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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 4th March 2015
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

Escaped pet mistaken for a bear
coati
Members of the public reported sightings of a "small bear-like animal" in February.

Coatimundi returned home after two months on the run

A runaway exotic pet has been mistaken for a small bear, causing quite a stir among the residents of a small town in Buckinghamshire.

Sightings of a "small bear-like animal" were reported in and around the Marlow area during early February. It was eventually established that the creature was in fact a coatimundi that had escaped from a nearby home two months previously.

Three gardens in particular appear to have been favoured destinations for the coati. RSPCA officers say they had to use a humane trap (usually used for capturing injured animals) to catch the wily creature.

Animal collection officer Dennis Lovell said: "Thanks to the help of the nearby householders we were able to keep an eye on the trap and as soon as he was in there I was able to go down, collect him and return him to his owners.

"Considering he had been on the run for around two months he was in a very good condition and it was lovely to be able to reunite him with his owners."

Coatis originate in South America and, like many exotic pets, can be challenging to look after.

Image © RSPCA

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

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.