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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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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."