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Illegal wildcat fur coat seized in Buxton
Geoffroy's cat
Geoffroy’s cats (Leopardus geoffroyi) have the highest level of protection under Cites.

Geoffroy’s cat fur was being sold in town centre shop

Derbyshire Police have seized an illegal fur coat made from the pelt of a Geoffroy’s cat. The fur was being sold from a shop in Buxton town centre.

Native to South America, Geoffroy’s cats (Leopardus geoffroyi) have the highest level of protection under Cites. Anyone selling this type of fur must have a proper licence unless it pre-dates 1947.

Police say they were alerted that the coat was genuine fur and, working with the National Wildlife Crime Unit, they sized the fur on 8 February.

PC Emerson Buckingham said: “Geoffroy’s cats used to be widely hunted for their pelts, which were then made into garments and sold in the fur trade. When the cats were placed under the CITES scheme, that trade dropped off but we still see these kinds of furs, of many different prohibited species, being sold.

“The trade of any CITES animal is prohibited and anyone who sells them on is only encouraging the illegal killing of animals and trade of their pelts. These animals have protection for a reason and it’s important that we and the National Wildlife Crime Unit take action to prevent such trade whenever we have the chance.”

The owner of the fur coat has been dealt with by community resolution.
Wildlife crime offences can be reported to police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.

Image by Charles Barilleaux/Wikipedia/CC BY 2.0

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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.