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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th December 2012
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RSPCA fight on against live exports
Legal proceedings brought against arrangements

RSPCA has bid to take on a legal fight for live animal exports, by lodging a claim in the High Court.

Currently, the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) approve and supervise live animal exports through the port of Ramsgate in Thanet, Kent.

Seeking judicial review of these arrangements, the RSPCA is bringing new legal proceedings because it believes the AHVLA is acting unlawfully.

The society vowed to fight on for the animals after more than 40 sheep had to be destroyed during an incident at the port in September, and says the port has no livestock handling facilities.

Thanet District Council immediately closed the port, however, it has since reopened and live exports have resumed, despite protests from the public and animal welfare organisations.

AHVLA has also introduced changes to its inspection regime, but RSPCA believes these are unlawful in failing to provide proper checks at the port to safeguard animal welfare.

RSPCA believes the AHVLA are also failing to require the exporters to use ports with appropriate facilities and failing to impose sailing restrictions to ensure animals are not injured or caused undue harm when being transported.

Gavin Grant, RSPCA chief executive said: "The animals have no voice and no choice. We will not walk away from their suffering in this vile and unnecessary trade… The animals deserve their day in court."

The High Court will decide whether it will hear the RSPCA's case in the new year.

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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.