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Scotland plans to ban wild animals in circuses
tiger
Calls for a Scottish ban were prompted in 2014 when it emerged that, during winter, circus big cats were being kept in cages of a 'beast wagon' near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire. (stock photo)
Welfare campaigners 'delighted' by the news
 
Scotland could become the first part of the UK to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. A spokeswoman recently announced the government's intention to outlaw the practice - which came as welcome news for animal welfare campaigners.

According to The Scotsman, the spokeswoman said: "The Scottish Government intends to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. We are currently investigating the best mechanism for introducing legislation on ethical grounds and will make further announcements in due course."

Calls for a Scottish ban were prompted in 2014 when it emerged that, during winter, circus big cats were being kept in cages of a 'beast wagon' near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.

A consultation subsequently found 98 per cent of people supported a ban.

Responding to the Scottish government's pledge, the BVA and BVA Scottish branch, said: "As the leading representative body for vets, we have long campaigned on this issue. The welfare needs of non-domesticated, wild animals cannot be met within a travelling circus in terms of housing nor being able to express normal behaviour…

"We are pleased to see the new Scottish government not only identifying opportunities to improve animal health and welfare in Scotland, but taking hold of these opportunities with both hands - and we would urge other UK governments to follow their lead."

The Born Free Foundation said it was "delighted" by the news, but asked for clarification on when the ban would be implemented. Westminster has made a similar pledge, going so far as to publish draft legislation that would have banned the use of wild animals in circuses by December 2015, but the government has yet to make parliamentary time for the issue.

Chris Draper, programmes manager for captive wild animals at Born Free, commented: "We would hate to see Scotland replicate the mistakes and delays that have occurred south of the border, and urge the Scottish government to act swiftly to end the practice once and for all."

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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...
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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.