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Pigs running wild in Hong Kong
Wild boar
Wild boars are the largest land mammal in Hong Kong.

Driven to the city by development and construction
 
Police in China spent over three hours last week attempting to catch a wild boar which found itself lost in the financial district of Hong Kong.

Footage of the chase was captured on film by Periscope user @Penguinsix, who added to the suspense by humming the Mission Impossible theme tune.

It is the second time that a wild boar has been spotted in the city in two weeks, with the first sighted outside a luxury hotel.

Wildlife experts are blaming the recent incidents on development projects and construction around country parks.

Dr Gary Ades, head of fauna conservation at the Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, told the South China Morning Post that "boars hate change and often panic when their environment changes."

Wild boars are the largest land mammal in Hong Kong, with adults measuring up to two meters long and weighing up to 200kg .

Over the last few years, the animals have been spotted throughout the city in theme parks, shopping malls and private housing estates.

"They're very funny animals," said Gary. "Whenever there is change [in their environment] they just don't want to be there.

"They create these beautiful animal highways in the dirt, which they use to get around, but a moment a new tree is planted there is confusion."

Wildlife experts say that regular feeding by humans (which is illegal), predation by feral dogs, and even the weather may also be driving the pigs into the city.

Drier winters make it difficult for pigs to get to the worms they usually feed on from the ground. 

Image (C) PJeganathan/Wikimedia

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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
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.