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Wales launch slaughter consultation
Maintaining welfare standards at slaughter

The Welsh Government have launched a six-week consultation on how to maintain animal welfare standards at the time of slaughter.

The consultation comes in preparation of new minimum European standards for the treatment of animals at the time of their killing, set to come into force on 1 January 2013.

The Welsh Government said it wants to ensure the new standards (EU Regulation 1099/2099) do not result in a lowering of welfare standards for animals slaughtered in Wales.

John Griffiths, Wales' Environment Minister who launched the consultation, said: "Wales has a strong record in animal welfare, and while we welcome the EU Regulation, we are keen to ensure the best welfare standards are achieved at the time of slaughter here."

He added: “These are emotive issues for a range of groups so I would urge anyone with an interest to feed into the consultation.”

Click here to access the consultation.

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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.