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Gull dies after becoming trapped in netting
The gull trapped in netting attached to the Royal Mail's Cardiff Mail Centre.

Incident a “reminder” to monitor bird deterrents

A gull has died in Cardiff after getting stuck in bird-deterrent netting.

RSPCA Cymru was contacted after the gull was seen trapped in netting attached to the Royal Mail's Cardiff Mail Centre earlier this month.

The charity enlisted the support of firefighters to rescue the bird, which was trapped around 18ft in the air. But sadly he was found to be badly cut, with sores to his wings, and had to be euthanised.

The RSPCA said the incident is a sad reminder about the importance of maintaining and monitoring deterrence netting to protect birds. If netting is not checked and maintained then birds are at risk of dying from injury or starvation.

“Sadly, netting on buildings can be fatal for wild birds, who can easily become trapped,” commented RSPCA animal collection officer Fiona Thomas. “This gull became trapped on this Penarth Road building, and when rescued was found to be so badly injured that – on welfare grounds – he sadly had to be put to sleep.

“We feel this incident is another reminder about how important it is to monitor bird deterrent wire or netting on buildings, which can pose a troublesome obstacle for Wales' wild birds.”

She continued: “There are some circumstances where netting can be an effective means of keeping birds off structures as it can prevent problems without needing to resort to other measures such as killing birds. However, it’s vitally important that any netting is properly installed and maintained.

“The RSPCA is exceptionally grateful to firefighters from the South Wales Fire Rescue Service, who helped us come to the gull’s aid and at least prevent further suffering.”

Image (C) RSPCA.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.