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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

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.