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Wild animal ban in circuses
Draft Bill spells success for campaigners

 Welfare charities and veterinary associations alike have celebrated the announcement of a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.

A draft Bill, which was published on 16 April, will make it illegal for wild animals to be used in circus performances in England from 1 December 2015.

Welcoming the move, BVA president Peter Jones said: "I am heartened that we will soon see the end of the exploitation of these animals in the confines of a circus."

Along with organisations including the RSPCA, Born Free Foundation and the Captive Animals' Protection Society, the BVA have been campaigning for a ban for some time.

The basis of the groups' argument has been that the environmental needs of wild animals cannot be met within a travelling circus, nor can their need to express normal behaviour.

All four organisations said they will support the government in the formal enactment of the Bill, and the RSPCA and Born Free Foundation have reiterated their pledge to find safe homes for the wild animals currently being used in circuses in England.

The BVA will be consulting its members on these proposals once the Bill has been studied. This, Mr Jones says, will "ensure that we can help to develop appropriate and robust legislation."

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.