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FSA reassure on data collection policy
After a delay in the release of data prompted rumours that they were to stop collecting data altogether, the agency has released a statement dispelling concerns.
Agency to improve abattoir data collection
 
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) are implementing a new system for data collection on non-stun slaughter in UK abattoirs. After a delay in the release of data prompted rumours that they were to stop collecting data altogether, the agency has released a statement dispelling concerns.

FSA stated: "Recent media coverage has suggested that we would no longer be collecting data on the numbers of animals killed by non-stun slaughter in UK abattoirs. No such change was ever planned."

In a bid to improve systems for data collection, the FSA intend to implement a continuous means of capturing information to generate published results that are easier to understand.

The statement continued: "It has always been our intention to continue collecting information on the numbers of animals that are slaughtered in abattoirs without being stunned and releasing it publicly."

In an ongoing pledge to support animal welfare awareness, public release of previous data collected on non-stun slaughter rates incited a BVA petition to stop non-stun slaughters that received a strong public backing of more than 100,000 signatures.

The FSA concluded by saying: "Animal welfare is a high priority for the FSA and our staff working in abattoirs and we remain committed to openness and transparency."

The 2013 report into UK non-stun slaughter can be found here: http://www.food.gov.uk/news-updates/news/2015/13501/animal-welfare-survey-of-slaughterhouses-published

 

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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."