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: 2nd June 2017
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

Petplan suspends automated breeder registration
Petplan said a full review of its registration process is underway but it has made a series of immediate changes.
Steps taken after concerns about puppy farmers

Pet insurer Petplan has suspended the automated registration process for its breeder scheme, and introduced new measures to help ensure the authenticity of breeders.

The move follows a recent Mail On Sunday article that suggested puppy farmers could be using the scheme to lure buyers with four weeks’ free Petplan insurance, which breeders on the scheme are able to offer puppy buyers.

Six journalists said they were able to successfully register for the breeder scheme using false names. The Mail also reported it had learned of at least two cases of criminal puppy farming gangs that were signed up to the scheme.

Petplan said a full review of its registration process is underway but it has made a series of immediate changes, including the suspension of its automated system. Going forward, there will now be a two-stage registration process whereby breeders register their interest online. Full registration will only be confirmed following a telephone conversation with a Petplan representative.

In addition, the company said it now captures additional information from breeders at the point of registration and breeders who expect to breed five litters or more per year are subject to an additional review.

A spokesperson said: “One of Petplan’s key goals is to ensure that the health and welfare of pets is protected at all times, particularly during periods of high vulnerability such as the transition period as a pet leaves the breeder or rehoming centre and settles into its new home.

“Petplan provides four weeks’ free insurance which includes £4,000 veterinary fee cover to help encourage new owners to seek veterinary treatment at the earliest opportunity and to ensure they have financial help available to cover the cost of any unexpected treatment the pet needs.

“Given that this is an unregulated industry, we are taking further steps to help ensure the authenticity of breeders issuing Petplan insurance.”

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

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.