Trimming a parrot's beak, emptying a dog's anal glands and neutering a cat - then lunch - followed by some tricky horse dentistry, amputating a lamb's leg and calming a distressed client... It's all in a day's work if you're a vet: a delicate balance of managing animal welfare and ethics, educating people in pet ownership and aligning their expectations with real-life outcomes.

As a job, it spans everything from managing the heartbreak of euthanasia, to informing owners that under no circumstances should they take their dog's worming pills, even if they're sure they have worms.

During his twenty-five-year career, Welsh vet Siôn Rowlands has experienced almost every animal medical issue imaginable, from rescuing an injured horse from the edge of a cliff to moisturizing a baby elephant. He's also witnessed ridiculous moments, surreal situations and the real toll it can take on a person. Frank, funny and moving in equal measure, Letting the Cat out of the Bag is a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the uniquely pressurised world of being a vet.

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Siôn Rowlands studied Veterinary Science at Liverpool University, graduating in 1997. His career has been varied with roles both in the UK and Australia. He has worked with small and large animals in private practice and has extensive experience working as a government vet, with responsibilities including the delivery of animal health and welfare work across the UK. Siôn is passionate about highlighting the importance of veterinary surgeons and ensuring their voice adds value in the relevant and important conversations of today. He is also passionate about the next generation of vets, supporting them, where he can, to continue their work and their drive to protect and safeguard.

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Thursday 20 April

7.30 pm (doors open 7.00 pm)

All Saints Lesser Hall, Victoria Square, Penarth

Tickets: £18.00 including a signed hardback copy of Letting the Cat Out of the Bag / £8.00 event only / £5.00 Student Ticket

BOOK NOW: www.ticketsource.co.uk/griffinbooks