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Current legislation will not allow Lynx release, NSA warns
Under current law, farmers are allowed to shoot lynx that are causing their animals distress.
Species classed as dangerous under 1976 act

Current legislation will not allow for the proposed reintroduction of the lynx to the UK, the National Sheep Association (NSA) has warned.

In a statement, the NSA said that it understands Eurasian lynx are classed as dangerous animals under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and it would therefore be an offence to keep them without a local authority licence.  

The organisation said that, at present, these licences are only available for zoo and captive animals - not for those being released into the wild.

“It is still not clear when the Lynx UK Trust will make an application for a release licence for lynx, but it has become clear there would need to be a change in current legislation to keep such a release legal,” commented Phil Stocker, NSA chief executive.

“In my opinion, this is very unlikely to happen in the near future given the raft of priority legislative work needing to be done after the Great Repeal Bill.”

The NSA also points out that, under current law, farmers are allowed to shoot lynx that are causing their animals distress. They understand that Lynx UK trust is working to get this law changed, meaning that the only option for farmers would be to seek compensation from the trust.  

The organisation states that it is opposed to this as it is unlikely that compensation funding could be guaranteed ‘in perpetuity’.

Mr Stocker added “We are confident current legislation will not facilitate a release and any appetite for a regulatory change at a time when there will be so many other priorities is unjustifiable.

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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.