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Seal found in Norfolk garden
seal in Norfolk garden
“It’s not uncommon for seals to venture up rivers away from the sea looking for food and they normally manage to find their way back.”
Lost animal made it back to the sea for the new year

A grey seal in search of a new home on New Year’s Eve mistakenly made his way into a Norfolk garden, 2km from the sea.

The lost wanderer was spotted among the trees and shrubbery by a woman at her holiday home in Blakeney.

RSPCA animal collection officer Naemi Kilbey said the seal had made his way into the garden, which is just off a coastal road, through a fence. It is thought he came inland from the sea along the River Glaven, just a short distance from the garden where he was found.

“It’s not uncommon for seals to venture up rivers away from the sea looking for food and they normally manage to find their way back,” Kilbey explained.

“But it looks like this guy’s internal navigation system got a bit frazzled and he ended up a little lost! The lady certainly had a shock when she spotted him lazing around in her shrubbery!”

Fortunately, the seal had no obvious injuries or illnesses so officers released him back into the sea on New Year’s Day.

“It was so lovely to start the new year watching him swim back out to sea where he belongs,” Kilbey added. “Hopefully, he’ll find the new home he was looking for somewhere that’s a little more seal-friendly!”

Image © 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.

 

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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.