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Welsh government urged to incorporate animals into new curriculum
RSPCA Cymru has long championed the inclusion of animal welfare in the Welsh curriculum.

RSPCA Cymru would like AoLEs to include animals and other sentient beings

Animal welfare charity RSPCA Cymru is calling on the Welsh government to incorporate animals into the new curriculum.

The call comes in response to the Welsh government’s consultation on a new draft curriculum. Proposals would see traditional Key Stages in Wales replaced with Progression Steps and the curriculum based around six Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs).

RSPCA Cymru has long championed the inclusion of animal welfare in the Welsh curriculum. But it says the new AoLE proposals offer a chance to ensure animals, and their needs, support learning objectives.

A proposed level five progression step from the Welsh government aims to ensure that, by the age of 16, young people can “empathise” to help them be “compassionate and kind” towards themselves and others.

The charity has called for this AoLE to be amended to include the words “including animals and sentient beings”. It is hoped this will encourage teachers to utilise animal welfare messaging to support the teaching of compassion and empathy in pupils.

David Allen, head of RSPCA education said: “Helping young people develop empathy towards animals will not only prevent cruelty happening in the future but will also help young people to become well-rounded, compassionate citizens.



“We’ve long called for animal welfare to be featured on the school curriculum, and feel the Welsh Government’s plans and ongoing review offers a perfect opportunity for Wales’ young people to reap the benefits from incorporating animals into their learning.



“By expanding one of the progression steps within the proposed ‘Health and Wellbeing’ Area of Learning and Experience to incorporate animals and other sentient beings, the Welsh Government can send an important statement as to how we should value animals in Wales, and how they should play a role in the educational journey.



“We’re excited to be engaging with the Welsh Government’s consultation, and the RSPCA will continue to support teachers and other practitioners working with young people in Wales, to create the next generation of animal ambassadors."

Image (C) RSPCA.

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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...
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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.