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Charities welcome animal welfare proposals
The briefings set out measures to end long journeys of animals going to slaughter.

Queen’s speech outlines plans for new Agriculture Bill

Animal charities have welcomed proposals set out in the Queen’s Speech to protect the welfare of animals. 


In her address to Parliament on Thursday (19 December), the Queen did not specifically mention animal welfare. However, background briefings set out measures to increase maximum sentences for animal cruelty and end long journeys of animals going to slaughter for fattening.

The legislation includes an extension on the maximum sentence for animal cruelty offences to five years, and a clear statement in domestic law that animals are sentient beings. It also sets out measures to deliver on commitments on primates as pets, cat microchipping and on the import of trophies from the hunting of endangered animals.


Welcoming the news, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home tweeted: “We’re so pleased to see five-year sentences for animal cruelty in the #QueensSpeech. It’s time to finally see this change become law.”

David Bowles, who heads up the RSPCA campaigns and public affairs work, said: “We @RSPCA_official are delighted that @10DowningStreet set out animal sentience and increased sentencing & sending farm payments to animal welfare in today’s @DefraGovUK programme - looking forward to January.”

The International Fund for Animal Welfare UK added: “We're delighted that the Queen's Speech has included increased sentences for animal abusers and legal recognition of animal sentience. We'll continue to campaign to get these passed swiftly in the new Parliament.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.