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Falcon rescued by traffic warden
Bird of prey given second chance.

A peregrine falcon was released from the RSPCA Stapely Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire on New Year's Day after being brought in by a traffic warden.

Lee Gallagher, 40, was patrolling his patch in Birkenhead, Merseyside, during torrential rain when he noticed the falcon sitting in the middle of the road and showing signs of distress. It is believed that attempting to fly in the extreme conditions led to exhaustion.

Mr Gallagher approached the falcon with caution and quickly realised that it needed help. Mr Gallagher said “I am used to handling birds so knew how to approach with my jacket as a shield, but I was very surprised the falcon didn’t try to peck me or attack in any way. It was as if he knew I was there to save him and just stayed in my arms until I got him to the car and then let me stroke the back of his head.”

The falcon was then taken to an RSPCA Wildlife Centre, where it was inspected by a vet and fed up until it had made a full recovery. Mr Gallagher was present when the falcon was released back into the wild on New Year's Day.

Commenting, Andrew Smith of RSPCA Stapely Grange said “It is fantastic that Lee didn’t get into a flap when he found this bird and had the calm of mind to pick it up and bring it to us. It was in quite a bad state and would have struggled had he left it where he was.”

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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."