Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Concerns raised following Belfast Zoo animal escapes
A chimpanzee (not pictured) managed to escape its enclosure after building a makeshift ladder from a tree branch.

Politicians call for a review into safety measures

Concerns have been raised about safety at Belfast Zoo after two animals were able to escape from their enclosures.

In January, an endangered red panda went missing overnight but was later found safe and well in a nearby garden. Then on Saturday (12 February), a chimpanzee managed to escape after building a makeshift ladder from a tree branch.

Speaking to BBC News about the chimpanzee incident, Clare Bailey, Green Party leader for Northern Ireland, said: "I've seen videos of the escape and it shows it was cool, calm and well executed.

"We need to really start looking at what's going on at Belfast Zoo. I would be keen to meet up with the zoo (managers) and have these conversations."

Alliance North Belfast Councillor Nuala McAllister said that she had contacted Zoo owner Belfast City Council to ask for an urgent review into the containment of animals, with a particular focus on safety measures.

"The council has a duty of care around the welfare of animals at the zoo but we also need to ensure the safety at all times of the public,” she said.

Belfast City Council said in a statement that the incident was “highly unusual”.

A spokesperson added: "We would like to reassure the public that Belfast Zoo is fully committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all our visitors.

“Zookeepers carry out a range of checks as part of their daily duties, including ensuring enclosures are free from objects which could pose a security risk to animals or visitors.

"Zoo management is assessing whether the tree branch used in the escape fell after morning checks had been completed."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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. 

Click here for more...
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.