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Worker finds five foot snake in van
Image corn snake
A red corn snake, similar to the one found in the hire van.
Hired van contains a large surprise

A 5ft long snake has caused a stir after slithering into a hired van. The North American red corn snake was found by a stunned worker who had hired the van to move some mattresses.

Steve Potter, 40, who works at bedding firm J Rosenthal in Bury, told the Telegraph he was in "complete and utter disbelief" when he opened the van to find the reptile.

It is believed the snake may have been left behind by somebody who had previously hired the van to move house.

Bury Van Hire called in reptile expert Joe McQuade, also known as Crocodile Joe, to rescue the animal.

Joe, 45, told the Telegraph: "He's gorgeous. Whoever owns him will be really missing him I imagine. These animals are great escape-artists and owners need to be responsible.

"They often get free and it's only a matter of time before a venomous snake gets out and something bad happens."

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.