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New plans for crackdown on backstreet breeding
The proposals were welcomed by the RSPCA as the ‘biggest change in pet vending for 66 years’.
Defra proposals to tackle irresponsible breeding and online adverts 

New proposals to crack down on backstreet breeders were outlined by Defra today (22 December).

Plans include ensuring licensed dog breeders can only sell puppies they have bred themselves and that puppies are shown with their mother before a sale is made.

Adverts, including internet adverts, will be regulated so that licensed sellers of all pets, including puppies, must include the seller’s licence number, country of origin and the pet’s country of residence in any advert.

The government is also proposing to tighten regulations, so that puppy sales are completed in the presence of the new owner, preventing online sales where the buyer has not seen the animal first.

Legislation introducing these proposals could be brought forward early in 2018.

Defra is also considering measures to tackle puppy smuggling across borders and the breeding of dogs with harmful genetic disorders.

Commenting on the reforms, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Any unscrupulous mistreatment of animals is disturbing – so in our drive to achieve the highest animal welfare standards in the world, we continually look at what more can be done.

“The arrival of a happy, healthy puppy, as I know myself, is a memorable time for a family – but it’s absolutely right we do everything we can to eradicate animal cruelty from our society. The proposals my government is developing will be an important step forward.”

The proposals were welcomed by the RSPCA as the ‘biggest change in pet vending for 66 years’. The charity received over 4,000 calls relating to the puppy trade in England this year, compared to just under 2,000 calls in 2013.

RSPCA dog welfare expert, Lisa Hens, said: “The RSPCA has long held grave concerns for the many dogs who continue to suffer ill-health and welfare because they have been bred primarily for how they look. ​

“We believe that all those who breed dogs - whether pedigree, purebred or crossbreed - should prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance when choosing which animals to breed, in order to protect the welfare of both the parents and offspring​, and welcome​ proposals to address this.”

 

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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."