Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th February 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Delay on non-stun ban 'unacceptable' - BVA
meat
"This delay to act in the face of overwhelming evidence is completely unacceptable."
Government urged to prioritise the ban on slaughter without pre-stunning

Delayed action to reduce the suffering of animals that are slaughtered without pre-stunning is "completely unacceptable," the BVA's president has said.

Earlier this week, a parliamentary debate was held after the BVA's petition to end non-stun slaughter reached 100,000 signatures.

Commenting on the debate, BVA president John Blackwell said it was well attended by MPs from all parties.

"It is now clear that the Government can no longer ignore the strength of feeling of MPs and the public on this issue," he insisted in a statement.

"While the Government clearly agrees with the scientific evidence that slaughter without pre-stunning allows animals to feel pain and compromises animal welfare, it has yet to take any action to reduce the suffering of the animals involved.

"This delay to act in the face of overwhelming evidence is completely unacceptable."

Mr Blackwell said many MPs at the debate agreed with the BVA's view that if the practice of non-stun slaughter is allowed to continue, clearer slaughter method labelling must be introduced.

More than 80 per cent of Halal in the UK is stunned before slaughter, however, Mr Blackwell says the percentage of non-stun slaughter is greater than the size of the UK's Muslim and Jewish populations.

"This means that some of it must be going outside of the communities for which it was intended," he explained.

"Clearer labelling will not only give consumers a choice but will help ensure the number of animals slaughtered is limited to satisfy the needs of the religious communities concerned and thereby reduce the amount of non-stun slaughter."

During the debate, MPs drew attention to a system used in Germany, whereby abattoirs must prove religious needs and state the number of animals to be slaughtered for the relevant communities, before they will be granted a licence.

MPs also suggested the option of an immediate post-cut stun, which could reduce the pain and suffering of animals that are not pre-stunned.

Whatever action the Government decides to take, Mr Blackwell says: "Inaction is now no longer a credible option."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.