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Thousands back plan for first Scottish wildcat reserve
Scottish wildcats are 70 times more elusive than the giant panda.
Last remaining stronghold in Scotland is under threat from logging.

More than 800,000 people have backed a plan for the first-ever wildcat reserve in Scotland.

Estimates suggest there are only around 30 Scottish wildcats left in the wild, making them 70 times rarer than the giant panda. Their last remaining stronghold is in the Clashindarroch Forest, Aberdeenshire.

Wildcat Haven - the only organisation focused solely on protecting the wildcat in the wild - discovered a stronghold of 13 wildcats living in the forest. However, the whole area is under threat from logging by government agencies.

Wildcat Haven subsequently launched a petition to stop the logging of the Clashindarroch and make it a protected area. More than 813,000 people have now signed the petition, making it the biggest British wildlife petition of all time.

Dr Paul O’Donoghue said: "The Clashindarroch is the best site in Scotland for the wildcat and the population we have found there is utterly priceless and offers great hope for the future of the species.

"It is astonishing that the last stronghold is being destroyed by the very government that is supposed to be saving it. If there were 13 pandas in there then it wouldn’t be logged and so why is the magnificent Scottish wildcat suffering this fate."

A legal submission has been made to Scottish Natural Heritage setting out their duty to notify the site for designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) making the Clashindarroch the first and only wildcat reserve in Scotland.

Dr O'Donoghue added: "The support for our plans to get SSSI status for the Clashindarroch is simply unprecedented and cannot be ignored by the government. The people have spoken and the message is clear. Save the wildcat in the wild where they belong."

 

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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.