Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 9th December 2019
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

New group to discuss tighter restrictions on fireworks
The group will present its final recommendations to ministers in summer 2020.

Review follows overwhelming public support for change

A new group which aims to consider current legislation around the use of fireworks in Scotland, has announced its membership.

The Firework Review group – which includes the BVA, the Scottish SPCA, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (CoSLA), and many other key organisations – has been created following the launch of the Scottish government’s Fireworks Action Plan ‘Promoting the Safe and Appropriate Use of Fireworks in Scotland’.

The action plan outlines a number of planned activities from the Scottish government with the goal of creating tighter restrictions on fireworks and improving firework safety in Scotland. These activities include running awareness campaigns; discussing current and future legislation with the UK Government and supporting publicly organised displays and local communities.

In a public consultation conducted as part of the action plan, 92 per cent of people felt that there should be tighter controls on the use of fireworks, and 93 per cent wanted to see stricter regulations to reduce the unnecessary suffering that animals experience as a result of fireworks.

Planned to be in operation for up to nine months, the group will discuss available options to restrict the use of fireworks on public property and the times at which they can be let off. Presenting its final recommendations to ministers in summer 2020.

Community safety minister Ash Denham, who launched the Fireworks Action Plan, commented: “I am delighted to announce membership of the review group which will now consider how best to use the powers at our disposal to ensure fireworks are used safely and do not cause harm, distress or serious injury.

“The results of both our public consultation and national survey demonstrate overwhelming public support for a change in how fireworks are sold and used, and this group will have a vital role in informing our approach.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.