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Future of 137 animals secured by RSPCA as animal sanctuary closes
Lack of donations led to the sanctuary's closure.

Lack of funds leads to closure of Capricorn Animal Sanctuary in Wales

RSPCA Cymru has successfully secured the future of 137 animals formally kept at Capricorn Animal Sanctuary in Padeswood, Wales.

The sanctuary, which has faced enormous financial hardship, was unable to continue taking care of the rescued animals. This pressure would have been intensified due to the vast array of species kept at Capricorn; many of which require complex and expensive care.

A total of 41 cats, 17 birds, 14 rabbits, 10 dogs, 10 hamsters, eight guinea pigs, five bearded dragons, five degus, five pigs, five ferrets, three snakes, two gerbils, one chinchilla and a goose were collected by the RSPCA and transported to boarding establishments and specialist centres. Each animal received an examination by a veterinarian before being transferred.

RSPCA Cymru commented that it would have been “exceptionally difficult” to supply the required level of care for such a large variety of species in a small sanctuary without enough donations from the public.

A statutory inquiry of Capricorn Animal Sanctuary by the Charity Commission led to Guy Hollander of Mazars LLP being appointed as interim manager of Capricorn in July 2018.

Hollander subsequently decided that the sanctuary was no longer viable and contact began with the RSCPA to start the operation of rehoming the animals residing at Capricorn.

The RSPCA are concerned about the lack of regulation of animal sanctuaries in Wales and have long campaigned for a change in the law.

“Many sanctuaries do a great job” stated Claire Lawson, RSPCA Cymru Assistant Director of External Relations. “But the lack of regulation is a major cause for concern.”

Capricorn Animal Sanctuary is not under any RSPCA investigation.

If you wish to help RSPCA Cymru, you can donate online here.

Image (c) RSPCA

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."