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.
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
Welfare webinar attracts interest
Professor Bill Reilly
300 attendees joined BVA webinar

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) delivered a thought-provoking and informative webinar on welfare at slaughter last week, in conjunction with the Webinar Vet.

Former president of the BVA and public health expert, Professor Bill Reilly, delivered the webinar aimed primarily at veterinary surgeons. It attracted 300 attendees who tuned in to hear the latest statistics on the scale of slaughter without stunning in the UK and the international situation.

The webinar, titled “Out of Sight: Out of Mind? Do we care about welfare at slaughter?” focused on the slaughter process and the controversial issue of slaughter without stunning – currently practised in the UK and Europe for religious purposes. He also raised the question of what the veterinary profession should be doing to improve welfare at slaughter and highlighted upcoming consultations across the UK on new slaughter regulations.

The webinar followed Professor Reilly’s Viewpoint article in the Veterinary Record, which generated a huge amount of national media interest in the issue and led to questions in the House of Commons.

Professor Reilly’s webinar is now available to watch here.

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

Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.