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'Beast of Hackney' revealed as huge pet dog
Photo - Helen Murray
Reports of an unidentified 'beast' caused concern in London

The mystery of a huge black creature, dubbed 'The Beast of Hackney Marches', which was photographed in woodland in May, has been solved.

The black animal, spotted skulking amongst the trees, was a temporary cause for concern for local dog-walkers, but peace was restored when it was revealed to be no more than a large Newfoundland dog, belonging to the drummer from the 90s British indie band Kula Shaker.

The dog, named Willow, was photographed by startled student Helen Murray and the photographs promptly published on the front page of a local newspaper.

Her owners, Paul and Nicole Winter-Hart, immediately recognised their pet. Nicole said: "I am still laughing. I think this poor girl, Helen, saw Willow, our dog. My husband recognised her straight away when he saw the paper. He brought a copy to show me and said: ‘Look. Willow’s made the front page!'"

She added: "'I knew it was her immediately. It is funny because our friends call her the Beast of Dunlace Road and now she is the Beast of Hackney Marshes."

However, while it seems that the residents of East London can once again sleep easy in their beds, Helen remains unsure. She commented: "I am pretty sure it was not a dog as it was far too big and its build was not dog-like."

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.