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BVA supports animal welfare law
European Parliament calls for new legislation

The British Veterinary Association has backed new plans by the European Parliament as it calls for a science-based European animal welfare framework law.

MEPs are promoting new rules on labelling including non-stun slaughter, better controls and tough sanctions, equivalent welfare standards for imported animals and products, and species-specific welfare legislation.

The European Commission have been urged by MEPs to come forward with a holistic EU strategy on animal welfare by adopting a report by Swedish MEP Marit Paulsen. The resolution, put together in response to the Commission’s Animal Welfare Strategy 2012-2015, calls for a clear-cut and transparent approach based on scientific evidence to protect the welfare of all animals kept by humans; farm and zoo animals as well as pets.

BVA President Carl Padgett welcomed the report and commented: “As a profession we are delighted that the report emphasises the importance of scientific evidence and that animal welfare requirements should be evaluated on the basis on the latest scientific knowledge.”

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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.