Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 9th April 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Desert lizard found in Surrey park
Lizard
Uromastyx are native to arid desert regions.

RSPCA warns of rise in exotic pets

A desert lizard has been taken in by the RSPCA after it was found wandering around a park in Surrey.

The stray Uromastyx, also referred to as a 'spiny-tailed lizard', 'dabb lizard' or 'uro', is native to arid desert regions. However, this one was found in Blagdon Park in New Maldon.

RSPCA inspector and exotics officer Anthony Pulfer said: “It was a real surprise to find the caller had found a uromastyx lizard as these animals aren’t one of the more common lizards kept as pets.

“Uromastyx come from very warm and dry areas in the wild and therefore need to be kept in a warm and dry environment as appropriate for the particular species if kept in captivity, so the fact this lizard was in a damp and cold park is very worrying. Luckily it’s doing very well."

The animal charity say that they are experiencing a rise in the number of reptiles coming in to thier care.

In 2014, the RSPCA collected almost 2,000 reptiles as a result of cruelty, abandonment and neglect.

Anthony added: "Sadly the RSPCA is experiencing widespread neglect and abandonment of reptiles as for many people an exotic animal represents too much of a commitment.

"We would encourage people who are thinking about taking on an exotic pet to research the needs of the species thoroughly and ensure they can meet them at all times. Caring for a reptile can be difficult and expensive; the animal may grow very large, live for a long time, become aggressive or require a licence or paperwork to be legally kept or sold."

Image (C) RSPCA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.