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Thieving Theo strikes again
black cat close up
Last year Theo found fame when he stole neighbours' Christmas decorations. (file photo)
Suffolk's notorious cat burglar moves on to baby toys

Notorious cat criminal Theo has stopped stealing Christmas decorations and moved onto baby clothes and toys, his owner told BBC news.

The thieving feline made headlines last year when he crept into neighbours' houses and stole their Christmas decorations. This year, however, his owner Rachael Drouet says he has only managed to retrieve one.

Despite this, Theo has not left this thieving ways behind. Miss Drouet told the BBC he has taken to stealing baby clothes and toys, including a personalised bib which she put through her neighbour's letterbox, as she was too embarrassed to speak to them.

His most impressive theft this year was a large rubber dart, which his owner said was "quite big and not easy for him to carry around".

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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.