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Kennel Club launches ‘Voice for Dogs’ manifesto
"Our manifesto highlights the strides that the Kennel Club has made so far in giving a voice to dogs, but most importantly all that still needs to be achieved" - Holly Conway, Kennel Club.

Nine-point plan outlines government measures to protect dog welfare 

The Kennel Club has launched a new ‘Voice for Dogs’ manifesto calling on the incoming government to reform dog welfare laws and extend more help to pet owners.

Launched ahead of the General Election (12 December), the nine-point plan sets out key issues facing dogs and their owners in the UK. It also outlines the measures and legislative changes that need to be taken to be put into place to protect the welfare of dogs.

Among the measures listed in the manifesto includes a call to ban to use of electric shock collars, a review of microchipping regulations, and a re-evaluation of the current licensing system for domestic firework use.

The manifesto also highlights the importance of encouraging responsible dog breeding. In 2018, the Kennel Club welcomed the partial integration of its Assured Breeding Scheme into breeding regulations, but is urging the government to further simplify them.

It says that many trustworthy, low-volume home breeders are being put off breeding altogether, leaving a gap in the market that is likely to be filled by rogue puppy traders. The Kennel Club therefore recommends the removal of the ‘business test’ for people who breed one or two litters a year, and to simplify the steps breeders of three or four litters must take to obtain a licence.

Kennel Club’s head of public affairs, Holy Conway, said: “Our manifesto highlights the strides that the Kennel Club has made so far in giving a voice to dogs, but most importantly all that still needs to be achieved.

“Prior to the election being called, we welcomed firm commitments concerning shock collars and animal cruelty sentences, and it has been incredibly disappointing that these have been halted. We look forward to working with an incoming government to ensure these previous obligations are prioritised and that further measures are put in place to protect the welfare of dogs.”

 

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
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NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.