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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 18th November 2021
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Defra warns public of 'petfishing' dangers
Recent research from Opinion Matters discovered that 27 per cent of UK cat or dog owners say they noticed a suspicious seller or advert whilst purchasing their pet.
A Christmas-themed video has been released to help owners identify signs. 

Defra is warning the public about the dangers of 'petfishing' practices ahead of the increased demand for pets over the Christmas period.

Today (18 November), Defra has launched its Christmas Petfished campaign, which warns potential pet owners of deceitful low-welfare sellers, who breed and keep animals in bad conditions for financial gain. 

A recent BVA and BVNA survey discovered that almost two thirds (68 per cent) of pet owners were unaware that the clinical and behavioural signs of their pet may be linked to low welfare breeding practices. 

Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer, commented: “Christmas can be a difficult time to settle a pet into a new home and it’s vitally important that people not only research the breed of animal they want, but also the person selling it to them.

“Puppies and kittens bred in low-welfare conditions can often be separated from their mother too soon which can lead to severe health and behavioural problems, heartache and high vet bills for their new family. 

“We urge people to remain vigilant and to always thoroughly research pet sellers before getting in touch.”

Defra is encouraging the public to use the acronym S.P.O.T to notice vital warning signs when researching sellers: 

•  Seller – Put the seller's name and details into a search engine, and avoid those with multiple adverts
•  Parent – Ensure that you see puppies and kittens in their home with their mothe
•  Old enough – Check that puppies and kittens are at least eight weeks old before taking them home
•  Treatment – Ask to see the animal's health records, and avoid any sellers who can't provide them.

The campaign features a YouTube video, titled 'Buying a pet this Christmas?.. Don't get petfished!', which features talking animals explaining what petfishing is, and why it's bad. The video encourages potential pet owners to search 'get your pet safely' for more information on what to do before contacting a seller. 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
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Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.