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Northern Ireland extend Welfare of Animals Act consultation
Caged puppies
The closing date for the consultation has been extended due to recent concerns raised in relation to dog breeding.

Review extended over dog breeding concerns

Concerns over dog breeding have prompted the Irish government to extend their consultation on the review of the Implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act 2011.

Announcing the extension, a spokesman from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) said: "In 2014 Minister O’Neill and Minister Ford initiated a review of the implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act 2011.

"As a first step in that review process, DARD conducted a series of evidence gathering stakeholder discussion sessions during the summer of 2014. The purpose of this targeted consultation was to take the views of those most closely involved with the issues.

"Stakeholders raised the issue of enforcement of breeding establishments and that issue is being addressed in the review as the Welfare of Animals (Dog Breeding Establishments and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2013 are made under this Act.

"Given the recent concerns raised in relation to dog breeding, the closing date for the consultation has been extended to the 21 May 2015 to provide additional time for people to provide their views."

The consultation document can be found on the DARD website. 

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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
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.