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Winners of RSPCA Young Photographer Awards revealed
Ben's image of a mountain hare at sunset scooped first prize in the prestigious RSPCA photography competition.

Ben Harrot scooped first prize for his image of a mountain hare at sunset.

The winners of the 2022 RSPCA Young Photographer Awards have been revealed, with 17-year-old Ben Harrot clinching the top prize of a weekend photography break.

Ben was crowned overall winner for his image of a mountain hare at sunset. Judges praised his ability to capture the rare encounter with such a shy animal, and the bravery of the near-abstract composition.

He said: “I’m so happy that the judges liked my photo of a Mountain Hare so much. Winter at my local moorland is often cold, and this particular day was freezing! The winter sun was out which didn't help at all, and after walking for hours I finally spotted this mountain hare. 

“After an hour of steady approach, I was the closest I've ever been to a mountain hare. The sun was setting, and the mountain hare was fully relaxed in my presence, so I was able to photograph this individual up close as the sun was going down.”

This is not the first time Ben has won an award in the RSPCA annual photo competition for young people. In the 2021 awards, he was named runner-up in the portfolio category for a series of red fox images. 

The RSPCA Young Photographer Awards invites youngsters aged 18 years and under to capture the animal kingdom on a camera or a mobile device. 

Other prize winners included Lily Logan from Yorkshire, who was a runner-up in the 12-15 mobile category with her portrait of Angus the cat; Thomas Easterbrook, from Buckinghamshire, whose image of an orange tip butterfly was commended in the Small World category and Demmi Havenhand from Northumberland for ‘Baby Face’, her portrait of puppy Carrie, which won the Pet Personalities category. 

The judging panel included wildlife photographer, TV presenter and RSPCA vice president Chris Packham; wildlife photographer Rachel Bigsby, former competition winner-turned-professional photographer Catriona Parfitt; professional wildlife photographer and photographic guide Ellie Rothnie; and RSPCA photographers Andrew Forsyth and Emma Jacobs. 

Ben received a weekend photographic "Deer Rut Special" break with the crew at Natures Images of award-winning wildlife photographer Danny Green. Winners in each category also received trophies and a variety of gifts. 

Image (C) Ben Harrot/RSPCA.

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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.