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Seagull found with both feet severed by fishing line
The bird's feathers were covering in blood an dirt as it had been unable to get up off of the wet ground.

Charity issues reminder on dangers of fishing litter for wildlife

The RSPCA are urging those who enjoy fishing to ensure they dispose of their waste tackle and line carefully, after a seagull was found in a garden with both feet severed by fishing litter.

RSPCA inspector Claire Little responded to the call about the injured bird, which was trapped in a residential garden on Friday 20 November.

“The homeowner had spotted the bird trapped in her garden and was concerned about his welfare,” said Ms Little, “She said he was collapsed, couldn’t stand up and couldn’t fly. She could also see blood coming from his legs and said she thought his feet were missing.

“He couldn’t get out of the garden so I was able to catch him quite easily, which is never a good sign. As soon as I had hold of him it became clear what the problem was; he was missing both feet.

“They’d been severed off and he still had a small bit of fishing line twisted around the stubs, embedded very deeply in the skin.”

It was clear the bird couldn't survive in the wild and so the RSPCA were left with no choice but to euthanise the animal.

The charity – which receives around 3,000 calls each year about animals affected by angling litter – is urging fishermen to help prevent future casualties by following the Angling Trust’s Take 5 campaign and making use of the Anglers National Line Recycling Scheme to dispose of their waste tackle and line.

Image (c) RSPCA.

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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.