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Government reintroduces Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill
The Bill will increase the maximum sentence for animal abusers to five years.

Move follows public consultation showing support for tougher prison sentences

The Government announced on Tuesday (15 October) that it has reintroduced a Bill that means animal abusers could face up to five years in prison.


The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill has been reintroduced to the House of Commons following a public consultation last year. Responses to the consultation showed more than 70 per cent of people supported proposals for tougher prison sentences.


The move will be a significant increase from the current maximum sentence of six months, making it one of the toughest sanctions in Europe.

“I am committed to improving animal welfare in this country and the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which will increase the maximum sentencing to five years in prison, sends a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated," said animal welfare minister Zac Goldsmith.

“This step builds on a series of actions this government has taken to protect animals, including a ban on third-party puppy and kitten sales, banning the use of wild animals in circuses, and taking steps both to end keeping primates as pets and the live export of animals.”

The government announced in summer 2018 that the issue of animal sentencing and animal sentience will be split. This is line with the advice for the House of Commons EFRA Select Committee.

Ministers are now considering the right legislative vehicle for sentience and details will follow in due course. 

 

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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.