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WSPA boost Police Wildlife Crime Unit
Charity directly funds MPS unit expansion

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has directly funded the expansion of a specialist unit of the Metropolitan Police Service. The current strength of the Wildlife Crime Unit (WCU) is one Sergeant, one Constable and one member of police auxiliary staff. The WSPA's generosity has allowed for the assignment of an additional Constable and an additional staff member.

This unusual involvement of a charity in directly funding a Police unit came after the WSPA's UK arm grew concerned at the effect UK-wide Austerity reforms would have on tackling wildlife crime. DEFRA Minister Richard Benyon has attempted to secure the WCU's future in Parliament at the national level, but the London unit has been hit particularly hard by increased strain on resources and the impending retirement of current officers. In light of the economic climate and budget cuts, additional centralised funding was not deemed feasible.

Welcoming the news, Head of the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit Sergeant Ian Knox said "I am delighted that the World Society for the Protection of Animals has decided to contribute a significant amount of money to the Wildlife Crime Unit. The extra funding will pay for more staff so we can be more proactive in targeting criminals who seek to exploit animals for financial gain. We will also be able to provide additional support and training to Wildlife Crime Officers across London which will ensure that the Met has the capability to tackle crimes against animals in the future."

WSPA UK Head of External Affairs Simon Pope added "WSPA believes that the knowledge contained in the WCU is an irreplaceable asset to London, national and international enforcement communities. We know that our supporters and Londoners want to see wildlife criminals bought to justice, so it seemed vital now more than ever to safeguard the future of this specialist unit."

The Metropolitan Police have seized in excess of 30,000 endangered species items since 1995, including thousands of pounds worth of raw ivory products that included 24 whole elephant tusks. They were also responsible for the world's largest ever seizure of rhino horn in Kensington last year in which 129 individual horns were confiscated.

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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. 

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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."