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Equine cremation scam leads to rethink
Vets must change the way they sell services says APPCC

The Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria (APPCC) are asking vets to change the way they sell equine cremation services.

The call comes after Phil Cooper, owner of John Cooper Livestock Services, was found guilty of charging owners hundreds of pounds for individual cremations that never took place.

Mr Cooper was last year given an eight-month suspended prison sentence, fined, and ordered to pay compensation to his 26 "cash for ash" victims.

Currently, equine cremation is unregulated and licensing only applies to animal disposal. As a result, the APPCC is urging vets and horse owners to check they're actually getting what is being paid for.

APPCC Director Kevin Spurgeon said: "The vets involved need to ask themselves whether they failed to protect their clients by not knowing exactly where Mr Cooper was taking the horses referred to him.

"Vets should ensure they have full written working practices from their contractors and carry out regular site inspections."

The APPCC has a code of practice, which it says is well-respected by its members, as well as an after-death charter describing the different options. However, Mr Spurgeon believes with so many non-members operating many different levels of pet cremation services, it is impossible to guarantee customers will get what they are paying for.

"Even if all pet crematoria signed up to a set of standard definitions for the different services on offer, it would still be very difficult to police them to ensure they are carrying out the service in line with the description.

"The question is, therefore, whether vets should run the risk of selling pet cremation services or let the public decide the after-death care route they want for their pet."

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.