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Arsenal owner drops plans to broadcast blood sports
(he channel was due to broadcast regular hunting shows that depict and celebrate the killing of animals, including lions and elephants.
TV channel urged to remove content ‘in light of public interest’

Arsenal FC owner Stan Kroenke has instructed his controversial television channel, My Outdoor TV (MOTV), to remove all content containing blood sports.

In a statement, MOTV confirmed that Kroenke has asked the TV channel’s owners to “remove all content related to those animals in light of public interest.”

The news has been welcomed by the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS), which led a public outcry against the channel.

Philippa King, the organisation’s chief operating officer, said: “I think Arsenal have just snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Launching a TV channel which glorifies blood sports was never going to be a good idea in a nation of animal lovers. We asked Mr Kroenke to cancel his plan to show trophy hunting and that’s what he has done, so we thank him for it.”

Earlier this week, Kroenke, a major shareholder in Arsenal FC, announced the launch of a TV channel dedicated to blood sports. The channel was due to broadcast regular hunting shows that depict and celebrate the killing of animals, including lions and elephants.

In response to the announcement, some 69,000 people signed a petition calling on the club’s key sponsors to publicly condemn Kroenke’s actions.

Created by long-term Arsenal fan Rhys Brown, the petition also demanded a meeting between the Arsenal board, key sponsors, leading animal rights charities and representatives of the international fan bases.

Ms.King continued: “Whether the decision was taken because his [Kroenke’s] eyes were opened to the suffering of animals involved in trophy hunting, or because he realised it was a PR disaster for Arsenal football club, I don’t know.

“Hopefully it was the former – the world is turning against cruel sports like trophy hunting, fox hunting and ‘game’ bird shooting, so we hope Stan joins the majority in focussing on caring for and protecting precious species like lions and elephants and stops indulging the bloodthirsty minority who get their kicks from killing them.” 

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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.