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US Rhino horn smuggling ring arrested
Seven arrested by Federal Agents

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) have announced the arrest of seven people by Federal Agents in a multi-state undercover operation to tackle the smuggling of rhino horns. Deputy Chief of Law Enforcement for the FWS Edward Grace confirmed that all seven would be charged with multiple counts including conspiracy and trafficking in endangered species.

Agents working on Operation CRASH arrested individuals in New York, New Jersey, Texas and California. Alleged trafficker Stephen Wade was stopped at an unnamed California airport in the company of his family and a search found $337,000 in their luggage, while Jimmy Kha, Mai Nguyen and Felix Kha were all taken into custody in Southern California. Amir Even-Ezra, Jin Zhao Feng (a Chinese citizen) and David Hausman (an antiques expert) were also detained.

20 rhino horns, $1 million in gold ingots, a quantity of diamonds and Rolex watches were also seized by the Federal Agents. Officials confirmed that at least 18 shipments of rhino horns sent by the Steffen family to an exotic animals auction house owner had also been intercepted.

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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.