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RSPCA sees influx of tawny owlets
Numbers are up by a third compared to last year

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has reported an influx of tawny owlets brought to centres and placed in their care this year. Figures have indicated the number of owlets brought in to the RSPCA is up by a third compared to last year.

Between January and the end of July there were 33 baby birds in the care of the RSPCA and for the same period last year there were 22. The reason for this influx is unknown. However, it is thought the temperamental weather conditions and some extremely wet and windy days through the spring and summer could have contributed.

Most of the baby owls brought into the centre were found on the ground, and on some occasions described as being cold and water-logged. In the case of tawny owls, so long as it is not injured or in danger, the RSCPA recommends when any youngster is found on the ground to put it at the bottom of the tree where its nest is. The little birds can actually climb trees by themselves.

Manager of one of the RSPCA’s centres, Peter Venn, said: “We’ve seen so many of these cute bundles of fluff in this year. It’s hard to know for sure why but it could well be the windy days we have been having could be knocking them off their perch, or causing them issues.

“Sometimes they may have been found at the bottom of the tree and mistakenly picked up by people thinking they need help. In reality tawny owlets can climb trees, so may have been able to find their way back to their nest on their own without interference.

“The good news is that the vast majority have recovered well in our care and been returned happily to the wild.”



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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."