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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th August 2014
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Ketamine rescheduling consultation now open
Ketamine on table
Ketamine is widely used in the veterinary profession, as well as recreationally.
Consultation seeks views of veterinary professionals on the recommendation to reschedule ketamine to a Schedule 2 drug.

A twelve-week public consultation on the appropriate schedule in which ketamine should be listed is currently underway and will run until November 3, 2014.

Earlier this year, changes of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 came into force, which included the reclassification of ketamine as a Class B drug - meaning that the maximum penalty for unlawful possession increased from two to five years in jail.

Ketamine, which is widely used in the veterinary profession as an anaesthetic and analgesic, is also used recreationally.  

A report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD)  revealed that heavy and frequent misuse of ketamine is linked to various physical and psychological problems, including chronic toxicity to the bladder leading to numerous reports of individuals having to have their bladders removed.

As well as suggesting that ketamine be reclassified to Class B,  the report suggested that, subject to public consultation, it be rescheduled to Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. It is illegal to possess Schedule 2 drugs without a prescription or to supply or produce them without a licence.

The Minister for Crime Prevention accepted the ACMD advice and on 10 June, 2014 ketamine was reclassified as a Class B drug.

During the consultation, the Home Office is interested to hear the views of the public, especially health and veterinary organisations and professionals, on the appropriate schedule in which ketamine should be listed. A final decision will be made by the Minister after the public consultation.  Until then ketamine remains a Schedule 4 Part 1 drug.

An online response page is available for anybody on would like to respond online. The consultation document and consultation stage impact assessment is available at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ketamine-rescheduling-consultation 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.