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MPs to debate petition calling for ban on general sale of fireworks
The petition sites the injury and stress that fireworks cause for wildlife and animals as a major reason for a nationwide ban.

Online fireworks petition gains more than 305,000 signatures

The UK government has confirmed that MPs from across the House of Commons will soon meet to debate a petition, relating to the sale of fireworks in the UK, which has gained considerable support.

The debate will take place on Monday 2 November and will be led by Tonia Antoniazzi MP (Gower), a member of the petitions committee. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will send a minister to respond.

MPs will be debating e-petition 276425, which has received more than 305,000 signatures and calls for a ban on the general sale of fireworks to the public.

The petition states: “Every year more and more people, animals and wildlife get hurt by fireworks. It’s time something was [done] to stop this. There are enough organised firework groups around for us to still enjoy fireworks safely so please help me stop the needless sale of them to the public.”

“The noise from fireworks causes a great amount of fear, stress and anxiety in wild animals. Errant fireworks can also cause environmental damage though fires, and from the release of poisonous chemicals and particle-laden smoke, which is not just inhaled by wildlife, but contaminates the natural environment.”

The debate will be livestreamed online here and on the UK Parliament YouTube page. Both debate transcripts will be available here and you can follow the debate on Twitter with the hashtag #FireworksDebate.

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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.