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African spotted genet found at depot
spotted genet
Vets identified the exotic animal as a spotted genet, native to Africa.

Exotic pet travelled 120 miles in 18 days

An African spotted genet found curled up in a tyre at a Milton Keynes depot has been reunited with its owner.

Two workers at the city’s Mercedes Benz depot discovered the animal and took it to local vets, fearing it may have hitched a ride on a foreign delivery truck, according to MKCitizen.

Vets identified the animal as a spotted genet, a carnivore that is native to more than 25 African countries. As they were initially unable to locate a microchip, Vets4Pets Milton Keynes posted an appeal for information on their Facebook page.

Staff at the practice were shocked to discover the genet’s owner lived in Brighton, meaning it had travelled around 120 miles in 18 days. It is thought it may have been stolen and later escaped.

According to MKCitizen, vets eventually found a microchip that had migrated near to the genet’s tail, which proved its ownership.

Owner Kyle Watson told BBC News the two-year-old animal - named Kamarla - had been eating “non-stop” since returning home.

Image © Vets4Pets

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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.

 

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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.