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Legislation started on circus animal ban
Legislation underway for ban of wild animals in circuses

The Government has begun work on draft legislation to set out the exact details of the ban on wild animals in circuses set to come into force in England.

The Born Free Foundation, the British Veterinary Association, the Captive Animal's Protection Society and the RSPCA have all welcomed the move, and released a joint statement:

"We will support Government in any way possible to bring about the implementation of such a ban at the earliest possible opportunity.

We remain concerned that, despite repeated requests for clarification by both the circus industry and animal welfare stakeholders, no clear start date for the ban has been set.

We believe that an implementation date for the ban must be announced as soon as possible so that circuses can decide on potential investment in licensing and retirement of animals."

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.