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Wales’ dog breeding laws to be revisited following calls for improvements
A BBC documentary filmed over 12 months, found that poor animal welfare was still an issue in Wales.

Government estimates that local authorities will need increased funding

The Welsh Government has confirmed that it will revise dog breeding regulations in the country amid a claim that there is likely to be an increase in the funding requirements of local authorities.

Currently, anyone in Wales with three or more breeding bitches meeting certain conditions must be licensed. However, a recent documentary by the BBC revealed that poor breeding practices and welfare concerns are still an issue, even at approved sites.

Following a report on dog breeding published by the Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group, the Welsh Government asserted that breeding laws need to be reexamined, and that local authorities will likely need additional funding in order to enforce animal welfare legislation.

The RSPCA's assistant director for external relations in Wales, Claire Lawson said: "Wales' new dog breeding laws, passed in 2014, marked a big step forward for animal welfare - but the RSPCA has long highlighted that further improvements are necessary.

"It's really welcome that the Welsh Government are looking again at these laws, and that the Minister described this as urgent.

"We'll continue to campaign for more emphasis on tackling genetic issues at breeding establishments, a staff-to-dog ratio that better considers welfare, and possible action to tackle bad cat breeding practices too.

"However, what is really important is that local authorities feel equipped and resourced to enforce animal welfare laws - including on dog breeding, microchipping, equine control and so much else…so the Welsh Government's acknowledgement that more funding will likely be needed is also a hugely positive development."

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.