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BVA launches 10 pledges for general election manifesto
“We are at a critical time for animal health and welfare, and the future of our profession".
Pledges include protecting all animals in law and boosting the veterinary workforce

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a list of 10 pledges for political parties to include in their manifestos for the upcoming general election.

The pledges, which include animal welfare, Brexit and the veterinary workforce, were unveiled at a private briefing for MPs and Peers in Westminster last month. The BVA has written to all major parties to ask them to adopt the pledges in their General Election manifestos

They are:

    1    Reject a no-deal Brexit
    2    Boost the veterinary workforce
    3    Protect all animals in law
    4    Protect UK welfare standards in future trade deals and agri policies
    5    Protect the welfare of animals at slaughter
    6    Strengthen legislation against illegal puppy imports
    7    Commit to evidence-based disease control
    8    Introduce a single database for microchip registration
    9    Ban primates as pets
    10    Put animal welfare on the national curriculum

BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: “We are at a critical time for animal health and welfare, and the future of our profession. All major political parties recognise that animal welfare is a key issue for voters so it’s essential that they adopt sound, evidence-based policies in their manifestos.
 
“Our manifesto of 10 pledges draws together the most pressing topical issues that matter to our members. Unsurprisingly, Brexit has taken the top slot. BVA has not taken a position in favour of leave or remain, but our Council reviewed the evidence and concluded that a no-deal Brexit would have serious consequences for our workforce, and animal health and welfare.”
 
She continued: “We know there is cross-party support for many of the animal welfare measures in our manifesto, such as enshrining sentience in UK law, but we need to see a real commitment to action. We’re looking forward to engaging with all parties to put these policies into effect.
 
“During the campaign, we’re calling on election candidates to talk to vets in their local communities to better understand the veterinary workforce and welfare issues in our profession.”

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.