Surgery in Dover supplied the group with x-ray images that demonstrate their concerns. In one x-ray, a tortoise of 60mm is shown lying over an applicator gun which would be inserted into the animal’s leg. However, the gun appears to be as wide as the bone in the tortoise’s rear leg. Another image shows the tortoise lying over a mini microchip, showing its relative size compared with the rear leg.

The Tortoise Protection Group says it will be writing to UK Cites with its x-ray evidence, as well as evidence from reptile vets, in the hope that they will reinstate the 100mm rule. A petition is also running on Care2 Petitions: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/925/155/763/?taf_id=40216450&cid=fb_na

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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.