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Agoraphobic owl given his own house
Owl is scared of flying in big open spaces

A great grey owl that is scared of flying outside has had an aviary built inside his own brick house.

The agoraphobic owl, called Gandalf, was first put in the shed temporarily while his owners built his aviary outside, but he didn't want to move.

His owner, Janet Southard, said: "He is a bit of a wuss as he doesn't like flying in big open spaces… so now he has an aviary inside the lovely red brick shed.

"He loves sitting at the window and watching the other birds."

Gandalf, who can be seen staring out of the window by passers by, gave amateur photographer, Mark Bridger, a bit of a fright.

"I looked around a saw this face at the window, then suddenly realised it was an owl. It gave me quite a shock. You don't normally expect to see an owl in a house. He looked quite ghostly."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.