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Hen harriers 'close to being wiped out'
Image - www.larne.gov.uk
RSPB alleges illegal persecution by gamekeepers

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has warned that hen harriers are "close to being wiped out" in light of the fact that only one breeding pair have displayed signs of nesting this year. If this were the case, it would constitute the worst breeding season since their reintroduction in the 1960s following an earlier extinction in the 19th Century.

The charity has also alleged that the species is suffering from illegal persecution from gamekeepers of shooting estates on the grounds that the species is a predator of game birds such as grouse. A report commissioned by the Government had previously concluded that the English uplands were able to support in excess of 300 pairs of hen harriers but illegal persecution was preventing this.

Commenting, RSPB Conservation Director Martin Harper said "The hen harrier is noted for its wonderful roller coaster display flight, but this bird's population in England is also on an extreme roller coaster ride itself. After recolonising England, the bird is now perilously close to being wiped out in England again as a result of decades of persecution. The problem of illegal killing is well understood - we now need government to bring solutions to the table."

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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."