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Crustaceans considered for Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill
Invertebrates are not currently protected under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill.
The Government are considering banning the practice of boiling lobsters alive under the Bill.

The UK Government is considering a ban on boiling lobsters alive as a part of its Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill.

The Bill does not currently cover invertebrates, however, if the Government goes through with the ban, it is likely that a clause will be added to the Bill, which is now going through the House of Lords.

This consideration follows requests from various animal welfare charities, asking for lobsters to be killed in a more humane manner than boiling them alive, including chilling them in the cold air or with ice, or stunning them with an electric shock. 

The ban has been urged on by several animal welfare groups interested in sentience recognition for crustaceans, including the organisation Crustacean Compassion, who called on Michael Gove to protect decapod crustaceans in animal welfare law. This call was signed by several people, including celebrities such as comedian Bill Bailey, alongside scientists, veterinary surgeons, academics, and others. 

The Conservative Animal Welfare foundation has also urged ministers to include crustaceans in the Sentience Bill.

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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
BSAVA publishes fifth Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology

The BSAVA has published the fifth edition of its BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Neurology.

The new edition has been reviewed and updated, including new developments in diagnostics, therapeutic approaches and clinical decision-making. It is structured to support clinicians through diagnosis, treatment and long-term management.

The guide features five new chapters covering acute myelopathies, chronic myelopathies, emergency protocols, neurotoxicology and neuro-oncology.

It also includes over 100 videos, including demonstrations of neurological examinations, clinical presentations and diagnostic procedures.

Nicola Lloyd, publishing manager, said: "Whether you're a general practitioner seeking practical guidance, or a specialist aiming to refine your expertise, this edition remains an indispensable reference for anyone involved in the care of neurologically compromised dogs and cats."