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Buzzards left in a cage outside wildlife centre
buzzards
Sadly, the pair are unable to fly due to the cramped conditions in which they were kept.

Scottish SPCA appealing for information

Two buzzards were found abandoned in a dog crate outside the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre. The charity is appealing for information.

Staff at the centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, discovered the birds on Tuesday last week (12 July).

Centre manager Colin Seddon commented: "The birds were in a filthy condition and, judging by the amount of faeces inside the crate, had been kept in there for a considerable amount of time."

Sadly, the pair are unable to fly due to the cramped conditions in which they were kept. According to Mr Seddon, it is too early to say if they will ever be able to fly again.

"It will take a significant amount of work on the part of our wildlife team to get the birds flying if this is possible and then we will have to ensure they are in a suitable condition to fend for themselves in the wild," he added.

It is not yet known how the birds came to be left at the centre. It is a criminal offence to take buzzards from the wild to keep as pets. The Scottish SPCA is asking anyone with information to phone its animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Image © 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.