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BVA launches 10 pledges for general election manifesto
“We are at a critical time for animal health and welfare, and the future of our profession".
Pledges include protecting all animals in law and boosting the veterinary workforce

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a list of 10 pledges for political parties to include in their manifestos for the upcoming general election.

The pledges, which include animal welfare, Brexit and the veterinary workforce, were unveiled at a private briefing for MPs and Peers in Westminster last month. The BVA has written to all major parties to ask them to adopt the pledges in their General Election manifestos

They are:

    1    Reject a no-deal Brexit
    2    Boost the veterinary workforce
    3    Protect all animals in law
    4    Protect UK welfare standards in future trade deals and agri policies
    5    Protect the welfare of animals at slaughter
    6    Strengthen legislation against illegal puppy imports
    7    Commit to evidence-based disease control
    8    Introduce a single database for microchip registration
    9    Ban primates as pets
    10    Put animal welfare on the national curriculum

BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: “We are at a critical time for animal health and welfare, and the future of our profession. All major political parties recognise that animal welfare is a key issue for voters so it’s essential that they adopt sound, evidence-based policies in their manifestos.
 
“Our manifesto of 10 pledges draws together the most pressing topical issues that matter to our members. Unsurprisingly, Brexit has taken the top slot. BVA has not taken a position in favour of leave or remain, but our Council reviewed the evidence and concluded that a no-deal Brexit would have serious consequences for our workforce, and animal health and welfare.”
 
She continued: “We know there is cross-party support for many of the animal welfare measures in our manifesto, such as enshrining sentience in UK law, but we need to see a real commitment to action. We’re looking forward to engaging with all parties to put these policies into effect.
 
“During the campaign, we’re calling on election candidates to talk to vets in their local communities to better understand the veterinary workforce and welfare issues in our profession.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.