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Animals 'at risk' from welfare legislation delays
"It’s time for the new Government to prove to the public that it takes animal welfare seriously" - Claire Horton, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Charity calls upon election candidates to address 12 animal welfare issues

“Disappointing delays” to important animal welfare legislation are putting animals at risk, a leading animal charity has warned.

The warning from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home comes after The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill fell for the second time, as parliament dissolves ahead of December’s General Election. The Bill would increase maximum jail sentences for the worst acts of animal cruelty from six months to five years.

Battersea chief executive, Claire Horton, said: “Battersea knows Parliament is wrestling with some of the most pressing issues facing our nation. But improving animal welfare is one thing the country agrees on.

“This Bill has been backed by every major political party and animal welfare organisation, has the support of tens of thousands of members of the general public, and has made its way through much of the parliamentary process already. It will change the future for abused and neglected animals across England and Wales, which, even now, still have the lowest cruelty sentences in Europe. Despite all this, the Bill has been dropped yet again.

She continued: “The country and our animals have waited long enough – it’s time for the new Government to prove to the public that it takes animal welfare seriously and passing this long-promised, virtually uncontested Bill is just the start.”

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is seeking views from members of the public about what they think MPs should focus on following the General Election. A survey lists 12 animal welfare issues that the charity believes the new Government should be addressing, including cruelty sentencing, brachycephalic dog breeding and Breed Specific Legislation.

Claire added: “Animals can’t speak for themselves, so we need to be their voice. Animal lovers everywhere are supporting us in this fight and are calling upon parliamentary candidates to do the same.

“It’s in our hands to make a difference and we want the public to once again, remind the Government what they should be prioritising on behalf of animals across England and Wales.”

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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.