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Government expands expert animal welfare committee
The new Animal Welfare Committee will advise government on future farming reforms.
Remit to include pets, wild animals kept by people and farmed animals

The government has expanded the remit of its Farm Animal Welfare Committee to provide advice to ministers on pets, wild animals kept by people and farmed animals.

The committee was renamed on Tuesday (1 October) to the Animal Welfare Committee and will continue to advise Defra and the Devolved Administrations (DAs) in Scotland and Wales.

“We are a nation of animal lovers and this government is committed to taking important steps forward to strengthen our already high standards on animal welfare,” commented animal welfare minister, Zac Goldsmith.

“The committee has provided the government with invaluable advice over the years and I look forward to continuing work with colleagues as they broaden their remit to include pets and wild animals kept by people, as well as farmed animals.”

Peter Jinman, chair of the Animal Welfare Committee, said: “I welcome the expansion of the committee’s remit to advise on a broader spectrum of animal welfare issues and encourage experts with the relevant skills to apply for a role in this important new area of activity.”

The main priorities of the new Animal Welfare Committee include:
  • advising government on future farming reforms to deliver welfare enhancements
  • advising government on the welfare of companion animals and wild animals kept by people
  • reviewing dairy and beef cattle production systems and the welfare of the animals
  • working closely with the European Forum of Animal Welfare Councils (EuroFAWC).

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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.