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Consultation launched on the reintroduction of beavers in England
The Government has also announced plans to give beavers legal protection in England.
Government seeks views on potential future releases and the management of the species in the wild.

The UK Government has launched a landmark consultation seeking views on the reintroduction of beavers in England.

It comes after a successful five-year trial of beavers in Devon, which brought a wealth of benefits to the local area and ecology, including reducing flood risk for housing downstream, enhancing the environment and creating wetland habitat.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks and is seeking views on potential future releases into the wild, current and future releases into enclosures, and the management of beaver activity.

On announcing the consultation, environment secretary George Eustice said: “We are committed to providing opportunities to reintroduce formerly native species, such as beavers, where the benefits for the environment, people and the economy are clear.

“Today marks a significant milestone for the reintroduction of beavers in the wild, with the launch of the Government’s consultation on our national approach and management of beavers in England. But we also understand that there are implications for landowners, so we are taking a cautious approach to ensure that all potential impacts are carefully considered.”

In addition to the consultation, the Government has also announced plans to give beavers legal protection in England to support their recovery. This status will make it illegal to deliberately capture, kill, disturb or injure beavers, or damage breeding sites or rescue places.

Natural England chair Tony Juniper said the consultation marks a positive step for the future of beavers in England.

“Beavers are not only fascinating creatures in their own right but are also ecosystem engineers that will play a key role in restoring and linking habitats, in the process bringing many environmental benefits, like we have seen in the highly successful River Otter trial in Devon – hugely positive transformations, including the creation of wetland habitat, improving water quality and smoothing flood peaks,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to respond so that the way we shape the future of wild Beavers reflects as many perspectives as possible.”

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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.