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Welsh government opens slaughterhouse CCTV consultation
The consultation will run for 12 weeks.
Opinions sought on mandatory CCTV proposals.

The Welsh government has launched a consultation on proposals to require the use of CCTV in all slaughterhouses in Wales.

As part of the government's Animal Welfare Plan for Wales (2021-2026), the proposals require all CCTV in slaughterhouses, with a clear condition that this cannot replace direct oversight by slaughterhouse staff, animal welfare officers and official veterinarians (OVs).

Proposed regulations include installing cameras in all areas where live animals are unloaded, kept, handled, stunned and killed, and keeping recorded images fir a 90-day minimum period.

The proposals also state that recorded images should be available for authorised persons to view, copy or seize.

Running until 6 February 2023, the consultation invites members of the public to share their views on the proposals

Welsh minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said: “Animal welfare is a priority for the Welsh Government, and our ambition is for all farmed animals to have a good quality of life and to be free of suffering.

“We have committed to ensuring all slaughterhouses in Wales have CCTV, and I’m pleased to announce the consultation today.

“While the vast majority of slaughterhouses have CCTV in Wales, I want to ensure all animals have the same level of protection.”

For further information on the proposals, and to access the response form, visit the Welsh government website.

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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.