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Fox hunting vote postponed
fox
Proposed changes would allow foxes to be flushed out by packs of dogs. Currently only two dogs can be used for pest control.
SNP said it would vote against a dilution of the ban

A vote on changes to the fox hunting ban have been shelved after the Scottish National Party (SNP) revealed it would be voting against proposals to relax the law.

MPs were due to vote on what Defra termed 'a small number of technical amendments' to the Hunting Act (2004) today.

In England and Wales, currently only two dogs can be used to flush out foxes for pest control purposes.

The proposed amendments would allow the use of a pack of dogs, bringing the act into line with practices in Scotland. Opponents have said this is tantamount to returning fox hunting 'through the back door'.

Labour MP Maria Eagle called the government's proposals "a shambles" and accused the Prime Minister of "running scared because he knew he was going to lose the vote on fox hunting."

Scottish Parliament is currently making moves to review the effectiveness of its own hunting ban.

SNP Westminster group leader Angus Robertson MP said: "In these circumstances, it is right and proper that we assert the Scottish interest on fox hunting by voting with Labour against the Tories' proposals to relax the ban."

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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."