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

Ban on third party puppy sales under consideration
BVA president John Fishwick said: “As vets we see first-hand the tragic consequences that can result from poorly bred puppies."
Michael Gove announces call for evidence 

A ban on third party puppy sales is being considered by the government, environment secretary Michael Gove announced today (8 February).

Interested parties are being asked to share their views on a possible ban and how this could be introduced. Banning third party sales would mean anyone looking to buy or adopt a dog would either deal directly with the breeder or an animal rehoming centre.

Mr Gove commented: “We need to do everything we can to make sure the nation’s much loved pets get the right start in life. From banning the sale of underage puppies to tackling the breeding of dogs with severe genetic disorders, we are cracking down on sellers who have a total disregard for their dogs’ welfare.

“This is a further step to raise the bar on animal welfare standards. We are also introducing mandatory CCTV in all slaughterhouses and increasing maximum prison sentences tenfold for animal abusers.”

A raft of other measures to crack down on backstreet breeding, set out by the Prime Minister in December, were also laid in parliament today.

Coming into force later this year, the measures include a ban on selling puppies and kittens under eight weeks and compulsory licensing for anyone in the business of breeding and selling dogs. Puppy sales must also be completed in the presence of the new owner, and puppies must be shown with their mother before a sale is made.

The move has been welcomed by veterinary organisations and animal charities including the BVA, RSPCA, Mayhew and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

BVA president John Fishwick said: “As vets we see first-hand the tragic consequences that can result from poorly bred puppies so it’s encouraging to see the government announce this raft of measures to improve dog welfare.

“We support the principle that puppies should not be sold by third parties, but this is a complex area that must consider advertising, internet sales and pet owners’ buying habits to ensure illegal puppy sales won’t be driven underground.”

Mr Fishwick added that legislation must be backed by enforcement, so local authorities must be given adequate resources to guarantee dog welfare.

The government also recently consulted on plans to increase maximum prison sentences for animal abusers, from six months to five years.

Responses to the call for evidence on third party puppy sales must be received by 2 May 2018. To take part in the consultation, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/banning-third-party-sales-of-pets-in-england-call-for-evidence

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.