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: 29th May 2018
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

Scotland’s ban on wild animals in circuses comes into force
“Having campaigned for many years to end the suffering of circus animals, we are thrilled that Scotland has taken action."
Campaigners call for rest of UK to follow suit

A ban on wild animals in circuses has come into force in Scotland, making it the first UK nation to introduce such legislation.

The Wild Animals in Travelling Circuses (Scotland) Act 2018 came into effect on 28 May, five months after the government bill was unanimously passed by MSPs.

Whilst there are currently no circuses with wild animals based in Scotland, they have visited from England in the past. The new legislation will prevent them from touring in the future.

Animal Defenders International (ADI) has welcomed the move and encouraged other UK nations to follow Scotland’s lead.

A Welsh ban was backed overwhelmingly in the Assembly during a debate in March, and a statement is expected before the summer break.

Meanwhile, a ban in England has been promised by successive governments for more than a decade. In February, the government indicated that a ban will be in place by January 2020.

ADI president Jan Creamer said: “Having campaigned for many years to end the suffering of circus animals, we are thrilled that Scotland has taken action. We now look to England, Wales and Northern Ireland to follow their lead and deliver the UK-wide legislation that the public have long wanted and the animals so desperately need.”

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

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.