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Home Office to review transparency in animal experiments
lab rat
Current legislation prevents the Home Office from disclosing information on animal experiments.

Proposals to review restrictions on the disclosure of information

A consultation launched by the Home Office will review legislation relating to the level of transparency surrounding scientific experiments on animals.

The Government is seeking views on changes to Section 24 of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).

Currently, the law states the Home Office cannot disclose information received under ASPA regarding animal experiments - even when the provider has no objection. A breach of this law can result in a maximum of two years in prison and a fine.

The Government believes the current requirements are now "out of step" with policies on openness and transparency, the consultation document states.

It is hoped the consultation will lead to the repeal of section 24 and amends to ASPA. This will include making it a criminal offence to maliciously disclose information about the use of animals in scientific research.

In addition, the Government proposes to prohibit the disclosure of information relating to people and place details and intellectual property.

Commenting on the move, Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said the organisation "calls on the Government to amend Section 24 to facilitate the sharing of information on animal experiments which will promote openness and transparency in the industry, something that is of course paramount when animal welfare is involved.

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Section 24 prevents the public from being openly informed about what is being done in animal experiments and the justification for these tests.

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The Kennel Club does accept the need to retain confidentiality clauses, however, that protect intellectual property as well as the health and safety of particular people and places involved in animal research."

Responses to the consultation must be received by June 13. For further information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/section-24-of-the-animals-scientific-procedures-act-1986


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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.