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: 23rd November 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

Fireworks petition delivered to UK Government
The petition calls for an urgent review into the existing, outdated fireworks regulations

Petition backed by one-third of a million people

A petition calling on the UK government to restrict the use of fireworks has been delivered to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

Signed by 358,000 people, the petition calls for an urgent review into the existing, outdated fireworks regulations. It comes weeks after the OPSS said it has ‘no plans’ to review the existing regulation, despite clear widespread public concern.

“Another year and more animals are needlessly suffering despite repeated calls to the UK Government to end this madness,” said Julie Doorne from FAB Firework Abatement UK, who set up the petition. “This petition highlights the strength of feeling around this important issue and that there is widespread public support for regulations to be changed.”

Besides one-third of a million people signing the petition, some 7,000 people have also backed the RSPCA’s call to email the Government to act on changing firework regulations.

“We want to see the UK Government listening to people and strengthening the existing law and restricting the use of fireworks to traditional days of the year like bonfire night,” said RSPCA campaign manager Holly Barber, who delivered the petition with Julie Doome.

“This year - just like in previous years - our emergency line has been inundated with hundreds of calls from pet owners concerned about their terrified animals during the fireworks. This is totally avoidable, and the UK Government need to step up and act to prevent any further animal suffering.”

The RSPCA would like the private use of fireworks to be restricted on all but four days of the year; Diwali, November 5, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year. It would also like the maximum permitted noise level of fireworks for public sale reduced from 120 decibels - above the human pain threshold for noise - to 97 decibels.

A Westminster Hall debate on Monday 26 November will take place on Monday (26 November) where it is hoped MPs will echo public sentiment for an urgent review.

Image (C) RSPCA.

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.