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'Eccentric' owner moves horse into home
Neighbours alarmed, Environmental Health Dept. informed.

The owner of a Connemara pony on the Scottish Isle of Lewis has made an original response to the eviction of her pony from grazing land on Christmas Eve after a dispute over payment. Stephanie Noble, 65, spent Christmas Day moving furniture inside her home to permit access and allow for appropriate space, then brought Grey Lady Too inside. It is now living there full time.

Ms Noble, a qualified riding instructor, has made structural alterations to the property and has moved upstairs. The horse is allowed out onto the house's lawn at will, although she has already eaten some plants in the adjoining garden of a neighbour. The great quantity of manure in the garden has provoked comment, and Ms Noble has conceded that she is obliged to use "lot of cat litter and hay" inside. Representatives of the local Environmental Health Department have visited the property.

The situation has prompted a concerned response from Ms Noble's neighbours. One neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said "We are shocked that the environmental health or animal cruelty people have not intervened, even if it is her own home.”

Another added "There are potentially serious health issues and I believe Western Isles Council is wrong to play softly-softly and is failing in its duty to the rest of us by allowing this farce to continue. She has been here for eight or nine years and has upset many people in that time. There are neighbours from hell, and then there is Ms Stephanie Noble." Ms Noble was recently arrested during an altercation over access to a shed for Grey Lady Too and is currently responding to allegations of drink-driving.

Ms Noble, however, is remaining defiant. "If I want to even keep an elephant in the house I can," she has announced. "I have had nothing but stick from people because it is unconventional”.

The SSPCA have urged Ms Noble to entrust the pony to their care on welfare grounds. Gill MacGregor of the SSPCA said "We do hope that Ms Noble finds the appropriate livery for her pony so that they can remain together but, in the event that this does not happen, we hope she will consider our offer in the best interests of the animal."  

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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.