Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 7th September 2017
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Animal Welfare Party gains first UK representative
AWP leader Venessa Hudson said the UK has a proud history of thought leadership in animal welfare.

Move an important milestone in the party’s history 

Green Party member Jane Smith has switched political parties to become the first UK representative of the Animal Welfare Party (AWP).

Announcing her decision on Monday (4 September) Smith, a serving councillor on Alsager Town Council, said that she made the decision because she believes it is important ‘that we begin to acknowledge and address the inherent unfairness of our human-centric decision making bodies.’

“Although the step I take today may appear small, I believe it is of huge symbolic significance,” she said. “We share our world and our natural resources with so many other species and it is only right and fair that those other animals and their habitats are properly represented and considered in our decision making.”

Established 10 years ago, the AWP is based on the highly successful Dutch ‘Party for Animals’, which holds five seats in the Dutch House of Representatives.

In May 2016, AWP contested the Northern Ireland and Scottish Parliament elections for the first time, in addition to contesting the London Assembly Elections in which the party won 25,810 votes (1%).

In this years’ General Election, AWP contested three London constituencies, while veterinary surgeon and professor of animal welfare Andrew Knight stood for AWP in Maidenhead.

Responding to Smith’s move to AWP, party leader Vanessa Hudson said: “The UK has a proud history of thought leadership in animal welfare and it’s high time animals had dedicated representatives in our decision making bodies. Only that way can their needs and interests begin to be properly protected. With today’s news, AWP takes its first steps to joining our sister parties in the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal and Australia who have already achieved that for animals.”

“We are delighted that Jane has joined us enabling the UK to take this important step.’ Hudson continued, “We welcome her into our party and look forward to supporting her continued good work for people, animals and the environment in Alsager and beyond.”

Image (C) Reetsyn8/Wikimedia

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.