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Calls for Defra to suspend transport for farmed animals in extreme heat
"The heat inside the trucks can be unbearable with animals desperately panting for air" - Phil Brook.

Compassion in World Farming raises concern over heatwave.

Animal welfare campaign group Compassion in World Farming is calling on Defra to suspend journeys for farmed animals in extreme heat, unless absolutely necessary.

Temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees celsius in areas of the UK throughout the week, and Compassion is concerned that farmed animals will suffer and die in the heat if precautions are not taken.

Research manager at Compassion in World Farming, Phil Brook, explained: “In the extreme weather conditions expected, it’s vital that Defra suspends any long journeys for farmed animals to avoid undue suffering from heat exhaustion. 

“The heat inside the trucks can be unbearable with animals desperately panting for air. Long journeys should be suspended and short journeys should only take place if absolutely necessary and at night when it’s cooler. Sufficient water must also always be within reach to avoid dehydration.    

“It is simply not possible to ventilate lorries so that temperatures remain at a reasonable level in temperatures over 30 degrees. That’s why we’re calling on Defra to suspend long journeys and to issue advice to farmers to improve ventilation and reduce stocking densities in what are often already overcrowded indoor factory farms. 

“Animals reared outdoors must have access to shade and fresh water at all times.”

The animal welfare organisation and lobby group also highlighted the livestock industry's role in climate change.

Phil continued: “It also cannot be ignored that the livestock sector is responsible for 14.5% of global greenhouse gases – more than all direct emissions from the transport sector. 

“Meat producers and suppliers must therefore implement more sustainable systems, retailers must demand higher welfare standards and consumers must engage and acknowledge how their food choices impact on our environment. 

“Ultimately, we all need to ask ourselves: are we really willing to risk frying the planet to satisfy our appetite for cheap meat?”  

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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.