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Elephant artist raises money
Shanti pays for new enclosure

An Indian elephant named Shanti from Prague Zoo, Czech Republic, has taken the art market by storm.

Shanti is able to paint with her trunk, and her works can earn up to £1,500 each, with profits being put towards a new 1,400 square metre enclosure for her and her herd. She began painting two years ago as part of an experiment into elephant intelligence, but has also starred in movies and worked as a circus performer.

Zoo director Pavel Bobek commented: "Each painting takes her about 20 minutes and luckily she doesn't tire of doing them because there is always a snack at the end of one and she's always hungry."

"She destroyed quite a lot of easels and canvases in the early days but she now has a very light touch," said her keeper Veronika Struplova.

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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.