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Non-stun petition hits target
butchers meat
A new FSA survey has revealed a rise in the number of animals slaughtered without pre-stunning.
BVA calls for House of Commons debate at the earliest opportunity

A petition urging the government to ban animal slaughter without pre-stunning has reached its target of 100,000 signatures. The issue may now be debated in the House of Commons.

The BVA, who launched the petition just nine months ago, said it was a significant step on the road to banning non-stun slaughter and shows the strong public support for the campaign.

The news was announced yesterday (January 29), on the same day the Food Standards Agency (FSA) revealed there has been a rise in the number of animals slaughtered without pre-stunning to render them insensible to pain.

Since 2011, the UK has seen a 31 per cent increase in the number of cattle not stunned before slaughter for Halal meat, according to the FSA's animal welfare survey of slaughterhouses.

Figures also show a 56 per cent rise in the number of sheep and goats that were not pre-stunned before slaughter for Halal.

There was, however, a small decrease of 1.7 per cent  in the number of poultry not pre-stunned.

Kosher (Shechita or non-stunned slaughter) was also found to be in decline, falling by 66 per cent in cattle, 68 per cent in sheep and goats and 69 per cent in poultry.

The figures are based on assessments carried out by official veterinarians from September 16-30, 2013, at 232 red meat slaughterhouses. Overall, the figures show 2 per cent of cattle, 10 per cent of sheep and goats and 4 per cent of poultry were not stunned before slaughter in the UK.

BVA is now urging the Backbench Business Committee to honour the e-petition and call a House of Commons debate at the earliest opportunity. It will still be possible to sign the petition until March 30.


 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.