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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.”

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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.