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Consumers "should be better informed" about slaughter
chickens
Just 11 per cent feel the public understands the difference between stunned and non-stunned slaughter.
Only 11 per cent of vets believe the public understand the difference between stun and non-stun

The vast majority of vets think consumers need a better understanding of slaughter methods, according to new BVA figures. Very few vets believe members of the public understand the difference between stunned and non-stunned slaughter.

Figures on vets' attitudes to slaughter have been released to coincide with a parliamentary debate taking place today (November 4), on the slaughter of animals in accordance with religious rites.

According to the Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey findings, 94 per cent of vets believe consumers should be better informed, and just 11 per cent feel the public understands the difference between stunned and non-stunned slaughter.

Earlier this year the BVA launched a #stunb4slaughter campaign which calls for an end to non-stun slaughter for animal welfare reasons. Its government e-petition is nearing 80,000 signatures.

Current UK and EU law requires animals to be stunned, rendering them insensible to pain, before slaughter. An exception in the law allows animals to be slaughtered without pre-stunning among some religious communities.

Meat labelling will be discussed at the parliamentary meeting secured by Neil Parish MP today. MPs will not vote at the end of the debate, but BVA hopes its e-petition will garner 100,000 votes, triggering a full parliamentary debate with a vote.

BVA president John Blackwell said: "There is much more to be done to educate the general public about welfare at slaughter. We know that UK consumers care about animal welfare but our members believe that there needs to be better understanding about methods of slaughter and how that impacts on welfare.

"We believe labelling that clearly explains the method of slaughter would help all consumers make informed choices about the products they wish to buy."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.