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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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Rabbit Awareness Week set to return this summer

News Story 1
 Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) is returning this summer, running from 24-28 June 2024. The theme for this year will be 'Healthy Diet, Happy Bunnies'.

The focus on rabbits' diet comes after the most recent PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report report revealed that 42 per cent of veterinary professionals identified inappropriate diet as one of the five most important rabbit welfare issues that need to be address.

The campaign will include veterinary blogs, videos, and digital waiting room resources. Practices can sign up to receive updates about RAW. 

Click here for more...
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CVS Group hit by cyber attack

CVS Group, which owns more than 450 veterinary practices in the UK, has been hit by a cyber attack.

In a statement, the group said the incident involved unauthorised external access to a limited number of its IT systems. As soon as the attack was discovered, the group took its IT systems temporarily offline, causing 'considerable operational disruption'.

It has warned that the security steps taken and ongoing plans to move its operational systems and IT infrastructure to the Cloud are likely to have an ongoing impact over a number of weeks.

Due to the risk that personal information was accessed, CVS has informed the Information Commissioner's Office. The company is working with third party consultants to investigate the incident.