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Born Free calls for a review of zoo regulations
The plan calls on the government to end the import, sales and keeping of wild-caught mammals as pets.
Priority plan to reform the keeping of captive wild animals

A 15-point plan to protect and ensure the future of captive wild animals in the UK will be launched at a special event in Westminster this evening (22 March).

Compiled by the Born Free Foundation, the plan calls on the government to:

    •    Establish a full-time and centralised zoo inspectorate to ensure consistency in licensing and inspection of zoos
    •    Act swiftly on a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses across the UK
    •    Introduce a ban on the trade in, and private keeping of, all species of non-human primate
    •    End the import, sale and keeping of wild-caught mammals, reptiles and amphibians as pets.

The plan will be unveiled at Beyond the Bars: The Welfare of Captive Wild Animals in the UK - a high-profile event involving animal welfare experts, veterinary surgeons, MPs and wildlife NGOs.

“The Prime Minister recently claimed that the UK was number two in the world when it came to animal welfare. However, the lack of attention and effort that has been paid to the keeping of wild animals in captivity seriously undermines that claim,” commented Will Travers OBE, Born Free president.

“Without resolute action, not only will our reputation suffer, but more importantly, wild animals in our care will suffer unnecessarily.

The event comes after South Lakes Zoo in Cumbria was refused a new zoo operating licence. A damning report by zoo inspectors revealed that 486 animals had died at the zoo in four years. It also exposed a catalogue of animal welfare concerns.

Born Free claims that many UK zoos do not provide their animals with the best possible living conditions or standards of care, and sometimes put the visiting public at risk.

“While the UK has been proud of its attitude to animal welfare, and historically introduced some significant legislation to protect animals, we may now have rested on our laurels for too long, particularly in the case of wild animals in captivity,” explained Chris Draper, Born Free’s associate director for animal welfare & care.

“Our understanding of the needs of wild animals has improved significantly in recent years, and we now need to face the unfortunate possibility that our current laws, regulations and standards may no longer adequately safeguard the welfare of wild animals in captivity.”


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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.