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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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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
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Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk