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EFRA Committee seeks assurance on ASC
The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill is to have its Second Reading in the House of Commons today (18 January).
The new Animal Sentience Committee is part of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill. 

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee has sought assurance on the Government's new animal welfare committee, part of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill.

The EFRA Committee has written to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rt Hon George Eustace MP, ahead of the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill's Second Reading in the House of Commons today (18 January), seeking reassurance on the new Animal Sentience Committee's (ASC) power to do its job. 

Created by the Bill, the ASC will publish reports about whether animal sentience is probably considered when government policy is developed, which Ministers will have to respond to. 

Although the creation of the ASC is welcomed by the EFRA Committee, it has made further comments on the Bill, saying in its letter that the it is necessary for the ASC to have people with specific expertise and scientific knowledge.

Also stated in the letter was that the amount of time allocated for the Committee's work, 15 – 20 days per year, may not be enough to attract high-calibre candidates to the role. The MPs on the EFRA Committee have asked the Secretary of State to review the time commitment of the ASC members after its first year of operations. 

The EFRA Committee also asked Ministers to confirm that the ASC would be able to publish its reviews without requiring the approval of any government department, alongside highlighting that the ASC must have sufficient powers to gather the information it needs to do its work, or risk becoming 'toothless'. 

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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.