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Fox hunting opposition at all-time high
The Hunting Act 2004 has helped more than 100,000 animals including foxes, hares and deer.
Majority of the public support keeping the ban

Opposition to fox hunting is at an all-time high, according to figures published by the League Against Cruel Sports.

Figures show that 85 per cent of the public support keeping the ban on fox hunting. The figures come after a turbulent year for hunting, where the government’s announcement to offer a free vote on repealing the Hunting Act triggered a public outcry.

Director of campaigns for the League Against Cruel Sports, Chris Luffingham, said: “With 85 per cent of the public saying they do not want fox hunting made legal again, there has never been a better time to strengthen the Hunting Act and bring an end to the illegal persecution of wildlife still going on under the guise of ‘trail’ hunting.
 
“The realities of ‘trail’ hunting have been well and truly exposed this year and the extent to which foxes, hares and deer are still being chased and killed has really shocked people. Time and time again hunts are getting away with circumventing the law and that needs to stop.”

According to a study carried out by the League Against Cruel Sports, the Hunting Act 2004 has helped more than 100,000 animals including foxes, hares and deer. However, evidence suggests that since hunting with dogs was outlawed, most have been hunting illegally and using ‘trail’ hunting as a cover.

Mr Luffingham added: “A mockery is being made of the very legislation put in place to try and protect wildlife. Hunts claim to be ‘trail’ hunting and when animals end up being chased and killed, they simply shrug the incidents off as ‘accidental’. All the while the bloodsport lobby do nothing to hide the fact that they’re waiting for the hunting ban to be repealed; that makes these ‘accidents’ look pretty suspicious.
 
“During 2017, we’ve seen the Government make some great steps in terms of its commitment to animal welfare, and as we move into 2018, we’d like to see a strengthening of the Hunting Act as part of this commitment. There is overwhelming support for the ban on hunting; now it’s time for improved legislation to put an end to wildlife suffering in the name of ‘sport’ once and for all.”

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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.