Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 29th June 2021
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Parliament to debate hedgehog protection petition
The BHPS has announced that hedgehogs are now vulnerable to extinction in the UK.
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society's petition has gained over 100,000 signatures. 

A petition calling for greater legal protection of hedgehogs is to be debated by parliament on 5 July 2021. The petition gained over 100,000 signatures, and can be read here.

Created by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), the petition calls on the Government to move hedgehogs to schedule five of the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, which will allow them greater protection.

The petition comes after the BHPS announced that hedgehogs have now been classed as vulnerable to extinction in the UK in July 2020. Various reasons for this vulnerable include: loss of nesting and foraging habitat; lack of connectivity between hedgerows and fencing; and hedgehog death on roads, with statistics suggesting that 335,000 hedgehogs are killed on British roads annually.

As the BHPS has noted, the petition became even more relevant recently as the 2021 7th Quinquennial Review seeks to change the eligibility criteria of the hedgehog, proposing that the country-based statutory nature conservation bodies will only retain protected status for species that are in imminent danger of extinction in Great Britain. 

The effect of these changes would mean that the current minor level of protection afforded to hedgehogs will be completely removed, with the changes making it legal to sell hedgehogs, and removes the protection for hedgehogs from killing and injury. 

In a comment on the petition (available to read here) the government responded, “There are currently no plans to give hedgehogs further legal protection. An evidence-based review of Schedule 5 of the Act is in progress and we will consider any recommendations arising from this.” 

Any members of the public concerned about hedgehog welfare are being encouraged by the BHPS to contact their MP ahead of the debate, asking them to attend the debate and support the petition. They have provided suggested wording, and have asked supporters to contact their MP before 5 July, and their advice can be found at britishhedgehogs.org.uk/call-to-action 

The debate will be held on Monday, 5 July, from 4.30pm to 6pm, and will be broadcast online. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.