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'Thousands of wild animals kept in UK homes'
lemur
Over 100 lemurs are being kept in private homes in the UK.
RSPCA says the findings are "deeply concerning"
 
Thousands of wild animals, including venomous snakes, lemurs and tigers, are being kept in homes across the UK, new figures have revealed.

More than 100 councils have issued licences to allow people to keep undomesticated animals in the home, according to a freedom of information (FOI) request by the Press Association.

In order to keep animals that are considered to be wild, dangerous or exotic, a licence must be obtained from the local council.

FOI requests were sent to every UK council, of which 363 replied.

Animals being privately kept in the UK include:
  • Over 300 venomous snakes, including cobras, rattlesnakes and vipers
  • 145 ostriches
  • 115 lemurs
  • 15 wolves
  • 13 tigers
  • 10 alligators
  • Nine pumas
  • Nine crocodiles
  • Eight leopards
  • Seven cheetahs
  • Two lions
There are also more than 2,000 wild boar, 412 bison and a score of zebras being kept in private fields.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA is quoted by the Telegraph as saying: "We are deeply concerned about the number of exotic animals, including dangerous wild animals, now being kept as pets…

"Licences for exotic animals classed as Dangerous Wild Animals - such as cobras, ostriches and caiman crocodiles - are granted by local authorities and the details are also held locally. There is no centrally-held list to determine how many are kept across the country.

"The emphasis of this legislation is on making sure the owner takes reasonable steps to prevent the animal from being a threat to the public, rather than the welfare of the animals concerned."

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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
BSAVA publishes fifth Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology

The BSAVA has published the fifth edition of its BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology.

The new edition has been reviewed and updated, including new developments in diagnostics, therapeutic approaches and clinical decision-making. It is structured to support clinicians through diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.

The guide features five new chapters covering acute myelopathies, chronic myelopathies, emergency protocols, neurotoxicology and neuro-oncology.

It also includes over 100 videos, including demonstrations of neurological examinations, clinical presentations and diagnostic procedures.

Nicola Lloyd, publishing manager, said: "Whether you're a general practitioner seeking practical guidance, or a specialist aiming to refine your expertise, this edition remains an indispensable reference for anyone involved in the care of neurologically compromised dogs and cats."