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Spotlight on hunting trophies
The markhor, with its characteristic screw horns, is a species often hunted
Consultation and call for evidence launched

A consultation, together with a call for evidence, has been launched by the Government to allow ministers to understand the public’s views on all sides of the hunting trophy debate and gather expert evidence to inform any next steps – including a potential ban.

The 12-week consultation will close on 25 January 2020.

The four main options under review are:
  1. a ban on the import and export of hunting trophies from certain species
  2. stricter requirements to demonstrate clear benefits to conservation and local communities before hunting trophies from certain species are permitted to enter or leave the UK
  3. a ban on all hunting trophies entering or leaving the UK
  4. continuing to apply current controls based on internationally agreed rules.
Launching the consultation, international environment minister, Zac Goldsmith, said: “The UK is a nation of animal lovers, and there is a great strength of feeling around the issue of trophy hunting. I’m pleased we are able to launch this consultation today to address the import and export of hunting trophies.

“There are a number of controls already in place… The UK Government will not issue an import permit for a trophy unless the importer can show there has been no detrimental impact on the endangered species and the trophy has been obtained from a sustainable hunting operation.”

All applications for import permits for trophies are individually scrutinised by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) – as the UK’s CITES Scientific Authority – to determine there has been no detrimental impact on endangered species and the trophy has been obtained from a ‘sustainable’ hunting operation.

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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...
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.