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Travel industry urged to do more for animal welfare
Swimming with dolphins can have serious animal welfare and safety risks. 
RSPCA calls on tour operators to review all animal attractions 

Following news that tour operator Thomas Cook is to cease selling tickets to attractions keeping orcas in captivity, the RSPCA is calling on the travel industry to do more to endorse good animal welfare overseas.

The leading animal charity said that it would love to see more holiday companies follow in the footsteps of Thomas Cook, and go even further by reviewing all of the animal attractions they sell tickets for.

“We’re really pleased that Thomas Cook has taken this step and appreciate how important the welfare of the animals in tourist attractions is,” said Adam Grogan, head of wildlife at the RSPCA. “We’d also urge all holiday-makers to keep this in mind when they’re planning their trips and to avoid taking part in any activity or visiting any attraction where animal welfare is not of the utmost importance.

“It’s our ethical responsibility to lead the rest of the world by example and take a stand to show that we do not condone any kind of cruelty to animals.”

To help promote ethical tourism, the RSPCA has put together top tips for taking an animal-friendly holiday. They include not taking selfies with animals like chimps and monkeys, not riding elephants, and remembering to donate to local animal welfare charities.

“Riding an elephant, swimming with dolphins, cuddling a tiger cub, or taking a picture with a monkey may seem like a once-in-a-lifetime experience but all of these can have very serious animal welfare and safety risks for tourists,” said Paul Littlefair, head of RSPCA’s international team.

“We work in many countries throughout the world to prevent animal cruelty, and tourism can also play a big part in tackling this. If there is a demand for activities like these and money to be made then cruel practices will continue.

“It’s important to research the activities you are taking part in first and if you are in any doubt, look for ethical alternatives.”

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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. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.