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First vet elected to House of Commons since 1880
Dr Hudson has worked in large and small animal practice, both in the UK and Australia.

New MP hopes to bolster support for animal welfare

Equine veterinary surgeon Dr Neil Hudson has been elected as Conservative MP for Penrith and the Border, becoming the first vet to be elected to the House of Commons since 1880.

Dr Hudson initially studied at the University of Cambridge, going on to gain a Diploma in Veterinary Clinical Studies from the University of Sydney. Finally, he moved to Edinburgh, where he earned his Certificate in Equine Internal Medicine.

Currently, Dr Hudson is a senior veterinary clinical lecturer at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. He has worked in large and small animal practice, both in the UK and Australia.

Dr Hudson has expressed his investment in upholding high standards of animal welfare in the UK, as well as support for numerous animal welfare pledges outlined in the Conservative Manifesto. These include:

  • Banning imports from trophy-hunting and bringing the ivory ban into force
  • Expanding mandatory microchipping to include cats
  • Banning excessively long journeys for slaughter and fattening
  • Tougher sentences for animal cruelty cases
  • Cracking down on illegal puppy smuggling.

As part of his election campaign, Dr Hudson attended a round table meeting focusing on rural businesses and met with farmers at various local marts to discuss issues facing the industry.

Receiving 28,875 votes, Dr Hudson is the fifth MP to represent the Penrith and the Border constituency. Many hope that his extensive, real-world experience will bolster support for policies surrounding rural affairs, animal welfare and education.

Image (c) The University of Edinburgh

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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.