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FVE calls for tougher slaughterhouse controls
Ongoing competition for low food prices is having a detrimental impact on the way in which animals are kept and treated, FVE warned.
Organisation raises awareness of difficulties faced by OVs
 
The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) is calling for tougher controls on slaughterhouses following reports of serious abuse of pigs at a Belgian slaughterhouse.

Such cases of severe, apparently repeated animal cruelty are ‘totally unacceptable’ but unfortunately ‘not unique’, the organisation said in a statement. FVE believes such cases of animal cruelty are likely to be the consequence of ‘a serious failure in the system, with weaknesses at all levels of the chain of responsibility’.

It also said it wished to point out the ‘difficult situation’ faced by many Official Veterinarians working in slaughterhouses.

‘Too often we receive signals that they are under pressure and insufficiently supported by the responsible hierarchy. We also receive reports that physically they are often not able to inspect the many places that need to be controlled.’

The authorities and institutions responsible for inspection and control need to re-think the way in which they deliver their responsibilities, FVE added, as it reiterated its concerns about the ongoing trend for reducing the number of controls of OVs.

‘Handing over crucial inspection tasks - such as checking the health and welfare of the animals before slaughtering - from the independent Official Veterinarian to slaughterhouse personnel - will put at risk animal health and welfare and consequently consumers’ protection throughout Europe.’

Retailers and consumers must also understand that food prices should be realistic; ongoing competition for low prices is having a detrimental impact on the way in which animals are kept and treated, FVE warned. This can compromise the safety of meat products and lead to food fraud. FVE called for more emphasis on quality, including animal welfare, and stressed that raising awareness, promoting good practice and setting standards are crucial.

In addition, the federation believes there is an urgent need for awareness, training and engagement among all those involved in the transportation and slaughter of animals.

‘At every stage in the process the animals must be considered and treated as sentient beings, able to appreciate fear, to feel pain and to suffer. They shall never be treated as objects without feelings.’

FVE called on the EU and Member States authorities and private parties:
  • To increase the supervision and the enforcement of Official Controls along the
  • whole of the food chain. Derogations shall not be allowed;
  • To improve the treatment of animals destined for slaughter and food safety;
  • To encourage a higher priority in both the private and public sectors to improve
  • their performance and responsibilities.

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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.