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Exotics centre inundated with reptiles
Around 50 snakes, including corn snakes, boa constrictors and king snakes have been admitted to RSPCA Brighton.
Around 50 snakes admitted to RSPCA Brighton

An RSPCA exotics centre is appealing for potential new owners following an influx of forgotten and abandoned reptiles.

Around 50 snakes, including corn snakes, boa constrictors and king snakes have been admitted to RSPCA Brighton.

Staff say that summer is always a busy time for them with reptiles, especially the more commonly-kept species, like corn snakes.  However, this year they have been inundated.

“We have so many beautiful snakes looking for new owners, through no fault of their own, and we would love to see them find their forever homes with caring and responsible owners who know how to care for them properly,” explained RSPCA exotics senior scientific officer Nicola White.
 
“Some were neglected, many were abandoned, and others were signed over to us simply because their previous owners no longer wanted them.”
 
She added: "Reptiles are specialist animals so it is very important that owners research the needs of the particular species thoroughly and make sure they can provide what they need for the entirety of their lives.

“Not everyone has the facilities, time, commitment and understanding needed to look after them properly so we’d ask people to think very carefully before taking them on.”

Anyone who is looking to re-home a snake from the RSPCA should contact the Brighton branch on http://www.rspcareptilerescue.co.uk/

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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.