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Cull stops early in Gloucestershire
Target deemed unlikely to be met during extension period

Badger culling in Gloucestershire was stopped ahead of schedule on Saturday (November 30), as it appeared unlikely that targets would be met.

An eight-week extension of the cull licence was granted by Natural England on October 23, after shooters fell short of their target during the initial cull period, removing just 30 per cent of the estimated badger population.

With the aim of effectively reducing bovine TB in cattle, the cull target was to remove 70 per cent of badgers from the area.

While the extended license was due to end on December 18, the decision was made to cease culling at noon last Saturday, after discussions between Natural England, the National Farmers Union and the cull company.

Any significant reduction in badger numbers over the coming weeks was deemed unlikely, based on the declining amount seen by contractors.

A pilot cull in Somerset was also granted a three-week extension after 60 per cent of the badger population was removed. Following the extension period, Defra reported that a total of 940 badgers were killed - representing 65 per cent of the estimated population.

It is expected that parliament will be updated today on the total number of badgers that were killed during the extension period in Gloucestershire.

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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."