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EU takes UK to court over harbour porpoises
harbour porpoise
Owing to the species unfavourable status in the EU, 13 member states have designated sites for its protection.
UK fails to propose protection sites for marine mammal

The European Commission is taking the UK to court over its failure to propose protection sites for harbour porpoises.

EU legislation requires member states to propose a list of sites for a number of species and habitats, ensuring they are protected from threats which could seriously harm them, and helping to maintain and restore them in the EU.

Regularly found in UK waters, the harbour porpoise is a small whale closely related to the family of oceanic dolphins.

Owing to the species unfavourable status in the EU, 13 member states have designated sites for its protection in around 200 sites. So far, the European Commission says the UK has only proposed one site in Northern Ireland and another in Scotland.

'As the UK has an extensive marine area, it has a particular responsibility for the protection of this species,' the commission said in a statement. 'The Commission has repeatedly urged the British authorities to fulfil their key obligations for the conservation of the species, as other member states have done already.'

The commission revealed last week (29 September) that it was taking the UK to the Court of Justice of the EU, following a letter of formal notice, which was sent to the UK government in June 2013, and a reasoned opinion sent in October 2014.

The UK conducted a public consultation recently on a number of potential sites in English and Welsh waters, but the commission said 'more needs to be done'.

The Habitats Directive requires the establishment of an EU-wide network of protected natural areas, the Natura 2000, which is made up of special areas of conservation (SACs) and special protection areas for birds (SPAs) under the Birds Directive. All member states highlight sites that are important for the conservation of species and habitats.

Once approved by the commission member states have six years to designate them as SACs and introduce management measures to maintain or restore the species and habitats to a good condition.

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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.