Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 22nd January 2020
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Cats Protection CEO to advise government on animal welfare
James Yeates is the only new appointee to the AWC to specialise in companion animals.

James Yeates is one of four new members of the Animal Welfare Committee

Cats Protection’s chief executive James Yeates is set to be a key advisor to the Government on important animal welfare issues. 


The leading feline charity has confirmed James’ appointment to the government’s Animal Welfare Committee (AWC), which consist of experts in wild animals, farming and pets*. The panel provides detailed research and advice to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales.

James is a former chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA and an RCVS Registered specialist in animal welfare, science, ethics and law. He is also a diplomate of the RCVS and the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine.


Since 2018, James has been chief executive of Cats Protection, leading efforts to expand the charity’s rehoming, neutering and advocacy work. He is the only new appointee to the AWC to specialise in companion animals.

“I’m delighted to be taking up this role with the Animal Welfare Committee as an expert in the welfare of companion animals. The Committee has a strong record in being a force for good, and looks set to have an ever-greater impact and importance in the coming years,” said James.


“This role offers the potential to translate scientific findings, alongside other research and information, into guidance that will help animals and the people who live, work and care for animals. It’s an honour to be working alongside like-minded individuals to help improve the welfare of all animals in the UK.”


*The other members of the panel are:


Dr Pen Rashbass - farm animal welfare
Dr Romain Pizzi - the welfare of wild animals kept by people
Professor Sarah Wolfensohn - the welfare of animals kept by people.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.