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Calls for mandatory first aid qualifications for pet professionals
"Simple first aid skills could save a pet's life" - Jocelyn Toner, RSPCA.
Initiative receives the backing of the RSPCA and Street Paws.

A petition has been launched calling for mandatory first aid qualifications for all UK pet professionals.

The Safe Pets and People Campaign calls on dog groomers, dog walkers, breeders or pet sitters to have first aid training so they can act fast should the animal in their care become injured or unwell.

The campaign is the brainchild of Sarah Mackay and Fern Gresty of training provider iPET Network, which is offering key workers who come into contact with dogs the chance to undertake a dog first aid qualification for free.

National charity RSPCA, Street Paws and The Groomers Spotlight are among the animal organisations that have welcomed the initiative. 

RSPCA head vet Jocelyn Toner said: “We advise that all professional dog walkers should have first aid training, and we’d be supportive of any campaign to roll this out to include all individuals who work within the pet industry.

“Simple first aid skills could save a pet’s life or ensure an animal receives immediate care before they’re able to see a vet and we think it’s a wonderful idea that the Safe Pets and People Campaign wants all pet professionals - from groomers to breeders - to have basic first aid training.”

Street Paws founder Michelle Southern added: "We are proud to support Safe Pets and People as the more people that have these vital first aid skills the better. 

“From our perspective as a charity offering canine first aid is opening real doors for the homeless people and their dogs that we support. Having this knowledge and other skills allows hostels to be safer and more dog friendly, and that means safe beds on these cold winter nights for people and their loyal companions."

At the time of writing, the petition had garnered more than 500 signatures. To find out more and to lend your support to the campaign, visit change.org

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.