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Brooke collaborates on new Pakistan equine laws
Brooke Pakistan hopes the new legislation will prevent cruelty to working equines.
The Animal Welfare Bill 2024 replaces 134-year-old legislation.

Brooke, a working horse and donkey charity, has influenced a landmark animal welfare bill in Pakistan.

The Animal Welfare Bill 2024, which replaces 134-year-old legislation, is expected to prevent cruelty and improve the care of working animals across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.

It is the result of collaboration from Brooke Pakistan with the local government and livestock department. The charity had a central role in the drafting process and lobbying efforts, where it ensured horses, donkeys and mules were prioritised.

The new bill is designed to prevent the cruelty of working animals and promote their humane treatment and protection. This includes the identification and prohibition of acts including mutilation, harmful confinement and abandonment of working animals.

Penalties will be imposed on those found to be treating animals with cruelty or neglect.

The legislation also sets out the responsibilities linked to animal ownership, including provision of food, water, shelter and care. Veterinary procedures performed on the animals must follow international best practices.

Finally, the newly amended bill will encourage better engagement to ensure the public is better educated on animal rights and animal training.

The Animal Welfare Bill 2024 replaces the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1890, ensuring that working animals in Pakistan are treated in accordance to modern welfare standards.

Working animals play an important role in the livelihoods of many people in Pakistan, helping owners to earn an income. Brooke Pakistan works closely with local government and communities to ensure these animals are not suffering from malnutrition, exhaustion and disease.

The charity hopes that the new legislation will give horses, donkeys and mules healthier and happier lives.

Javed Iqbal Gondal, interim CEO at Brooke Pakistan, said: “This is a truly historic moment for all of us, as it marks the first time in Pakistan's history that comprehensive legislation focused on animal welfare has been successfully enacted.  
 
“This milestone sets an important precedent, reflecting our commitment to improving the lives of animals, particularly working animals like donkeys, horses, and mules.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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.