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Gove explores ban on live animal exports for slaughter
Defra says all options for improving welfare are being considered, including a potential ban on export for slaughter.
Call for evidence to look at options for improving welfare 

The live export of animals for slaughter could be banned after Brexit, the government said as it launched a call for evidence today (10 April).

Over the next six weeks, views will be welcomed from industry, the devolved authorities, charities and members of the public, on how the government could improve animal welfare during transport.

More than 4,000 sheep are transported from the UK to continental Europe for slaughter every year, according to the latest figures from 2016. Defra says all options for improving welfare are being considered, including a potential ban on export for slaughter.

Announcing the call for evidence, environment secretary Michael Gove said: “All animals deserve to get the respect and care they deserve at every stage of their lives.

“This call for evidence begins to deliver on our manifesto commitment which aims to control the export of live animals for slaughter once we leave the European Union.”

BVA president John Fishwick welcomed the ban.

“We believe that production animals should not be transported long distances to the abattoir but should be slaughtered as near to the point of production as possible,” he explained. “Animals should be transported on the hook, as meat, not on the hoof, as live animals.

“It is vital that we maintain the UK’s current high standards of animal welfare post-Brexit and seek opportunities to improve them. We look forward to contributing to this call and seeing the results once the evidence has been collected.”

The Farm Animal Welfare Committee has also launched a review into existing welfare standards, which is being complemented by research from Scotland’s Rural College and the University of Edinburgh.

To share your views, visit: https://consult.defra.gov.uk/animal-health-and-welfare/live-exports-and-improving-welfare-in-transport/

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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.