Peacocks stop the traffic

Traffic came to a halt after five peacocks went for a leisurely stroll in the road.

Standing in formation and stretching across the width of the lane, the colourful birds stopped cars in Saltwood near Hythe.

Spectators guessed they were heading back home to Saltwood Castle.

Gill Davies-Patrick posted the image to the Hythe Residents Group, along with the caption: "Sometimes you get ducks walking in the road, sometimes you get sheep, or maybe even cows, but not in Saltwood... it’s far too posh for that."

14ft python's sunbathing session

A massive snake was spotting lying out in the sun beside his owner on a cricket ground.

The 14ft albino python, Luna, was let loose by Joe Thelwell in Sittingbourne to soak up some rays.

Trips like this are a common occurrence for Luna, but this particular one was so Joe could do a photo shoot.

Also an owner of a boa constrictor, he has had the police called on him before when he was out in public with his snake.

Dog used to help soothe traumatised victims

Kent Police are using dog to help comfort vulnerable people

A dog has become the first outside the US used to soothe traumatised victims of crime during police interviews.

Two-year-old Oliver, a Labrador-retriever, was the subject of a study into the effect the animals can have on witnesses during investigations and trials.

The project, which is being led by Canterbury Christ Church University and Kent Police, is the first in the world to examine this.

Dogs have been shown to help young victims of serious sexual assaults recall events more accurately to authorities.

During the study, Oliver has been used to comfort victims in police interviews.

Staring out seagulls so they don't steal your chips

Many beach-goers will know the fear of having your chips nicked by a seagull.

You try and cover them up as much as possible, but the birds just don't seem to take the hint.

But new research has found that staring at them may be the answer.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council tweeted about the findings made by University of Exeter, along with their own advice on how best to manage the nuisance birds.

The research showed on average, gulls took 21 seconds longer to approach food when a human was staring at them.

The paw-fect swimming pool

A new swimming pool just for dogs has opened on Sheppey.

Island Dog 'n' Splash, in Harty offers either 30-minute group swim sessions or private one-to-ones in its outdoor pool.

Owner Emma Llewellyn, who also has Island Dog Grooming and Pet Supplies in Leysdown, said she wanted to try something different for pets and their owners.

The saltwater pool is 32ft by 16ft, 4ft deep and features a ramp to ease nervous pooches into the water too.

Squirrels take over Tonbridge

Wayne Taylor, who runs Medway Tackle on Shipbourne Road, feeding a squirrel

A number of very friendly squirrels grabbed KentOnline's attention when they began digging in handbags and scurrying up legs near Tonbridge Swimming Pool.

People like to feed the bushy-tailed creatures monkey nuts, but with lots of human attention, they began to get a tad over-confident.

One woman, a cleaner at Tonbridge School, even found one with their bottom end sticking out of her bag.

Lulu the litter-picking dog

Gary Longley has taught his spaniel directions to litter

Lulu the springer spaniel became a bit of a celebrity after her litter-picking talents were noticed.

Accompanied by her owner Gary Longley, she picks up rubbish to keep Tonbridge parks clean and tidy.

The clever pooch can understand Gary's directions - she knows left, right, back and forward - so can be directed to the litter.

She has since won an award from Tonbridge and Malling Council for her contribution to the community, and appeared on national television.

Kitten survives washing machine ordeal

In complete innocence, a kitten called Comet climbed into a washing machine drum for a cosy sleep among the clothes.

But owner, Naomi Thompson, accidentally shut him in and heard meowing as the machine began spinning.

She started screaming, waking her husband Perry, who rushed downstairs.

He managed to rip the machine door off and drag Comet out of the water.

Comet looked lifeless but Perry didn't give up and began performing CPR.

After he came round, he was taken to the emergency vets and luckily nursed back to his "old, adventurous self".

Dog reunited with owner after four years

A dog stolen from its home in Blackpool was finally reunited with his owner after four long years.

Nala, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, was stolen from Adrian Gleadhill in 2014 and, after being sold on by thieves, was moved 290 miles away to Snodland by her unwitting new keeper.

But a routine check-up at the vets identified Nala’s microchip and her past in Blackpool was revealed.

The police managed to contact her rightful owner, and the pair were reunited at last.

Dog gets 3D printed jaw

A veterinary surgeon carried out a 3D printed partial jaw replacement on a shih tzu.

The pioneering surgery was performed by Dr Ryk Botes, a branch partner at Medivet in Shunters Close, Faversham.

Poppet's lower jaw was broken on both sides.

Although it is a technique used on humans, Poppet’s small size made it particularly difficult to design and produce a custom-made implant.

Based on CT scans sent by Dr Botes, specialist firm 3D Metal Printing created the implant, making a titanium jaw for Poppet.

Since the operation, Poppet has made an excellent recovery.

Boris' hat nibbled by cheetah at Howletts Zoo

Earlier this year, the prime minister Boris Johnson took a trip to Howletts Zoo in Littlebourne, and got a bit too friendly with a cheetah named Saba.

So much so, the spotted creature attempted to eat his Transport for London hat.

However, Boris claimed he was "totally calm and at ease" as the cat nibbled away.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here

Read more: All the latest news from Kent