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RSPCA calls for circus wild animal ban date
Image: JUSNews.co.uk
Date of ban still not confirmed

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has demanded that the government confirm a deadline date by which the ban on the use of wild animals in circuses would come into force. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced on 1st March 2012 that a ban would be sought “at the earliest opportunity”, but did not specify a date at the time.

Commenting, the RSPCA's Chief Executive Gavin Grant said "The question which needs to be asked is: does the government intend to stay true to its word? We have been studying the details of the plans and find them vague and littered with contradictions. Nothing short of a proper ban will safeguard the welfare of these majestic animals. Everyone who cares about these animals agrees. So let's get on with it."


At the time of the original announcement, DEFRA also announced the introduction of a licensing scheme to ensure that wild animals in circuses are kept to certain welfare standards until such time as a full ban can be brought into force. Details of a consultation period to allow the general public to offer their input on the licensing scheme may be found here, and the consultation period will close on April 25th 2012.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."