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Lynx return: 'serious consideration' needed
Eurasian lynx
Natural England would have to approve any application to reintroduce lynx into the wild.
Natural England issues statement on possible reintroduction

Any possible release of Eurasian lynx in the UK would need 'very serious consideration', Natural England has said in a statement.

The Lynx UK Trust recently revealed that it hopes to carry out a trial reintroduction of the species, which has been absent from Britain for around 1,300 years.

Earlier this week, the trust revealed the results of a public survey, which showed 91 per cent of those who took part supported the reintroduction of lynx in the UK.

As the appropriate licensing body in England, Natural England would have to approve any application to reintroduce lynx into the wild.

'Any application to introduce lynx into England would need very serious consideration in terms of its impact right across the UK.

'If such an application were made, Natural England would consider it in line with prevailing legislation; international guidelines; following proper public consultation and evidence gathering, and taking into account any input from Government.'

Lynx UK Trust hope to reintroduce the species to sites in Norfolk, Cumbria, Northamptonshire and Aberdeenshire. It is still exploring possible sites for a Welsh reintroduction. Up to six lynx would be fitted with a satellite collar and released at each site. They would then be monitored for three-five years.

The team believe the trial reintroduction could offer a natural solution to deer overpopulation in the UK, regenerating forests and boosting the ecosystem.

However, the National Farmers Union opposes the scheme, believing efforts and funds should be put towards retaining current biodiversity.

Countryside adviser Claire Robinson said: "Lynx have not been in this country for hundreds of years. The environment has changed drastically in that time. We do not know how lynx would behave in the current environment, how they would source their food and what habitat they would use."

So far, Lynx UK Trust's legal advisers have had a preliminary meeting with Natural England to discuss the process of application. The team are continuing to engage in public consultations and education programs, alongside preparing a formal application.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."