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Government responds to ear cropping petition
"The government will engage with stakeholders, including the RSPCA, to understand the extent to which dogs are having their ears cropped in breach of the law in this country." Defra statement.

BVA and FOAL Group welcome support for #CutTheCrop campaign.

The UK government has issued a response to a petition, backed by veterinary organisations and animal charities, which calls for action to end the selling and importation of dogs with cropped ears in the UK.

The government responded to the petition after it surpassed 61,000 signatures, stating: “The government will engage with stakeholders, including the RSPCA, to understand the extent to which dogs are having their ears cropped in breach of the law in this country.

“Now the Transition Period has ended, we also have the opportunity to consider options regarding this abhorrent practice for imported dogs, in line with World Trade Organisation rules and would welcome further evidence from stakeholders and the public on this issue.”

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and The FOAL Group (Focus on Animal Law) welcomed the encouraging response and encouraged the public to continue to spread awareness of the petition so that it can reach 100,000 signatures, at which point it will be debated in parliament.

BVA senior vice president Daniella Dos Santos said: “We’re delighted that the government has committed to working with the #CutTheCrop campaign to close all loopholes that allow the trend of ear cropped dogs to continue in the UK.

“We look forward to engaging with Defra on this matter soon and will be writing to Animal Welfare Minister Lord Goldsmith to request a meeting with various supporting veterinary and animal welfare organisations at the table.

She added: “In recent years, vets and animal welfare charities in the UK have seen a dramatic increase in the number of dogs with cropped ears, marking a frightening trend towards the normalisation of a mutilation that is horrific, unnecessary, and rightfully illegal in this country.

“However, current legal loopholes allow the trend of importing ear-cropped dogs into the UK to continue, and also act as a smokescreen for illegal cropping taking place within the UK.”

To sign the petition and view the government's full response, please visit https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/574305

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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.