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

Calls to end export of non-stun meat
Nineteen per cent of sheep meat was recorded as being destined for ‘unknown’ locations.

New figures released after campaign pressure 

Nearly a quarter of non-stun sheep meat is exported outside of the UK, according to government figures released after pressure from campaigners.

The survey by the Food Standards Agency shows that in 2018, over 94 million cattle, sheep and poultry were slaughtered without being stunned first. Around 750,000 sheep (24 per cent) were slaughtered without prior stunning, for consumption outside the domestic market.

Under current legislation, non-stun slaughter is allowed in certain religious communities in the UK. However, the derogation is intended to meet domestic demand only.

Whilst most of this meat is intended for EU markets, the BVA said the data raises questions about where the remaining non-stun meat is sent.

The survey also revealed a lack of transparency with some exports - for example 19 per cent of sheep meat was recorded as being destined for ‘unknown’ locations. According to the results, this lack of information is down to abattoirs leaving non-mandatory questions blank.

Survey results were expected in autumn 2018. Following campaigning by the BVA and the RSPCA, in addition to a parliamentary question from Kerry McCarthy MP, the government agreed to release the figures after consulting with religious groups.

The BVA is calling for a ban on all non-stun slaughter in the UK on welfare grounds. However, while the practice continues, the government is being urged to end the export of non-stun meat, as the legislation is intended to meet UK demand only.

BVA president Simon Doherty said: “The fact that nearly a quarter of non-stun sheep meat is being exported is highly significant, and we believe this goes against the spirit of the derogation that allows for non-stun slaughter purely for consumption by particular communities within the UK. 
 
“It’s equally concerning that the export of some non-stun meat is going unreported, with a lack of clarity around where seven per cent of non-stun sheep meat is ending up due to incomplete slaughterhouse data.

"While we’re pleased that the data has finally been made available thanks to joined-up work between the FSA and English and Welsh governments, clearly there is still a lot of work to do around ensuring that data is as robust and transparent as possible.”

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

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.