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Goat's bleating mistaken for cries for help
goats
Police say a member of the public misheard the goats' bleating, believing it to be cries for help. (file photo)

Rescue helicopter goes on 40-mile round trip and finds goats

A worried member of the public sparked a police helicopter search after mistakenly reporting screams for help in Cheddar Gorge, Somerset - which turned out to be a goat and her kid.

Following the 999 call reporting cries from the cliffs, a police helicopter was sent from Filton in Bristol, 20 miles away.

Within minutes of arriving at Cheddar Gorge, however, police quickly realised the sounds were actually coming from a goat and her kid.

Avon and Somerset Police said: "The caller reported hearing cries from the cliffs. Any concern for welfare is taken very seriously, particularly in areas where walkers can fall and injure themselves.


"Our search and rescue team were in the area and checked the cliffs using video and thermal imaging. We couldn’t find anyone in distress. However, there were a number of goats on the cliffs and it is possible that the member of public misheard."

The National Police Air Service, tweeted: "Cheddar Gorge reports of cries for help. We located a goat and her baby believed responsible for the calling. We're not kidding!"

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.