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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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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.