Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

'Snip the straps' off face masks, public urged
RSPCA officers were called out to a gull with a face mask wrapped tightly around its legs.

New figures reveal impact of litter on wildlife since start of lockdown.

The RSPCA has issued a plea to the public to 'snip the straps' off disposable face masks after a gull was found with a mask wrapped tightly around its legs.

The charity reports that the bird has made a full recovery, despite the mask causing swelling to his legs, and hopes that the new 'snip the straps' message will prevent similar incidents from occurring.

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood said: “For many years the public have been aware of the message to cut up plastic six-pack rings before throwing them away to stop animals getting tangled in them, and now we are keen to get out the message that the same should be done for face masks too - as very sadly, animals are susceptible to getting tangled up in them.”

The call comes as new figures show the impact litter has had on animals since the start of lockdown. Since 23 March, RSPCA Cymru reports that it handled 35 separate incidents across the country concerning animals caught in rubbish.

Among the incidents include a swan found with his head stuck in a discarded foam play square, and another swan rescued after getting a barbed fishing hook stuck in his neck. The RSPCA says that the majority of these events are entirely preventable if rubbish is disposed of correctly.

Mr Sherwood added: “Our RSPCA officers have had to rescue animals from getting tangled in face masks and we expect incidents may go up as time goes on, so the best thing to do is to simply cut the elastic ear straps in half before throwing it away.”

Image (C) RSPCA.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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."