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Animal welfare research projects receive funding boost
The desire for brachycephalic dogs is just one example of how demand changes pose ever-greater issues for animal welfare.
AWF calls for proposals that examine the impacts of breeding on animal welfare. 

Funding is now available for researchers to examine the impacts of breeding on animal welfare.

The Animal Welfare Foundation, the charitable arm of the British Veterinary Association, is looking to fund several UK-based projects and will be awarding a combined total of £150,000. 

Specifically, the charity is seeking research proposals that cover the subject ‘Meeting demand without compromising animal welfare’ in any species'. 

The desire for brachycephalic dogs, improved food production efficiency, and reduced carbon footprints in livestock food production systems are just a few examples of how demand changes pose ever-greater issues for animal welfare. 

AWF is looking for projects that address whether there are ways to meet these demands without compromising welfare. The charity hopes the topic will generate a variety of proposals highlighting what is working well, where the problems exist, and the possible solutions. 

The call forms part of AWF’s three-year ‘Breeding for Better Welfare’, comprising serious welfare issues across various species. The theme aids in AWF's efforts of discussion and debate and contributes to the charity’s efforts to fund meaningful research.

AWF chair Julian Kupfer said: “Scientific research leading to a significant and practical impact on animal welfare issues is at the heart of AWF’s work, with the overall aim to ensure that animal welfare remains high on the agenda. Our current theme for research is breeding as it is central to discussions across all species we encounter as professionals, whether it be for aesthetic, financial, and, increasingly, sustainability reasons. 

“We are therefore delighted to once again be able to offer funding and invite applications for research projects focusing on the animal welfare impacts of breeding across different species. We’re particularly keen to see projects which aim to collect baseline data on a welfare issue, which may be a starting point for discussion and wider policy-making, as well as a potential lead to more applied research.”

Projects on welfare issues that do not fall within the breeding theme will also be considered, providing they meet the scientific criteria.

Applications will remain open until 9 am on Thursday, 29 September. Further information, including application criteria, is available at animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk

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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.