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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th September 2016
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Greyhound review 'a missed opportunity'
Racing greyhounds
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has long argued that the current greyhound welfare regulations do not go far enough.


Battersea Dogs & Cats Home responds to Post Implementation Review

Battersea Dogs & Cats home has joined those welfare charities concerned about Defra's long-awaited review of the welfare of racing greyhounds.


The charity is particularly concerned about agreements with the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) to deliver required improvements in areas like trainers' kennels, where greyhounds spend a large proportion of their time.

"These agreements do not even extend to the "independent" tracks where the prospect of welfare improvement is now even more remote," said Peter Laurie, Battersea's director of operations.

"Only time will tell whether GBGB will honour its commitments, but with no prospect of publication of data until 2018 and no firm commitments that Regulation will follow it is hard to be optimistic."

Published last week (15 September), the Post Implementation Review of the 2010 Welfare of Racing Greyhounds Regulations reviews the current regulations to see how effective they have been.

Responding to the review, Paula Boyden, Dogs Trust veterinary director, said she was 'deeply concerned' that Defra had failed to take notice of advice from welfare charities.

She added the government were not treating the issue with the severity it deserves. "Their proposed changes are minimal and lack the urgency needed to improve the industry," she said.

The regulations were first introduced to improve the welfare standards of racing greyhounds by establishing a set of minimum welfare standards and to improve the traceability of greyhounds during and after their racing life.


While Battersea Dogs & Cats Home say the regulations have delivered some notable welfare improvements since their introduction, it has long argued that they do not go far enough.


"The report was the perfect opportunity for the Government to improve the welfare of that nation's racing greyhounds yet it represents a very disappointing missed opportunity," said Peter.

 

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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.