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Wales considers options for wild animal circus ban
‘Although there are no circuses based in Wales, they do visit and it is important the welfare needs of their animals are not overlooked.'
Campaigners welcome the move as “momentous” 

Welsh cabinet secretary Lesley Griffiths has confirmed she is “exploring opportunities” to bring forward a ban on wild animals in circuses.

Responding to the news yesterday (14 February), the RSPCA Cymru said it was “a momentous day for animals”. The charity believes circuses are inappropriate environments for wild animals, owing to their transient nature, cramped conditions and forced training.

In December last year, Scotland became the first country in the UK to pass a ban on wild animals in circuses. The Irish Government also introduced a ban which came into effect last month.

Ms Griffiths said in a statement: ‘Although there are no circuses based in Wales, they do visit and it is important the welfare needs of their animals are not overlooked. I am exploring opportunities to bring forward legislation to ban the use of wild animals in circuses in Wales.

‘I intend to learn from the recent scrutiny of the Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Act 2018, particularly discussion of ethical and welfare arguments for a ban.’

RSPCA Cymru responded in a statement: “This ban makes a huge statement about how highly animal welfare is regarded in Wales, and how this country wants to treat our fellow living creatures. RSPCA Cymru will now work closely with the Welsh Government and all stakeholders to ensure this ban becomes a reality as soon as possible.”
 
The Welsh Government previously announced plans to bring in a licensing scheme for mobile animal exhibits (MAEs), which include travelling falconry and hawking displays, reindeer at Christmas events and mobile petting zoos, as well as travelling circuses.

RSPCA Cymru said it is “positive” that the government is pursuing such a scheme, as animals in MAEs “face unique and challenging lives, and deserve more protection”.

Welsh officials have been asked to explore the options available to ministers and a full consultation will be launched in 2018.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.