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Loo surprise as snake found in bathroom
Image Lou
Lou
Scottish SPCA appeals for owner of 'Lou'

An Ayrshire resident has discovered a young male corn snake lurking in a vent in his bathroom, the Scottish SPCA has announced.

A resident of Grant Place in Kilmarnock made the discovery on Thursday, January 2, and alerted the animal welfare charity.

The 20-inch long snake has since been named Lou and is being cared for at the SPCA's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Animal Rescue Officer Tricia Smith, said: "I think it's safe to say the man who found Lou got quite a fright. He was in the bathroom when he heard a strange noise coming from inside the vent.

Image Lou

"When he went to investigate, Lou came out of the vent and wrapped himself around the toilet roll holder, where he stayed until I arrived. Lou is around a year old and he's a feisty wee snake. He was flicking his tail as I tried to contain him but he's calmed down now.

"It's likely Lou has strayed from home but unfortunately no neighbours recognised him or knew who he might belong to. Hopefully someone will come forward following our appeal but if we're not able to reunite Lou with his owner we'll find him a new home."

The charity is asking anyone who recognises Lou to contact their helpline on 03000 999 999.

Images courtesy of the Scottish SPCA.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.