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Escaped elephant in County Cork
Image - EBU
Incident prompts comment from RSPCA

Footage of an incident in which 'Baby', a 2.5 tonne forty-year-old Asian elephant, escaped from Courtney's Circus in Blackpool, County Cork has achieved considerable popularity online and has also prompted a comment from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

The elephant escaped from the circus workers assigned to his care and charged through a junction, a shopping centre, a barrier and approximately 200 metres of the nearby road towards the Blackpool Retail Park before being recaptured. Fortunately, no-one was hurt.

Commenting on the incident and its ramifications, the RSPCA's Head of Wildlife Dr Andrew Kelly said “This disturbing piece of footage highlights our concerns that wild animals such as elephants are totally unsuited to travelling circus life. If Baby has been allowed to escape, it seems likely that her environment is simply not meeting her needs. The footage shows her welfare is clearly at risk and we are particularly concerned about the use of bull hooks to try and move her. This story is a timely reminder of the plight of wild animals in circuses and the need for a proper ban.”

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

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News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.