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Animal welfare 'compromised' by legislative loopholes
caged puppy
Between 2011 and 2013 the number of declared puppies entering Great Britain increased by over 780 per cent from some European countries.

Vets claim loopholes have led to an overpopulation crisis

Loopholes in animal welfare legislation could be the cause of a rise in neglected and sick animals, according to the Animal Welfare Foundation.

Vets at the charity have suggested that the government is failing to put in place measures to control and regulate indiscriminate breeding, as well as the sale of animals.

Speakers are due to claim that this has resulted in an over-population crisis which has comprised the welfare of a great number of companion animals.

Extensive evidence reveals that despite work by animal charities highlighting and attempting to tackle over-population, the situation is getting worse.

According to statistics released by the Dogs Trust, between 2011 and 2013 the number of declared puppies entering Great Britain increased by over 780 per cent from some European countries.

Similarly, the number of horses that equine charities say they took into care in the first quarter of 2013 increased by 40 per cent, compared to the year before.

The legislative loopholes are due to be explored at the Animal Welfare Foundation's annual Discussion Forum in June.

Veterinary surgeons Maggie Roberts from Cats Protection, Roly Owers from World Horse Welfare, and David Martin will offer solutions to address the solution.

During the Discussion Forum, vets will also explore topic such as ethical dilemmas, slaughter and antibiotic resistance.

AWF Chair of Trustees,Tiffany Hemming, said: "This year's AWF Discussion Forum looks very exciting and I am particularly looking forward to debating how we might tackle over-population issues in companion animals and exploring some potential solutions with the wide range of delegates we attract."

The AWF Discussion Forum brings together animal welfare organisations, vets, veterinary nurses, the media, parliamentarians and students to confront current welfare issues and inspire change.

This year's forum takes place on Monday, June 8 from 10am to 5pm at One Great George Street in London. Places are £95 with lower rates available for veterinary nurses, recent graduates and students.

To see the full AWF Discussion Forum programme or book a place visit http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/events.     

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."