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Lack of council resources affecting animal welfare, charity warns
The Blue Cross says that local authority cuts are likely to have had a signifcant impact on officers to enforce animal welfare cases effectively.

Blue Cross manifesto calls on MPs to better enforce animal welfare legislation 

Animal charity Blue Cross has expressed concern about a lack of local authority resources and its effect on animal welfare.

The government has made significant local authority cuts in recent years, which the Blue Cross says is likely to have had a significant impact on officers to enforce and investigate animal welfare cases effectively. The charity is now calling for increased resources and training to ensure that officers have the necessary knowledge to apply to all pet welfare legislation.


The call forms part of Blue Cross’ new manifesto, New Parliament, New Start for Animals, which outlines the charity’s recommendations on topics including breed-specific legislation, shock collars, greyhounds and the microchipping of cats. It also includes a push for the regulation of animal sanctuaries and rehoming organisations and the better recognition of the benefits of pets for mental health and wellbeing.

“A new parliament signifies new opportunities and we hope this means significant and lasting change for animals, which safeguards and protects the vulnerable,” explained head of public affairs, Becky Thwaites. “We have a lot of new MP's to get to know and we are looking forward to bringing the issues in our manifesto to the forefront of their minds."


Blue Cross reports that while the majority of animal rehoming centres and rescue centres maintain high standards of animal welfare, some can become overwhelmed and struggle to meet animal welfare needs. As part of its new manifesto, the charity is calling on MPs to open a consultation on regulating such organisations and to introduce an accompanying inspection system to maintain high animal welfare standards.


Blue Cross is also calling on the Department of Health and NHS England to undertake a comprehensive review of the provision of Animal-Assisted Therapy for mental health patients. It comes after its 2019 report, ‘A link in the Chain: Tackling mental health, poverty and loneliness through pet ownership’, revealed the powerful impact pets can have on society.

The charity will be giving the manifesto to MPs, accompanied with a request to discuss the outcome in person. For further information, please visit bluecross.org.uk/manifesto

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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.