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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 31st October 2018
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Group reports ‘worst year’ for Horsey seal injuries
Plastic fishing nets and other items of rubbish are causing serious injuries to seals in Norfolk.

At least 10 seals currently caught up in plastic rubbish

A community group from Norfolk says that 2018 has been “worse than any other” year for seal injuries caused by rubbish.

The Friends of Horsey Seals tracks a seal colony in Norfolk and told BBC News that at least 10 animals currently have nets stuck to them or plastic rubbish tangled around their necks.

The RSPCA also revealed to BBC News that it had treated and released six grey seals from Norfolk so far this year - the highest figure ever reported by the charity.

Alison Charles, manager of the RSPCA's East Winch Wildlife Centre said: “It’s horrifying. They are inquisitive, so they get caught in nets from fishing trawlers and the single nylon lines used in mackerel fishing, and Frisbees - just all the rubbish that's out there.

"I've even seen a seal with a bikini around its neck. As they get larger and larger, it cuts through the skin and they get an infection. They cannot extend their neck, so they cannot fish."

Some of the many injuries reported by The Friends of Horsey Seals include a young adult male that suffered “horrendous” injuries when it found itself caught up in plastic netting. In September 2017, a seal was also left with serious injuries after it got its head stuck in a frisbee.

Volunteer David Wyse said the seals had to be weakened by infection and isolated on the beach before they could be helped.

"Another problem is the females are about to give birth and any serious disturbance to the group could result in miscarriages," he told BBC News.

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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.