Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
RSPCA push for immediate circus animal ban
Licensing delay not acceptable says RSPCA

The RSPCA is urging the government to ban wild animals in travelling circuses in England as soon as possible.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) circus licensing scheme was passed in the House of Commons on Tuesday (29 October), which the charity says could mean a delay of up to seven years.

The government had said it would peruse the ban on the use of animals, following a consultation in 2010 that found 94 per cent of the 10,500 analysed responses favoured a ban.

The RSPCA, as well as numerous other animal welfare groups, including Captive Animal's Protection Society, believe the ban is the only way forward.

Gavin Grant, RSPCA chief executive, said: "We were delighted in March when the Government announced a ban would happen. Seven months later, nothing has happened to make the ban a reality.

"Anything short of a full ban is simply unacceptable."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk