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Non-stun petition hits target
butchers meat
A new FSA survey has revealed a rise in the number of animals slaughtered without pre-stunning.
BVA calls for House of Commons debate at the earliest opportunity

A petition urging the government to ban animal slaughter without pre-stunning has reached its target of 100,000 signatures. The issue may now be debated in the House of Commons.

The BVA, who launched the petition just nine months ago, said it was a significant step on the road to banning non-stun slaughter and shows the strong public support for the campaign.

The news was announced yesterday (January 29), on the same day the Food Standards Agency (FSA) revealed there has been a rise in the number of animals slaughtered without pre-stunning to render them insensible to pain.

Since 2011, the UK has seen a 31 per cent increase in the number of cattle not stunned before slaughter for Halal meat, according to the FSA's animal welfare survey of slaughterhouses.

Figures also show a 56 per cent rise in the number of sheep and goats that were not pre-stunned before slaughter for Halal.

There was, however, a small decrease of 1.7 per cent  in the number of poultry not pre-stunned.

Kosher (Shechita or non-stunned slaughter) was also found to be in decline, falling by 66 per cent in cattle, 68 per cent in sheep and goats and 69 per cent in poultry.

The figures are based on assessments carried out by official veterinarians from September 16-30, 2013, at 232 red meat slaughterhouses. Overall, the figures show 2 per cent of cattle, 10 per cent of sheep and goats and 4 per cent of poultry were not stunned before slaughter in the UK.

BVA is now urging the Backbench Business Committee to honour the e-petition and call a House of Commons debate at the earliest opportunity. It will still be possible to sign the petition until March 30.


 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.