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Welsh circus ban passes second reading
"A ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses is one big step closer" - Chris O'Brien.

Wild animals in travelling circus ban one step closer

A new Bill set to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses in Wales has passed its second reading.

The proposed ban has been welcomed by the RSPCA, but the charity says it is ‘eager to see further improvements to the Bill’, including a full ban on wild animals travelling with a circus.

Chris O’Brien, RSPCA public affairs and media manager, said: “With stage two consideration complete, a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses is one big step closer.


"Travelling circus life is wholly inappropriate for wild animals – so this ban is so important for Wales. Confinement, stressful transportation, forced training and abnormal social groupings are all a grim reality for the animals involved.”


He added: “While the legislation is very welcome, we are eager to secure further improvements to the Bill - and worked closely with Members of the Senedd to get key amendments tabled; including those that would close loopholes, ensure a full ban, and bring this law into force more quickly. We’re really grateful to those who supported these calls.”


Travelling circus life seriously compromises the welfare of wild animals. If the law is passed, Wales will join 45 other countries around the world that have outlawed the use of wild animals in this environment.


RSPCA Cymru has been working closely with Members of the Senedd on a series of amendments they hoped would further improve the Bill. However, on this occasion, these did not receive the backing of MPs.

Mr O’Brien added: “The RSPCA is disappointed these amendments weren’t successful - but will continue to work hard in the hope of further improving this important law; as Wales gets ever-nearer to bidding farewell to the out-dated spectre of wild animals being used in travelling circuses.


“Clearly, this was an important day for animals; with this ban one step closer to reality. We can’t wait to see the use of wild animals in travelling circuses consigned to the history books in Wales - once and for all.”

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.