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RSPCA urges government to further restrict sale and use of fireworks
The RSPCA would like to see the sale and use of fireworks limited to November 5, December 31, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

Report highlights stress that fireworks can cause to animals

The RSPCA has called on the government to further restrict the public sale and use of fireworks to four specific seasons and festival dates.

It comes in response to new figures which show 62 per cent of dog owners and 54 per cent of cat owners said their animal showed signs of distress during the firework season. The figures are published in a new RSPCA report - Bang out of Order: Fireworks Frighten Animals - which highlights the stress that fireworks can cause to animals. 


The RSPCA would like to see the sale and use of fireworks limited to November 5, December 31, Chinese New Year and Diwali. It also believes there should be a noise restriction on the maximum levels of decibels fireworks can reach, and all displays should be licensed in advertised in advance. 


Since 2014, the RSPCA has received some 2,285 calls about fireworks, with 411 last year alone. Among these included calls from owners of dogs, horses, alpacas and even an African grey parrot.


Claire McParland, RSPCA government relations manager, said: “We see the impact of fireworks on animals every year and we know there's strong public feeling about the use of fireworks, with more than 400,000 people signing petitions to restrict their use in recent years.

“We're urging the government to act on this strength of feeling - which would support owners to help their animals cope at this time of year. There is current legislation in place but we believe the Fireworks Act 2003 and the Fireworks Regulations 2004 don't go far enough.”

The RSPCA report explores the problem with fireworks, how noise levels are measured, what the law says and how owners can protect their animals.

Among its recommendations include a call to see all fireworks displays licensed by the relevant licensing authority, with information about the proposed display provided in the local area several weeks in advance.

It also highlights a need to to have a better understanding of the impact of fireworks noise on animal welfare so that future developments can be more effectively informed.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.