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Vets respond to Liz Truss becoming new Prime Minister
Liz Truss is set to be appointed as Prime Minister by the Queen.
Ensuring UK's reputation for high animal welfare standards must be a 'top priority' - BVA. 

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling on the new Prime Minister to make good on the government's pledge to improve animal welfare standards and bring the Kept Animals Bill into law. 

With Liz Truss set to be appointed as Prime Minister by the Queen at Balmoral today (6 September), BVA has released a statement urging Ms Truss to ensure the Kept Animals Bill 'doesn't fall by the wayside'.

The Kept Animals Bill is a long-awaited piece of legislation that aims to improve welfare standards through a variety of measures. It includes new powers to clamp down on puppy smuggling, restrictions on the export of live animals for slaughter and a ban on keeping primates as pets. 

The BVA has campaigned tirelessly for action in areas covered by the Bill, but progress has been hampered by other demands on parliamentary time. The Bill is currently awaiting its third reading in the House of Commons before it can pass into the House of Lords. 

BVA president Justine Shotton said: “Liz Truss has a long list of pressing issues to tackle as she takes up office as the new prime minister. Ensuring the UK retains its reputation for the highest standards in animal welfare must be a top priority, particularly as the UK continues to unpick the impacts of leaving the EU and looks for new trade opportunities. 

“A vital first step is to ensure the Kept Animals Bill doesn’t fall by the wayside and continues its journey through Parliament and into law. The new legislation comprises a range of measures which will bring in significant positive change for the health and welfare of pets, livestock and wildlife in the UK.”

Dr Shotton highlighted the importance of the UK government finally cementing plans to bring the Kept Animals Bill into law.

She added: “This crucial and long-awaited piece of legislation promises to bring in a cross-species suite of measures that will improve the lives of billions of animals and mustn’t be lost in the leadership handover.”

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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.