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Loo surprise as snake found in bathroom
Image Lou
Lou
Scottish SPCA appeals for owner of 'Lou'

An Ayrshire resident has discovered a young male corn snake lurking in a vent in his bathroom, the Scottish SPCA has announced.

A resident of Grant Place in Kilmarnock made the discovery on Thursday, January 2, and alerted the animal welfare charity.

The 20-inch long snake has since been named Lou and is being cared for at the SPCA's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Animal Rescue Officer Tricia Smith, said: "I think it's safe to say the man who found Lou got quite a fright. He was in the bathroom when he heard a strange noise coming from inside the vent.

Image Lou

"When he went to investigate, Lou came out of the vent and wrapped himself around the toilet roll holder, where he stayed until I arrived. Lou is around a year old and he's a feisty wee snake. He was flicking his tail as I tried to contain him but he's calmed down now.

"It's likely Lou has strayed from home but unfortunately no neighbours recognised him or knew who he might belong to. Hopefully someone will come forward following our appeal but if we're not able to reunite Lou with his owner we'll find him a new home."

The charity is asking anyone who recognises Lou to contact their helpline on 03000 999 999.

Images courtesy of the Scottish SPCA.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
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BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'