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Non-stun petition hits target
butchers meat
A new FSA survey has revealed a rise in the number of animals slaughtered without pre-stunning.
BVA calls for House of Commons debate at the earliest opportunity

A petition urging the government to ban animal slaughter without pre-stunning has reached its target of 100,000 signatures. The issue may now be debated in the House of Commons.

The BVA, who launched the petition just nine months ago, said it was a significant step on the road to banning non-stun slaughter and shows the strong public support for the campaign.

The news was announced yesterday (January 29), on the same day the Food Standards Agency (FSA) revealed there has been a rise in the number of animals slaughtered without pre-stunning to render them insensible to pain.

Since 2011, the UK has seen a 31 per cent increase in the number of cattle not stunned before slaughter for Halal meat, according to the FSA's animal welfare survey of slaughterhouses.

Figures also show a 56 per cent rise in the number of sheep and goats that were not pre-stunned before slaughter for Halal.

There was, however, a small decrease of 1.7 per cent  in the number of poultry not pre-stunned.

Kosher (Shechita or non-stunned slaughter) was also found to be in decline, falling by 66 per cent in cattle, 68 per cent in sheep and goats and 69 per cent in poultry.

The figures are based on assessments carried out by official veterinarians from September 16-30, 2013, at 232 red meat slaughterhouses. Overall, the figures show 2 per cent of cattle, 10 per cent of sheep and goats and 4 per cent of poultry were not stunned before slaughter in the UK.

BVA is now urging the Backbench Business Committee to honour the e-petition and call a House of Commons debate at the earliest opportunity. It will still be possible to sign the petition until March 30.


 

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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.