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Update on primates as pets inquiry
squirrel monkey
RSPCA and BVA support a UK ban on keeping primates as pets.
Government responds to calls from MPs to find out the scale of the primate pet trade

The Government has published its response to calls for independent research into the number and type of primates being kept as pets in the UK, among other recommendations.

In December last year, an inquiry was launched into primates being kept as pets in the UK. Many organisations, including the RSPCA and BVA, support a ban on private individuals keeping primates as pets, due to the difficulty in meeting their welfare needs.

In a report published in June this year, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee called for Defra to commission independent research to find out the scale of the UK's pet primate trade.

Responding on September 12, the Government said it "does not consider it would be the best use of public resources, which need to be prioritised, to undertake independent research on the number and type of primates being traded and kept as pets in the UK."

Whilst agreeing that estimates vary regarding the number of privately kept primates, the Government said there is no evidence to suggest that the higher estimates are correct. Evidence given by Andrew Greenwood of the British Veterinary Zoological Society states that the number of primates kept as pets in the UK is "probably fewer than 1,000", whereas estimated figures go as high as 9,000.

Efra Committee recommended a review of the Pet Animals Act 1951 to ensure it remains fit for purpose in the age of the internet. While the Government said the act still provides appropriate protection, Defra will be working with the Pet Advertising Advisory Group to encourage advertisers to adhere to its minimum standards for advertising pets for sale online. Among other things, the standards state primates should not be advertised for sale.

In the June report, MPs also recommended Defra issue local authorities with guidance on implementing the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 without delay. Defra says it will ensure the guidance is published within the next 12 months. As recommended by the committee, the guidance will refer to the potential use of zoo inspectors or vets for accommodation inspections involving primates, prior to licenses being granted or renewed.

In addition, Defra has agreed to consider fully the committee's recommendations that a review of the Primate Code begin with immediate effect, ensuring the code is clear, precise and easy to enforce, and includes species-specific appendices. It also advised that the code's standards be raised to the level of zoo standards and cover all life stages, including breeding and transport.

For the full Government response, visit: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/news/primates---government-response-pub/

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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.