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Born Free embarks on biggest lion relocation in history
The cubs have been transferred to a safe location near Lyon.

Charity rescues four cubs kept as pets in France

International wildlife charity Born Free is set to embark on its biggest relocation of rescued lions in 35 years. 

The charity plans to relocate four lions cubs from captivity in France and transfer them to a sanctuary in South Africa.

The cubs, Horus, Kuuma, Dadou and ‘Girl’ (yet to be named), are just a few months old and were taken from their mothers before they were weaned. They have since been kept as pets in different locations in France, suffering terrible living conditions and battling illness.

Born Free says that it does not know how the cubs ended up as pets but it is thought that they may have come from travelling circuses.

Thanks to the French authorities and Born Free, the cubs have been transferred to a safe location near Lyon and now await transfer to Born Free’s Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa.

Born Free’s head of animal welfare Chris Draper, who is overseeing the relocation, said: “The tragic stories of these cubs are the direct result from the appalling and continued demand for wild animals as ‘pets’ and in circuses.

“These four cubs face a happier future in our care, but we must also work to stamp out the trade in wild animals as pets and bring to an end the use of wild animals in circuses once and for all.”

To help make the mission a success, Born Free is asking from donations from the public. The total cost of relocating the cubs could reach £60,000 while the cost of looking after each cub, per year, could be as much as £9,000.

For more information about the mission or to make a donation visit www.bornfree.org.uk or text LIONS to 70755 to give £10.00

Image (C) Born Free/George Logan.

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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.