Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th February 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Pet theft reform campaigners nominated for award
The petition received over 143,000 signatures.
Dr Daniel Allen and collaborators nominated for Petition Campaign of the Year.

Campaigners who petitioned for pet theft reform have been nominated for Petition Campaign of the Year Award at the fifth annual Your UK Parliament Awards.

The petition, 'Make pet theft a specific offence with custodial sentences', started by Dr Daniel Allen from Keele in 2020, received over 143,000 signatures. This petition was set up in the wake of two earlier petitions, one from 2018, and one from 2019, which received 107,000 and 117,000 signatures respectively. 

Dr Allen set up the petition in collaboration with Debbie Matthews, CEO of the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance, and supported by Dr Marc Abraham OBE, founder of the Lucy's Law campaign to end puppy farming, Freya Woodhall, who had been personally affected by dog theft after her dog Willow was stolen in 2018, and Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today Magazine, and John Cooper QC, all of whom are nominated for the award. 

Held in October 2022, a parliamentary debate discussed two of Dr Allen's petitions, and prior to this the campaigners met with Tom Hunt MP, who led the debate, to discuss their concerns. 

Following Dr Allen's campaign, the Government launched its Pet Theft Taskforce in May 2021, where Dr Allen was invited to give evidence. A testament to the importance and effectiveness of the campaign, the Government announced in September 2021 that it would make pet abduction a specific criminal offence. 

Catherine McKinnell MP, Chair of the Petitions Committee, said: “These campaigns demonstrate so powerfully how petitions can raise awareness of issues that might otherwise struggle to be heard in Parliament.

“The nominees have each shown how to organise a successful campaign, building on their petitions by gathering support from others affected by the same issue, charities, influential supporters, and the wider public.

“I have been moved by our nominees’ passion, determination, and ideas for how to tackle the problems they’ve set their minds to, and congratulate them on their achievements.”

The Your UK Parliament Awards judging panel has said that it will select the winners shortly, and will announce this in due course. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.