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Goshawk rescue prompts ownership warning
Owned goshawks must be registered by their keeper under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Owned goshawks must be either ringed or microchipped.

An illegally-owned goshawk rescued from a town in Wales has prompted the RSPCA to issue a warning about the ownership of these spectacular birds of prey.

The male goshawk was spotted by a member of the public in Tonypandy and collected by the RSPCA. He was wearing jesses but was not ringed or microchipped – suggesting the bird was owned illegally.

RSPCA chief inspector Elaine Spence said: “The law surrounding goshawks is clear - but this incident has prompted us to issue a reminder to the public.

“Except in specific and time-limited cases of rehabilitation, keepers must register them, and either ring or microchip them - but that hadn't happened to this goshawk. This gives us cause to believe this goshawk was illegally owned - and sadly, we know goshawk nests are frequently a target for wildlife crime.”

Owned goshawks should be registered by their keeper under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and must be either ringed or microchipped. The only exception is for those rehabilitating a sick, injured or disabled bird of prey, where authorised persons can provide treatment under general licence for a period of 15 days.

The RSPCA said that the goshawk has a small wing injury and is receiving treatment at a specialist centre.

 

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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.