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Polecat makes surprise visit to council offices
Employees at the Welshpool Youth Centre were left shocked after they spotted a polecat lurking on the premises.
RSPCA officer returns animal safely to the wild 

An unusual critter made a surprise appearance at Powys Council offices in Wales on Tuesday (11 September), prompting staff to contact the RSPCA.

Employees at the Welshpool Youth Centre were left shocked after they spotted a polecat lurking on the premises. Fortunately, the polecat was in good health and confined to a room, before being rescued by an RSPCA officer.

RSPCA inspector Phil Lewis collected the polecat and returned it to a nearby field. He said that returning wildlife to where it belongs can be “one of the most rewarding parts of the job.”

“Fortunately, the wild animal was safe and well, and was carefully confined before I came to complete the rescue, and return him to where he belongs,” he said.

“Rescuing and releasing wild animals is often one of the most rewarding parts of the job – and we’re grateful to the staff member who called us, and helped ensure an adventurous day ended safely for the polecat!”

Cllr Phyl Davies, Powys County Council’s cabinet member for property and assets, said: “This is probably one of the most unusual visitors to one of our buildings. It came as a shock to staff when they found it in the office. 

I would like to thank staff from the RSPCA for safely collecting the polecat from the office and releasing it back into the wild.”

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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.