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Government reintroduces Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill
The Bill will increase the maximum sentence for animal abusers to five years.

Move follows public consultation showing support for tougher prison sentences

The Government announced on Tuesday (15 October) that it has reintroduced a Bill that means animal abusers could face up to five years in prison.


The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill has been reintroduced to the House of Commons following a public consultation last year. Responses to the consultation showed more than 70 per cent of people supported proposals for tougher prison sentences.


The move will be a significant increase from the current maximum sentence of six months, making it one of the toughest sanctions in Europe.

“I am committed to improving animal welfare in this country and the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which will increase the maximum sentencing to five years in prison, sends a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated," said animal welfare minister Zac Goldsmith.

“This step builds on a series of actions this government has taken to protect animals, including a ban on third-party puppy and kitten sales, banning the use of wild animals in circuses, and taking steps both to end keeping primates as pets and the live export of animals.”

The government announced in summer 2018 that the issue of animal sentencing and animal sentience will be split. This is line with the advice for the House of Commons EFRA Select Committee.

Ministers are now considering the right legislative vehicle for sentience and details will follow in due course. 

 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.