Rare shark discovered on UK coastline

A rare species of shark usually found in the tropics has been found on the UK coastline for the first time in recorded history.

The animal was discovered on a beach at Hope Cove near Plymouth, Devon and reported to experts at the National Marine Aquarium who believe it is a crocodile shark usually found in tropical waters all around the globe.

James Wright, Curator at the National Marine Aquarium, said: “This species has never been recorded in the UK before as it is normally found in deep waters during the day in tropical climates such as Brazil and Australia, then coming shallower at night to feed. This time of year though UK waters are at their coldest so this occurrence is very unusual.

“With the crocodile shark accustomed to much warmer waters travelling so far and reaching colder waters would have caused a shock to its system and account for the cause of death. We would urge the public to share any other unusual sightings with us or The Shark Trust so we can monitor any trends,” he said.

A taxi service for pets

Two animal-lovers have launched a taxi service with the aim that pet owners never have to worry again. Jamie Agar and her business partner Jenny Thompson found that animal lovers who couldn’t drive were struggling to get taxis with their pets — which of course is highly frustrating when making appointments for the vets.

But thanks to the pair, who have recently set up JA’s Pet Transport Services, four-legged passengers can now sit back and be chauffeured in their Renault Megane.

Jamie, who resides in Blurton, the UK, was inspired to start her pet-taxi business after growing sick of seeing pet owners denied taxis and being charged extra just for handling an animal.

She said: “People have been saying that they are struggling to get places in taxis who won’t take them with their pet, or they’ve been overcharged because of it.

The majority of money made will go back into the business. “We’re here to help and we try to be as cheap and cheerful as possible, with a base rate of £5,” they said.

Published in Dawn, Young World April 8th, 2017