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RSPCA push for immediate circus animal ban
Licensing delay not acceptable says RSPCA

The RSPCA is urging the government to ban wild animals in travelling circuses in England as soon as possible.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) circus licensing scheme was passed in the House of Commons on Tuesday (29 October), which the charity says could mean a delay of up to seven years.

The government had said it would peruse the ban on the use of animals, following a consultation in 2010 that found 94 per cent of the 10,500 analysed responses favoured a ban.

The RSPCA, as well as numerous other animal welfare groups, including Captive Animal's Protection Society, believe the ban is the only way forward.

Gavin Grant, RSPCA chief executive, said: "We were delighted in March when the Government announced a ban would happen. Seven months later, nothing has happened to make the ban a reality.

"Anything short of a full ban is simply unacceptable."

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First BTV-3 case of 2026/27 season confirmed

News Story 1
 Livestock keepers are being urged to stay vigilant for Bluetongue (BTV-3) following confirmation of the disease in a ewe. The case, confirmed in Staffordshire on 23 June 2026, represents the first confirmed case of infection this summer.

The APHA said: 'The risk of Bluetongue spreading has increased so we urge all livestock keepers in GB to familiarise themselves with the nation specific bluetongue control policies and movement requirements that currently apply.'  

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.