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Scottish government to introduce animals in circuses bill
Circus tiger
The bill will put in place enforcement provisions and sanctions for non-compliance with the ban.

Bill will ban the use of wild animals 

The Scottish Government has published its intentions to introduce a wild animals in circuses bill.

The bill will ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses and put in place enforcement provisions and sanctions for non-compliance with the ban.

Welcoming the news, BVA Scottish Branch President Grace Webster said: “An opportunity to improve animal welfare has been presented and BVA commends the Scottish Government for seizing it.
 
“This is an issue that BVA has long campaigned on and, while it may not affect a great number of individual animals in the UK, the use of wild animals in travelling circuses is emblematic of the way we treat all animals under human care. The welfare needs of non-domesticated, wild animals cannot be met within a travelling circus.
 
“If we want to be truly proud of the UK’s reputation for some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world, governments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must follow Scotland’s precedent and deliver on their long-time promises.”

In addition to banning the use of wild animals in circuses, the Scottish Government has also announced plans to continue their review of pet welfare. This includes consideration of the results of recent consultations on electronic training collars and tail docking of working dogs.

The plans are outlined in 'The Government's Programme for Scotland 2016-2017 which can be found at http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00505210.pdf

 

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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.