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Welsh Assembly Members urged to bring forward circus ban
Wild animals are now banned in circuses in 46 countries.

Committee agrees "general principles" of bill 

The National Assembly’s climate change, environment and rural affairs committee has backed proposed legislation by the welsh government to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses. In a report published on Friday, the committee scrutinised the Wild Animals and Circuses (Wales) Bill.

The bill, which was introduced in July, currently has a planned implementation date of 1 December 2020, but Animal Defenders International (ADI) is urging assembly members to bring forward the ban, so that the suffering of the animals ends sooner.

In the report, the committee recommends that:

  • The assembly agrees the “general principles of the bill”
  • The Minster provides a “more comprehensive” explanation about the scope of the bill and the ethical arguments behind it
  • The bill is amended to include the availability of statutory guidance to support the implementation of the ban and that that guidance is clear on specific terms and procedures
  • The Welsh government discuss available support and advice concerning re-homing options with Defra.

In a public consultation about the bill, 97 per cent of respondents agreed that it should be made an offence for wild animals to be used in a travelling circus. The constant travel and lack of appropriate facilities in circuses mean that animal welfare is inevitably compromised.

Currently, two travelling circuses are planning to tour with wild animals following the ban. ADI is urging these circuses to allow the animals to be re-homed to suitable sanctuaries, which would resolve possible enforcement issues with the ban and ensure the well-being of the animals is upheld.

Image (c) Animal Defenders International

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BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

News Story 1
 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

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Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.