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ZSL announce new Thames marine mammal code of conduct
Seal in the water
"Many people are surprised to discover that marine mammals like seals and porpoises are found in the Thames."
The code of conduct will raise awareness of marine mammals, says ZSL

A code of conduct to ensure the well-being of marine mammals in the Thames launches today (July 3).

Conservationists from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL)  have created the Thames Marine Mammal Code of Conduct in time for the peak summer season. The aim is to improve awareness and protection of the river's residents.

The code provides practical tips on what to do if a seal or porpoise is spotted in the water or on land, helping members of the public, recreational boat users and commercial users of the river make the most of their wildlife encounters without disturbing any marine mammals.

Reports of marine mammals being disturbed by boats or by people doing water sports, or being stressed by dogs, are not uncommon. Conservationists believe that many of these incidents result from the public being unaware of the presence of marine mammals in and around the estuary.
 
Joanna Barker, conservation scientist at ZSL, said: “Many people are surprised to discover that marine mammals like seals and porpoises are found in the Thames. We hope that the code of conduct will raise awareness of their presence and enable people to enjoy them from a safe distance.”

The code recommends keeping at least 100 metres away from any marine mammal seen in the water, as they are sensitive to noise. It also advises putting dogs on a lead and leaving the area if seals are spotted, as seals may perceive a dog as a threat and become distressed.
 
Joanna Barker adds: “We rely heavily on public sightings to inform our understanding of marine mammals in the Thames. Armed with the code of conduct, the public should have better interactions with marine mammals and subsequently be able to provide us with more valuable information about the river’s wildlife.”
 
The Thames Marine Mammal Code of Conduct is available to download from the ZSL website: www.zsl.org/marinemammals. Sightings of marine mammals can be reported using ZSL’s interactive map: www.zsl.org/inthethames or with #inthethames.

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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."