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New masters degree launched on animal welfare and legal system
The course will give students the opportunity to put theory into practice on Hartpury's campus, which is home to 70 species of animal.

Course will provide graduates with skills to work in management roles.

A new postgraduate degree launched by Hartpury University will focus on animal welfare and the UK legal system – providing graduates with the knowledge to pursue management roles in the animal welfare sector.

The MSc Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation degree mainly takes place online and offers full and part-time pathways to allow for flexible study. It will cover content applicable to a wide range of animal industries, including livestock farming, zoos and the management of feral animals.

The course will include guest lectures from academic and industry professionals and students will be given opportunities to put their studies to practice in real-world settings, including on campus at Hartpury.

Some of the modules included on the course are:

  • Advanced Principles of Animal Welfare
  • Regulating Agriculture and Food Production
  • Captive Exotics and Wildlife Policy and Law
  • Companion and Working Animal Regulations.

Dr McCormick, head of animal and agriculture at Hartpury University, said: “The animal welfare sector is diverse, covering everything from agriculture to pet shops and rescue centres to wildlife conservation.

“As graduates progress into management positions, they’re likely to find themselves responsible for legal compliance.

“If they’re working for government or charitable organisations, they may even be involved in important consultation and lobbying to drive forward new legislation.

“This new course will provide graduates with the expertise they need to navigate the legal system and make a difference to the lives of animals through improved welfare standards.”

For more information on the MSc Animal Welfare, Policy and Legislation degree at Hartpury University, please click here.

Image (c) Hartpury University.

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.