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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th April 2023
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Dog show cancelled again over cropped ears concerns
Ear cropping is illegal in the UK.
The event had previously been cancelled in February after BBC investigation.

A dog show due to be held over the Easter weekend was cancelled at the last minute following concerns about the promotion of dogs with cropped ears.

Organised by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) UK, Bully Festival 9 was due to be held on Saturday, 8 April at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester. However, the venue decided on Thursday not to go ahead with the event.

A spokesperson for the Bowlers Exhibition Centre said: ”After careful consideration and extensive consultation with local authorities, police and the RSPCA we have come to a mutual decision to cancel this weekend's ABKC dog show due to take place at the centre on Saturday.”

It is the second time the show has been cancelled this year. In February, the Coventry Building Society Arena cancelled the event following an investigation into ear cropping by BBC Panorama and BBC Disclosure.

The documentary revealed that dogs with cropped ears were being awarded prizes at events run by ABKC UK. Ear cropping is illegal in England, but dogs with cropped ears can still be imported legally.

The Government has announced plans to ban imports of dogs with cropped ears as part of the Kept Animals Bill. However, the legislation is yet to be passed.

The RSPCA’s Dr Samantha Gaines said: “We are really pleased to hear that the American Bully Kennel Club’s Bully Festival 9 event has been cancelled by Bowlers Exhibition Centre. We raised our concerns with the centre and, after considering the impact of holding this event, they have listened and done the right thing. Cruel practices such as ear cropping should not be applauded.

“The BBC’s recent Panorama and Disclosure documentaries raised some really concerning questions about the welfare of many dogs being shown at these events - with the prominence of dogs with cropped ears a real worry for the RSPCA.

“The cropping of dogs’ ears should never be celebrated. It is a painful, unnecessary procedure that has been illegal in England since 2007. Sadly, despite this, too many people still think this is a desirable cosmetic trait and inflict this on dogs for no other reason than for the look.”

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Zoetis apologises for EVA vaccine shortage

News Story 1
 Zoetis UK has apologised for a supply shortage of Equip Artervac, caused by a manufacturing issue.

It is expected to become available in June 2025.

Equip Artervac is used for the active immunisation for horses against equine viral arteritis (EVA) to reduce the clinical signs and shedding of the virus.

For more information, contact a Zoetis account manager or Zoetis Head Office on 0345 300 8034. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue restricted zone extended

Following the discovery of a new case of bluetongue virus serotype 3 on the Buckinghamshire/Northamptonshire border, the restricted zone has been extended to include all of Northamptonshire.

The zone now covers Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Essex, Greater London, part of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, part of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Surrey, and West Sussex.

Susceptible animals in the restricted zone should only be moved if it is essential. A specific licence is needed to move a susceptible animal from within the restricted zone to outside of the zone.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.