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New Stamps Highlight Plight of UK’s Mammals
One of the stamps pictures a water vole, as shown above.
The Wildlife Trusts are working to ensure the ten species of UK mammals, featured on new stamps issued today by The Royal Mail, have a wild future - not a sticky end.

Thanks to schemes undertaken by The Wildlife Trusts across the UK, many of these species - including the dormouse, otter, water vole and greater horseshoe bat - are on the road to recovery.

Paul Wilkinson, head of Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We welcome The Royal Mail stamp mammal series in this, the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB).

“Many people are enthused and inspired by imagery of these creatures; sleeping dormice, sleek otters and the adorable water vole – known fondly as ‘Ratty’ in Wind in the Willows – but some may not be aware of the work which goes on to ensure there is enough high quality habitat for them.

Another of the stamps features an otter.
“The Wildlife Trusts are working with landowners, local authorities and other partners on large-scale habitat restoration projects, to create A Living Landscape for wildlife and people, which will help many of these mammals, including otters, regain some ground. The Wildlife Trusts remain committed to further successes in years to come.

Paul continued: “The work we’ve been carrying out to conserve and protect these charismatic animals on reserves and in the wider landscape has been successful in preventing their further decline. But it’s vital we all see the bigger picture if we are to secure a future for these ten, and many other species of wildlife.”

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."