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RCVS publishes new XL bully advice
The advice covers veterinary concerns about euthanising healthy dogs.
The guidance supports vets with the new framework.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has published new advice to support veterinary practices with navigating the new laws regarding the banned XL bully breed.

The guidance summarises the Government’s framework for XL bully dogs, as well as setting out the responsibilities of veterinary practices.

It includes advice for veterinary surgeons on how to identify dogs and puppies that might be affected by the ban, and how to proceed if they are unsure.

It covers sedation and remote prescribing, as well as veterinary concerns about euthanising healthy XL bully dogs.

The RCVS says that, while veterinary surgeons are not obliged to euthanise healthy animals as part of their Code of Professional Conduct, they should always consider the owner’s situation. Where relevant, they are advised to sensitively direct clients to alternative sources of advice or discuss application for a Certificate of Exemption.

The document also explains how to approach clinical records, ownership disputes and practice workload, morale and team safety.

The XL bully ban, which was first announced in September, is due to come into force in two separate stages.

From 31 December it will be illegal to sell, abandon, give away or breed an XL bully dog. XL bullies will also need to wear a lead and muzzle in public. On 1 February, it will then become illegal to own an XL bully in England and Wales unless it has Certificate of Exemption.

The RCVS’ says that they encourage veterinary practices to use their guidance to plan ahead as far as possible.

Speaking about the euthanasia guidance, Sue Paterson, RCVS president, said: “We understand there will be some members of the profession who do not wish to euthanise healthy XL bully dogs, either because it is not safe for them to do so, or because they object to it on moral grounds.
 
“There is no obligation in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for a veterinary surgeon to euthanise a healthy animal. However, the owner’s wishes and circumstances should also always be taken into account, particularly if public safety and/or the animal’s welfare could be compromised should the request be refused.
 
“Ultimately, this is a matter for your professional judgement, based on individual circumstances but, whatever you decide to do, please ensure you record accurate, contemporaneous clinical notes about your decisions and actions.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
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NSA survey investigates sheep worrying

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has launched its latest survey to better understand the severity of sheep worrying in the UK.

The survey will be open until Friday, 21 February 2025. UK sheep farmers are invited to share their experiences of sheep worrying by dogs and its impact on the industry.

NSA has been gathering information about sheep worrying for over 10 years as part of its campaign to raise awareness of incidents and produce new ways of educating the public.

Sheep worrying, often caused by dogs being loose near fields, can result in physical injury, miscarriage and death of animals affected.

The results of the survey will be shared with interested parties, including the UK press, before spring and ahead of lambing season next year.

For more information, or to complete the survey, visit NSA's website.