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Dutch animal circuses arrive in Ireland
camel circus
"Travelling circuses are no place for wild animals as they simply cannot provide a suitable environment for these animals." (stock photo)
Charities fear more such circuses could be on the way
 
Two Dutch animal circuses have arrived in Ireland after their home country, The Netherlands, introduced a ban on wild animals in circuses late last year.

Together, Circus Belly Wien and Circus Renz International comprise 65 animals including three elephants and three camels.

The news has dismayed welfare charities who warn that unless the government takes action, Ireland could attract more and more of these circuses as other EU countries ban them.

In response, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) has called for an immediate ban on wild animals in circuses in a new campaign.

The charity is particularly concerned that these two circuses are using Asian elephants, which it says are one of the species least suited to life in a travelling circus.

Along with numerous other welfare organisations, ISPCA maintains that travelling circuses cannot meet the needs of complex animals such as elephants and tigers. The lifestyle goes hand-in-hand with frequent travelling, loading and unloading, handling, crowded conditions, noise, bright lights and limited social interaction - all of which are known to cause stress in wild animals.

England and Wales have committed to a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, and Scotland recently held a public consultation on the issue.

ISPCA's CEO, Andrew Kelly, said: "Despite many countries having banned the use of wild animals in circuses on animal welfare or ethical grounds, Ireland still allows this out-of-date practice to continue.

"Travelling circuses are no place for wild animals as they simply cannot provide a suitable environment for these animals. Transported in cramped and barren 'beast-wagons' around the country, moving every few days and then forcing them to perform unnatural behaviours for human 'entertainment' should no longer be permissible in the 21st century. "

To find out more about the ISPCA's Big Stop campaign, visit: http://www.ispca.ie/the_big_stop_campaign

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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.