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Italy votes to ban animals in circuses
Italy has one of the world’s largest circus industries, with around 100 circuses and 2,000 animals. (Stock photo)
Lobbyists call the move a ‘major breakthrough’

Italy is set to phase out the use of all animals in circuses and travelling shows, after a vote in the Assembly of the Parliament.

The country has one of the world’s largest circus industries, with around 100 circuses and 2,000 animals, according to campaign group Animal Defenders International (ADI).

It is the 41st country to pass a national law banning animals in circuses.

Rules for implementation of the new legislation will be set our within a year, ADI revealed, calling the move a ‘major breakthrough’.

ADI has conducted undercover investigations within animal circuses in the UK, Europe, USA and South America. The group said its exposure of animal abuse behind the scenes has led to bans in countries such as Greece, Singapore, Costa Rica, Taiwan and Colombia.

It also carried out major enforcement operations in Bolivia and Peru, where all circuses were tracked down and 200 animals were rescued and relocated.

ADI urged countries including the UK and USA to follow Italy’s lead.

So far, Scotland has introduced a bill to ban wild animals in circuses, which is currently at stage two for further scrutiny. The Welsh Government recently consulted on mobile animal exhibits and asked whether wild animals should be banned from circuses.

Ireland is also set to debate a private members bill to ban wild animals in circuses later this month.

In England, the government has committed to a ban but there is no indication as to when the legislation - which was drafted and scrutinised in 2013 - will be introduced.

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.