Congratualtion of Becky and Mark Pollard on the safe arrival of their son Oliver Peter on 28th December 2011.

Petplan Veterinary Awards for 2012 – Vote now! Petplan are now accepting nominations for their prestigious 2012 Veterinary Awards. The awards are designed to recognise dedication and commitment in veterinary practice and include Vet of the Year, Nurse of the Year, Support Staff of the Year and Practice of the Year. Many thanks to all of you who nominated members of staff last year. It is great to know that so many of you feel we deliver a really valuable service. If you feel you have received excellent care and would like to share your experience and nominate us this year, please visit www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards/ to cast your vote. The deadline for nominations is 10th February 2012.

A big cake for a big birthday!   Happy Birthday James.

.BE KIND TO WILDLIFE

During spring or summer you might find young birds or animals which you feel have been abandoned but in most cases their mother is close by so “rescuing” them will do more harm than good! Any unnecessary human interference will greatly lessen a young wild animal’s chance of survival.

BIRDS—Young birds outside the nest are fledglings just learning to fly, but one or both parents may be nearby while feeding and will be looking out for them. Please don’t try to return the bird to its nest, move it a short way away if it appears in immediate danger, leave the site well alone and check in an hour or so if worried. If you feel the bird is genuinely orphaned, or the bird is obviously sick then put it in a dark warm box and take to a vet or the RSPCA for treatment and rehabilitation.

DEER—If you come across a young fawn it is probably waiting for its mother who may be off finding food so please leave it alone as young deer are very resilient and often die of stress.

FOXES—Fox cubs may also be seen alone near their earth but parents will be nearby. Fox cubs are also resilient and human intervention will do more harm than good. However, if you think a cub is sick or distressed leave some dog food and water and check again in 24 hours. If you have to take it to a vet, handle as little as possible and make a note of where you found it.

HEDGEHOGS—Baby hedgehogs out in daytime may be unwell or in trouble and so may need help. If so put it in a dark warm box and take to a vet or the RSPCA.

If you really want to help please don’t touch-it seems cruel but is often much
kinder to leave wildlife well alone but do go back later to check.

RSPCA contact numbers
General information 0300 1234 555(office hours)
To report an injured animal 0300 1234 999