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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th August 2013
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Whale shark attraction rejected

Animal conservationists celebrate Kenya's decision

A whale shark tourist attraction has been officially rejected by the Government of Kenya, following concerns from various animal welfare activators.

The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) of Kenya judged that the proposal for an artificial marine enclosure situated off the southern coast should be denied.

Its decision was made on the grounds that it would deny whale sharks their right to exist in their natural habitat, it would be in contravention of Kenya's 1962 Animal Cruelty Act and it fails to recognise that the whale shark tourism can be promoted in the wild.

NEMA also made it clear that the project, which would create an artificial marine enclosure stocked with wild-caught specimens of the world's largest fish, would not adequately engage with local communities.

Aaron Nicholas, conservation manager for Born Free Foundation, said that the charity has been working with regional marine scientists, local marine charities and other campaigners to mount a lobby against the Seaquarium scheme.

In February, the foundation presented its concerns at a public hearing.

"[We lobbied] particularly on the grounds that it is unethical to incarcerate these magnificent creatures and that the venture undermined Kenya's rich legacy of conserving and promoting wildlife conservation and tourism in the wild," he said.

The foundation also highlighted that whale sharks are an internationally important migratory species that plays a key role in the marine ecosystem.

Will Travers, CEO of Born Free, commented: "We are determined to support actions that protect whale sharks, while ensuring that benefits are shared with local communities.

"We plan to fund the training of boat skippers and crew in Tanzania later this year, to ensure that they understand and adhere to regulations concerning whale shark tourist viewing. We hope that we can extend this important initiative to Kenyan waters as part of a regional approach to whale shark conservation."

Image courtesy of Born Free Foundation

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."