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Welsh Assembly Members urged to bring forward circus ban
Wild animals are now banned in circuses in 46 countries.

Committee agrees "general principles" of bill 

The National Assembly’s climate change, environment and rural affairs committee has backed proposed legislation by the welsh government to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses. In a report published on Friday, the committee scrutinised the Wild Animals and Circuses (Wales) Bill.

The bill, which was introduced in July, currently has a planned implementation date of 1 December 2020, but Animal Defenders International (ADI) is urging assembly members to bring forward the ban, so that the suffering of the animals ends sooner.

In the report, the committee recommends that:

  • The assembly agrees the “general principles of the bill”
  • The Minster provides a “more comprehensive” explanation about the scope of the bill and the ethical arguments behind it
  • The bill is amended to include the availability of statutory guidance to support the implementation of the ban and that that guidance is clear on specific terms and procedures
  • The Welsh government discuss available support and advice concerning re-homing options with Defra.

In a public consultation about the bill, 97 per cent of respondents agreed that it should be made an offence for wild animals to be used in a travelling circus. The constant travel and lack of appropriate facilities in circuses mean that animal welfare is inevitably compromised.

Currently, two travelling circuses are planning to tour with wild animals following the ban. ADI is urging these circuses to allow the animals to be re-homed to suitable sanctuaries, which would resolve possible enforcement issues with the ban and ensure the well-being of the animals is upheld.

Image (c) Animal Defenders International

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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.