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Review supports ban on wild animals in circuses
circus elephant
The review was conducted to see if a ban could be introduced under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

BVA urges Welsh government to set an example

Leading animal welfare scientists have concluded that ‘captive wild animals in circuses and other travelling animals shows do not achieve their optimal welfare requirements.’

Commissioned by the Welsh government, ‘The Welfare of Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses’ review was conducted to see if a ban could be introduced under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

In it, the authors conclude that the evidence “would therefore support a ban on using wild animals in travelling circuses and mobile zoos on animal welfare grounds.”

Welcoming the news, the Born Free Foundation said the report gives the Welsh government ‘a strong basis upon which to move forward with a ban as soon as possible’.

“We believe that there is sufficient political appetite to move forward immediately with a ban on wild animals in circuses and this should be pursued as a matter of priority,” said Chris Draper, programmes manager for the Born Free Foundation.

“We would fully support any move made by the Welsh Government to deal with the growing welfare issues associated with mobile zoos, but believe that the circus ban can be expedited as soon as possible as an independent initiative.”

The Welsh branch of the BVA also responded to the report, saying it provides ‘robust evidence’ that circus animals ‘do not have a life worth living’.

Branch President Neil Paton said: "We continue to urge the Welsh government to set an example for the rest of the UK governments to follow, and ban wild animals being kept and used in travelling circuses.”

The review was carried out by Stephen Harris, professor of environmental sciences at Bristol University. As well as consulting with over 650 experts and organisations, Mr Harris also considered more than 1,400 pieces of literature.

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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. 

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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.