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BVA responds to the Queen's Speech
The BVA has long-campaigned for action in areas covered by the Bill.
The Association welcomes a pledge to bring the Kept Animals Bill into law. 

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed a pledge from the government to prioritise animal welfare in the next parliamentary session.

While animal welfare did not receive a mention in the Queen's Speech on Tuesday (10 May), upcoming legislation accompanying it confirmed that the Kept Animals Bill will continue its passage into law via a carryover motion.

The Bill, which has already gone through its first and second reading in parliament, aims to tackle welfare issues such as pet theft and puppy smuggling. A date for the report stage and third reading of the Bill is due to be announced.

The BVA has long-campaigned for action in areas covered by the Bill, but says that progress has stalled in recent months.

Plans to ban the import and sale of fur and foie gras were not included in Tuesday's announcement, which would have been introduced via the Animals Abroad Bill. BVA has previously warned against importing animal products that fail to meet the UK’s high health and welfare standards.

Justine Shotton, BVA President, said: “We’re disappointed that animal welfare didn’t get a mention in the Queen’s Speech itself, but at least reassured that the carryover motion cements plans to finally get the Kept Animals Bill over the line and into law. This crucial and long-awaited piece of legislation promises to bring in a cross-species suite of measures that will improve the lives of billions of animals.

“The Bill pledges to tackle issues which our members have identified as some of most pressing animal health and welfare issues of our times, and the impact of the pandemic on longstanding concerns such as puppy smuggling has only added to this urgency. BVA urges the government to bring this vital Bill into law as a top priority in the upcoming parliamentary session.”

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."