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World Horse Welfare calls for ban on live exports for slaughter
The Kept Animals Bill would ban exports of live animals for slaughter.
The charity wants members of the public to email the Prime Minister.

World Horse Welfare has launched a new campaign, #StopHorseSmuggling, to urge the Government to ban live exports for slaughter by finally passing the Kept Animals Bill.

As part of the campaign, members of the public are being encouraged to email the Prime Minister and ask him to commit to providing the necessary parliamentary time to pass the Bill into law.

Although there have been no official exports of horses, ponies or donkeys for slaughter in recent years, World Horse Welfare has said it is aware of an illegal trade in smuggling equines out of the UK. These horses are often transported in poor conditions and using fraudulent passports.

A ban on exporting live animals for slaughter and fattening, as proposed in the Kept Animals Bill, would make it easier to crack down on the trade and the individuals involved, according to the charity.

The Bill, a manifesto commitment, was first introduced to Parliament in June 2021 and has widespread support from animal welfare organisations and veterinary groups. It would address a range of issues, including introducing a ban on importing animals with cropped ears and tails and providing stronger powers for the police to protect livestock from out of control dogs.

However, progress on passing the legislation has stalled, and if it is not passed this year, it will drop from the agenda.

Roly Owers, Chief Executive of World Horse Welfare, said: “This is such a good Bill that contains so much that is good for all animal welfare, including banning live export for slaughter and fattening, and livestock worrying. So much work has been put into developing this excellent legislation, which has cross-party support, it would be a travesty if this government failed to allow the Parliamentary time to get it across the line.
 
"The issue of live export to slaughter is a founding issue for World Horse Welfare. No horse, pony or donkey has officially been exported for slaughter in recent years, but we know today that equines are being smuggled out of the country, often travelling in poor conditions under fraudulent identification, and that some of these end their days in a slaughterhouse. Passing the Kept Animals Bill into law and ensuring its proper enforcement could end this cruel trade.”

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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.