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Animal charities call for review of exotic pet trade
Chameleon
The Blue Cross and the Born Free Foundation want to see laws surrounding the sales of exotic pets brought up to date.

Welfare of thousands of exotic pets at risk

Animal welfare charities are calling on the UK Government to carry out a review of the exotic pet trade as a new report reveals the true extent of unsuitable and potentially dangerous animals available to purchase online.

Compiled by the Blue Cross and the Born Free Foundation, the report found that at any one time, across a sample of just six websites, there are some 25,000 adverts offering more than 120 species of exotic animals for sale.

With little or no regulation of online purchases, the charities are concerned for the health and welfare of the animals available - as well as the safety of the public - and want to see laws surrounding the sales of exotic pets brought up to date.

"It is truly shocking how many exotic animals and of such diversity are available online, with so many advertised incorrectly or incompletely and with no indication of their often complex needs," said Chris Draper of the Born Free Foundation.

He adds: "The government needs to review the Pet Animals Act as a priority to ensure people are made aware of the issues related to buying exotic pets online and we should urgently examine how these animals are faring in the pet trade."

All pets are offered a certain level of protection through the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Pet Animals Act 1951. However, there is confusion over how they are applied and enforced.

The Pet Animals Act, which controls the sales of animals in pet shops, was drafted long before the internet or the growth in popularity of exotic pets so the charities are convinced that it is no longer fit for purpose.

Steve Goody, Blue Cross deputy chief executive commented: "The report shows the shocking scale of the exotic pet trade and urgent need for action.

"With ever-increasing demand for more and more unusual pets and the huge growth in internet sales, it is high time for the government to take action to ensure that this industry is properly regulated."

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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.