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Hedgehog should be a symbol for Britain, MP says
hedgehog
Mr Colvile is calling on housing developers to create holes in fences to make it easier for hedgehogs to travel between gardens.
Granting hedgehogs national status could help protect them

The hedgehog should become a national symbol for the UK, Oliver Colvile MP has said.

Mr Colvile, Conservative MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, plans to launch a petition to award the animal national status, like the kangaroo in Australia or the bald eagle in the US.

Britain's hedgehog population is said to have fallen from 30 million to less than a million in the past 60 years. Mr Colvile hopes that granting the species national status will raise its profile and encourage people to protect it.

During a debate in the House of Commons this week, the Tory backbencher called on ministers to encourage housing developers to consider hedgehogs when they build new homes.

"What we need to do is get holes created [in fences]," he told The Times. "The government needs to make it as easy as possible for hedgehogs to move between gardens to get more room…

"The creation of specialist habitats when building new housing developments would certainly help in making a statement of intent and would, I hope, begin to boost the population of this beloved animal."

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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.