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First Good Practice Code for Rabbit Welfare launched
APGAW has worked with a team of experts to create the first Good Practice Code for Rabbit Welfare.
APGAW has launched the Code in honour of Rabbit Awareness Week. 

The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW) has launched the first Good Practice Code for Rabbit Welfare.

Launched to mark Rabbit Awareness Week 2021 (28 June - 4 July), it is the first Code of Practice for a small animal. Despite rabbits being one of the most owned pets in the UK, only larger animals such as dogs, cats, and horses have Statutory Codes of Practice in order to protect and ensure their welfare. 

Working with experts from the RSPCA, Rabbit Welfare Association, PDSA, PFMA, Pets at Home, Animal Welfare Foundation, and the PIF, APGAW hopes that its Good Practice Code will prevent rabbits from suffering with welfare issues because of a general lack of understanding with regard to rabbit needs. 

An infographic has also been made for the public to go alongside the Code, named Rabbit Roundabout. The infographic clearly states the needs of pet rabbits, helping the public to understand what rabbits need with regard to companionship, diet, home size, and daily activities, among other things. 

APGAW hopes that the Rabbit Roundabout infographic will be used in areas such as retail places, rescue and veterinary centres, and other public facing areas, in order to educate the public on proper rabbit welfare.

The code can be found at apgaw.org/wp-content and a PDF of the infographic can be viewed here – APGAW is open to anyone making use of the work. 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.