Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 25th May 2018
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Concern over use of bits in royal horses’ mouths
Michael Fox urged the royal horse brigade to put animal welfare ahead of tradition.
Horses showed signs of ‘oral discomfort’ at Royal Wedding, vet says

A US vet has urged members of the royal family not to use bits in their horses’ mouths, after coverage of the Royal Wedding showed horses in ‘obvious oral discomfort’.

In a letter to Vet Record, Michael Fox said the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Saturday (19 May), was ‘marred’ by the use of bits.

Commenting on the television coverage, he said: ‘Several horses were tossing their heads, mouthing and chomping and drooling in obvious oral discomfort’.

He added: ‘Whilst traditions die hard, especially in equine circles, let’s hope that this couple will extend their compassion to break the circle of anthropocentrism, and help ensure the humane treatment of all creatures great and small.

‘A British veterinary colleague has long established the inhumanity of the “snaffle-bit” and has developed a widely used bitless bridle for horses. Time for the Royal horse brigade to get with the times and put animal welfare and respect before blind tradition.’

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.