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Calls to stop badger cull amid extreme weather conditions
Animal welfare groups are collectively asking for a stop to the cull in light of the extreme weather events.

Animal welfare groups issue warning over local extintion events.

Animal welfare groups are calling on Natural England to suspend an upcoming badger cull in light of the impact of extreme weather on badger populations.

Vet and head of policy at Born Free, Dr Mark Jones, and Badger Trust executive director, Peter Hambly, are among the six signatories of an open letter warning of the possibility of local extinction events. 

It follows a long stretch of hot and dry weather, which has triggered drought in parts of southern, central and eastern England. Campaigners fear that, as the ground dries out, badgers will not be able to access their favoured prey source, earthworms, or get easy access to water. 

The letter reads: “We are collectively asking for an immediate suspension of the upcoming cull in intensive zones in light of the impact that extreme weather is having on badgers and their cubs. 

“Population levels have fallen, and badger clans are in severe distress. Going ahead with an intensive cull under these conditions increases the possibility of local extinction events in areas badgers have thrived for 500,000 years”.

According to the Badger Trust, the areas most at risk of extinction events are Gloucestershire, Somerset, Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. 

Mr Hambly said: “The national wildlife tragedy that is the English Badger Cull needs to stop. The thought of the local extinction of badgers in areas they have thrived for thousands of years is horrific. This severe weather and drought conditions have made the situation desperate in many areas, to continue with the intensive cull in these conditions is inhumane.”

This summer marks the beginning of the tenth season of badger culls to reduce TB in cattle, despite a study that found culling has had no significant impact on bTB among cattle herds. The finding triggered an argument over the study's methodology, which the government said was 'scientifically flawed'. 

More than 176,000 badgers have been killed under license since culling began in 2013. 

The other signatories of the letter are Four Paws UK, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, League Against Cruel Sports, and the RSPCA.”

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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.