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MPs back new fly-grazing laws
horse
"It is clear that the number of horses being left to graze on private land has grown significantly in recent years".
Proposed changes offer new controls to tackle fly-grazing

New laws to tackle illegal fly grazing in England have won the support of the Government and the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee.

A bill promoted by Julian Sturdy, MP for outer York, will allow faster removal of horses left to graze on private land without permission. It will also reduce the period of time before landowners can take action, from 14 days to around four.

Efra Committee chair Anne McIntosh, said: "It is clear that the number of horses being left to graze on private land has grown significantly in recent years, and we are glad that action to make it easier to deal with that is being supported by Defra and the Government.

"It would be helpful if the action taken in Ireland to deal with this problem were matched."

A letter to the committee from animal welfare minister, Lord de Mauley, explaining changes to the legislation has now been published.

Under previous legislation, those detaining fly-grazed horses can only sell them at market or public auction, however the Bill on the Control of Horses (England) 2014 allows more flexibility, so horses can be euthanised, rehomed or given to a charity.

Lord de Mauley also reports that progress has been made in securing legislation for a Europe-wide equine database. A new regulation agreed in September 2014 requires all member states to hold a central equine database.

In addition, there will be new minimum standards for horse passports and governments will have greater power to suspend or ban organisations from issuing passports if they fail to meet requirements.

Microchipping controls will also be tightened up and there will be a requirement to notify the database and passport issuing organisations if a horse has been signed out of the food chain.

These new rules will become national law in due course and the UK database will be set up in mid-2016.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.