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Views sought on new code of practice for pig welfare
The new Code aims to give pig farmers the latest guidance on current legislation.
Code reflects latest veterinary and scientific knowledge

Defra has launched a consultation into plans for a new statutory code of practice for the welfare of pigs.

The existing code provides keepers of pigs with guidance on how to comply with current welfare legislation. However, it has not been updated since it was published in 2003.

Defra proposes to repeal the current statutory Code of Recommendations for the Welfare of Livestock: Pigs (2003) and to replace it with a new statutory code.

The aim of this new code is to give farmers the latest guidance on current legislation, reflect the latest in veterinary and scientific knowledge and present this in a clear and relevant way.

The consultation is seeking views on whether and how well the draft statutory code, published with this consultation, achieves these aims.

The consultation will run until 9 March 2018 and can be found at https://consult.defra.gov.uk/animal-health-and-welfare/consultation-on-pig-a-draft-code-of-practice/consultation/intro/

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.