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Government expands expert animal welfare committee
The new Animal Welfare Committee will advise government on future farming reforms.
Remit to include pets, wild animals kept by people and farmed animals

The government has expanded the remit of its Farm Animal Welfare Committee to provide advice to ministers on pets, wild animals kept by people and farmed animals.

The committee was renamed on Tuesday (1 October) to the Animal Welfare Committee and will continue to advise Defra and the Devolved Administrations (DAs) in Scotland and Wales.

“We are a nation of animal lovers and this government is committed to taking important steps forward to strengthen our already high standards on animal welfare,” commented animal welfare minister, Zac Goldsmith.

“The committee has provided the government with invaluable advice over the years and I look forward to continuing work with colleagues as they broaden their remit to include pets and wild animals kept by people, as well as farmed animals.”

Peter Jinman, chair of the Animal Welfare Committee, said: “I welcome the expansion of the committee’s remit to advise on a broader spectrum of animal welfare issues and encourage experts with the relevant skills to apply for a role in this important new area of activity.”

The main priorities of the new Animal Welfare Committee include:
  • advising government on future farming reforms to deliver welfare enhancements
  • advising government on the welfare of companion animals and wild animals kept by people
  • reviewing dairy and beef cattle production systems and the welfare of the animals
  • working closely with the European Forum of Animal Welfare Councils (EuroFAWC).

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.