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‘Rubbish’ artist plans animal portrait marathon
One of Hercule's 'rubbish' portraits.

The event will raise funds for charities including StreetVet.

A ‘rubbish’ animal portrait artist who rose to fame during lockdown is planning to undertake a portrait marathon to raise funds for the charities StreetVet and Turning Tides.

Hercule Van Wolfwinkle, real name Phil Heckels, will walk 26 miles from Worthing to Brighton and back again on Sunday, 14 May. Along the way he’ll be stopping once a mile to badly draw the pets of people who come out to see him on his route.

Hercule started to draw what he describes as ‘rubbish’ portraits of pets in 2020 to entertain his son during the first coronavirus lockdown.

After his work went viral online, he began to use his lack of artistic talent to raise money for charity. People commissioning portraits of their pets from Hercule have been encouraged to make a donation to one of his two chosen charities: Turning Tides, a local homelessness charity, and StreetVet, which provides free veterinary care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.

One famous face who received a portrait from Hercule was Paul O’Grady, who was an ambassador for StreetVet.

Since he started fundraising, Hercule has raised more than £260,000 for the two charities.

Jade Statt, clinical director, brand ambassador and co-founder of StreetVet, will be joining Hercule for part of the route. She said: “We are so incredibly happy to have Hercule supporting us, his drawings are hilarious and never fail to make us laugh. His fundraising efforts have been of incredible help to us and we love the idea of his portrait marathon.”

Those who wish to donate to StreetVet, but won’t be able to make it to the route, are encouraged to donate online.

 

Image (C) Hercule Van Wolfwinkle

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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.