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'Feathered fugitive' caught stealing fruit
Romeo the parrot
Romeo has been reunited with his owners after flying into a greengrocer's in search of fruit.

Escaped parrot found tucking into stolen watermelon

An escaped parrot has been returned to his owners after brazenly stealing fruit from a local greengrocer.

After escaping from the Tilgate Nature Park in Crawley last week, Romeo, a red lory, took a detour into the fruit and veg shop and promptly began tucking into a slice of watermelon.

To the shock and delight of customers at the Taj Grocer on Haslett Avenue, the colourful escapee then proceeded further into the shop.

“I first noticed him because he is such a bright colour and I’d never seen a bird like it before," says Naveen Kumar from the greengrocer.

“He started flying around the shop though so that is when I thought I should call the RSPCA to come and catch him.

“Everybody in the shop really liked him and lots of our customers were filming him and taking pictures.”

Romeo was recaptured by RSPCA inspector Andrew Kirby and taken to the charity's animal centre in Patcham, near Brighton. He has since been reunited with the team at Tilgate Nature Park.

Mr Kirby said: “He seemed to take a shine to all the fruit at the shop, but I think he must have been quite tired. Although he was only a few miles from where he escaped, that is quite a long way for a bird not used to flying such distances."

Image courtesy of the RSPCA.

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.