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Wales confirms new measures to improve pet welfare
"The illegal importation of puppies, driven by huge demand, continues to be a problem.”
Officials to review puppy sales and microchipping rules 

The Welsh Government is set to consider a ban on third party puppy sales, as well as a series of other measures to improve pet welfare.

Cabinet secretary Lesley Griffiths announced this week that a review of microchipping legislation will be carried out to determine whether it should be extended to other species, including cats. Research will also explore current levels of compliance and enforcement.

Commenting on a potential ban on third party puppy sales, Ms Griffiths said she believes it is “worthy of investigation” and officials will discuss options for taking this legislation forward.

She explained: “In Wales, we demand high standards from our licensed breeders and sourcing a healthy puppy which can be seen with its mother, or rehoming an animal from a reputable Animal Welfare Establishment, is the first, fundamental step towards being a responsible owner.

“Yet the illegal importation of puppies, driven by huge demand, continues to be a problem.”

The government will also look at the veterinary care, assistance and advice available to those who need help caring for their pets, owing to a change in their circumstances. This could apply to people in times of illness or emergency, including those fleeing domestic abuse.

Additionally, revised codes of practice for horses and dogs will be published before the summer recess and a consultation on the revised cat code will begin in autumn. Meanwhile, the rabbit code is under review and the government is considering whether further codes are needed for other species, such as primates and other exotic pets, or racing greyhounds.

Ms Griffiths commented: “As a Government, animal welfare is a priority for us.  In Wales, we pride ourselves on having excellent animal welfare standards and expect everyone to reflect this by being responsible owners…

“Embedding a culture of responsible ownership cannot be achieved in isolation and I am grateful for the dedication and passion shown towards animals in Wales. There is always more that can be done but we are proud, as a nation, to be leading the way in raising standards of animal welfare.”   

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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.