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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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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.