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RSPCA searching for owner of singing cockatiel
Peek-a-boo was rescued on 14 November, in the Kearsley area of Bolton.
The male cockatiel was found in a street in Greater Manchester.

The RSPCA is hoping to reunite a talkative and tuneful parrot with his owner, after he was found straying in Bolton.

The charity believes that the male cockatiel, which they have named Peek-a-boo, originally came from a loving and caring home, due to his tame behaviour and ‘charming’ personality.

Peek-a-boo was rescued by the RSPCA on 14 November, after a member of the public found him near a bench on a road in the Kearsley area of Bolton. He was found uninjured, and taken into private boarding accommodation.

He soon impressed his rescuers when he broke into song while being moved from his boarding accommodation to stay with one of the charity’s foster carers. Once he had settled with his foster carer, he began to sing and talk more often.

A popular favourite of Peek-a-boo’s is ‘If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands’, which he sings regularly to claps of encouragement, and rounds off with a loud peck on his perch.

The RSPCA say that his intelligence and personality indicate that he is a loved family pet, meaning it is likely that he escaped accidentally. However, his ring did not provide enough information for them to locate his owner.

Helen Chapman, an RSPCA animal rescue officer, said: “Peek-a-boo is extremely tame and is a delightful character who has been well looked after and loved by someone, who must have spent a lot of time on him.”

She added: “Once he settled in with one of our regular foster carers, he was singing happily. His voice sounds like he is mimicking an older woman.

“It is such a shame that he is in this situation and if he has escaped accidentally then whoever owns him will surely be heartbroken that he is missing.”

Anyone with useful information should contact RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.

Image © RSPCA

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.