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Local abattoir network verging on collapse, report finds
The closure of local abattoirs is bad for animal welfare and bad for the environment.
Closures mean livestock has to be transported further for slaughter

The UK’s network of small local abattoirs is verging on collapse, according to a report by the Sustainable Food Trust (SFT).

The organisation says that unless the government takes urgent action, consumer choice will suffer because the marketing of locally-produced, traceable meat will no longer be feasible. This is because of the closure of many smaller, local abattoirs and the cost of transporting livestock further for slaughter.

According to the report, the number of small abattoirs in England has declined by 34 per cent in the last decade, from 96 to 63. Reasons for the closures include a high burden of regulation, falling cattle numbers and the low and sometimes negative profitability on the sector.

In response to its findings, the SFT has made three recommendations regarding the current crisis:

    •    a government statement of support recognising the importance of local meat processing plants

    •    the introduction of mobile red meat abattoirs to enable on-farm slaughtering in an economically viable way

    •    the establishment of an independent task force to undertake an urgent review to establish why small abattoirs are closing.

Richard Young, policy director of the SFT and co-author of the report, said that local abattoirs play a vital role in all rural communities where farm animals are kept.

“When they close, both animals and meat have to be transported much further. This is bad for animal welfare and bad for the environment. It also threatens the ongoing renaissance of local food cultures,” he said.

Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association added: “This timely report draws attention to the rapidly changing and complex crisis facing smaller local abattoirs and those who depend on them. I truly hope that government and industry will work together to offer a long-term future for our diminishing network of local abattoirs before it is too late.”

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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.