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Pesticides Involved in Almost Half of Wildlife Poisoning
Details of the 159 suspected poisoning incidents investigated by the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) in Scotland last year have been published and show that pesticides were involved in almost half of the incidents. 

In total, 74 of the 159 incidents showed the use of pesticides, (which amounts to 47 per cent) with 36 out of the 74 of those categorised as the abuse of pesticides i.e. deliberate and illegal attempts to poison animals.

The 'Pesticide Poisoning of Animals in 2009' report from the Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) shows that incidents investigated included:

The approved use of pesticides where a buzzard was poisoned by slug pellets even though the product had been applied in accordance with the label instructions
The abuse of pesticides where a poisoned golden eagle was discovered along with a sheep carcase found to be laced with the same pesticide that killed the eagle
The unspecified used of pesticides where a colony of honeybees died after being exposed to a pesticide normally used to control wasps
The incorrect storage of pesticides

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "This report highlights the devastating impact that the irresponsible use of pesticides can have on our countryside and I applaud the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme in Scotland for their work in investigating these incidents throughout the year.

"The evidence provided by the scheme is also a vital tool exposing crimes against wildlife. The figures suggest that birds of prey continue to be the victims of deliberate poisoning and we will continue to work with the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime in Scotland in our efforts to put a stop to these illegal actions.

"Scotland's natural environment is one of our most valuable assets and it is essential that we protect it and ensure that pesticide use is regulated appropriately. The Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture plays a vital role in monitoring this and helps make our countryside a safer place for us all."

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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."