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Bill introduced to ban live animal exports
Charities including the RSPCA, Compassion in World Farming, and World Horse Welfare are supporting the bill.
The legislation has been welcomed by animal welfare charities.

The Government introduced legislation to Parliament yesterday (4 December 2023) that will ban the export of live animals from Great Britain for slaughter and fattening. 

If passed by Parliament, the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill will apply to cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses. The ban formed part of the Government’s election manifesto.

No animals have officially been exported from Great Britain for slaughter since 31 December 2020. The new law will make the pause on exports permanent.

Live exports for other purposes, such as breeding and taking part in competitions, will still be permitted.

Environment secretary Steve Barclay said: “We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.
 
“This bill makes use of post-Brexit freedoms to strengthen these standards by preventing the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening, which we know causes animals unnecessary stress and injury.”

The new legislation has been welcomed by animal welfare charities that have campaigned for a ban, including the RSPCA, Compassion in World Farming, and World Horse Welfare.

Roly Owers, chief executive of World Horse Welfare, said: "We are delighted that the Government has introduced this bill and will put its muscle behind making it law. We know horses are being exported for slaughter 'under the radar' despite none being officially declared for this purpose.

“This bill will finally make it illegal, something we have been campaigning for since our charity’s foundation. We look forward to working with Defra to ensure that the right measures are put in place to enforce this hugely significant piece of legislation.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA survey investigates sheep worrying

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has launched its latest survey to better understand the severity of sheep worrying in the UK.

The survey will be open until Friday, 21 February 2025. UK sheep farmers are invited to share their experiences of sheep worrying by dogs and its impact on the industry.

NSA has been gathering information about sheep worrying for over 10 years as part of its campaign to raise awareness of incidents and produce new ways of educating the public.

Sheep worrying, often caused by dogs being loose near fields, can result in physical injury, miscarriage and death of animals affected.

The results of the survey will be shared with interested parties, including the UK press, before spring and ahead of lambing season next year.

For more information, or to complete the survey, visit NSA's website.