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France bans imports of lion hunting trophies
lion
French minister of ecology, Ségolène Royal, wrote: 'I have instructed my services to no longer issue import permits for lion hunting trophies.'
Country follows in Australia's footsteps

France has joined Australia in banning the import of lion hunting trophies, making it the first EU member state to bring in such a measure.

In a letter to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the French minister of ecology, Ségolène Royal, wrote: 'I have instructed my services to no longer issue import permits for lion hunting trophies.'

Brigitte Bardot, a former actress, singer and model, had previously criticised Royal's 'guilty silence' over the import of hunting trophies, particularly in light of the recent death of Cecil the lion.

Announcing the news of France's import ban, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation thanked the minister.

The charity LionAid also welcomed the news, saying in a statement: "We applaud Minister Royal for this timely decision, and hope that this will precipitate like-minded decisions from many other EU Member States."

LionAid has in fact secured a debate in UK parliament on 24 November, when it will urge the UK to reject any further involvement with trophy hunting or 'canned hunting' (where animals are kept in a confined area) of wild lions for sport.

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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.