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Escaped snake reunited with owner after 18 months
corn snake
Paul was reunited with Heston after providing descriptions of very distinctive marks matching those of the escapee.

Pet rescued from neighbour’s drainpipe
 
Heston, the corn snake, escaped from his vivarium and has been found 18 months later at a neighbouring property in Strand Road, Wirral.

Animal welfare officer John Littlewood was called to the home to rescue Heston last Wednesday, after he was spotted slithering out of plastic piping from a neighbour’s washing machine.

Owner Paul Sheratt was "shocked" when the snake was confirmed as Heston, after giving up hope of finding him. "I was talking to a neighbour when they mentioned that a snake had been found at one of the houses on the street. When they described it to me it did sound just like Heston."

Mr Sheratt was reunited with Heston after providing descriptions of very distinctive marks matching those of the escapee.

Mr Littlewood said: "It is very unusual for a snake to survive on his own in the open for so long as snakes have very particular environmental needs."

The RSPCA are advising owners to ensure their vivaria are safe and secure to prevent snakes escaping.

Mr Sheratt is delighted to have him home. "It’s great to have him back. We just wonder where he has been all this time!"

Image © RSPCA

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
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RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.