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.
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

Welsh government pledges to improve RSPCA powers
RSPCA Cymru has to rely on other public bodies to complete some duties.
RSPCA officers currently have no formal powers.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Cymru has welcomed a pledge from the incoming Welsh government to introduce ‘additional enforcement powers’ for its officers.

Vaughan Gething MS, who took office as first minister last week, made the pledge in his leadership manifesto, as part of a commitment to make Wales a leader on animal welfare standards in the UK.

Mr Gething has also appointed Huw Irranca-Davies MS as cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, and so he will oversee animal welfare policies in Wales.

RSPCA’s officers do not currently have any formal powers to respond to animal welfare emergencies, meaning that some duties are handled by other public bodies. As part of the charity’s strategy, it is working towards statutory powers for its inspectors in Wales and England by 2030.

As animal welfare is devolved in Wales, the decision to give the RSPCA formal recognition under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 will be with the Welsh government and the Senedd.

Mr Irranca-Davies has previously supported a move to give RSPCA statutory powers in a debate in the Senedd, saying that the move would reduce the burden on other enforcement bodies, and ‘streamline the process fantastically’.

RSPCA Cymru stated that the powers would enable them to respond to more situations of cruelty and neglect, without relying on other public bodies and causing animals to wait for help.

Billie-Jade Thomas, RSPCA’s senior public affairs manager for Wales, said: "It's really encouraging that the new first minister, Vaughan Gething MS, singled out this issue in his leadership manifesto - and supported additional enforcement powers for our officers. We're also really pleased his new cabinet secretary responsible for animal welfare has previously been a supporter of this too.

“We have written to them both to request meetings at their earliest convenience to discuss how we can progress this commitment together, and ensure our inspectors are even better equipped to carry out their vital work protecting animals.”

The charity also said that the formation of the new government came at an exciting time for animal welfare. Following a consultation on the licensing of animal establishments, activities and exhibits, it said that thousands of animals, including racing greyhounds, could receive stronger legal protection.

Ms Thomas added: “With the Animal Welfare Plan for Wales now in its third year, we look forward to working with the new first minister and cabinet secretary to create a Wales that is better and kinder for every animal.”

Image © Shutterstock

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

BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

News Story 1
 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Farmer survey to reveal on-farm impact of bluetongue

A nationwide survey has been launched to better understand how the bluetongue virus is affecting UK farms.

Results will inform the support that farmers receive for bluetongue, as well as preparing the livestock industry for the future.

The short online survey is open to all livestock farmers, regardless of whether they've had a confirmed case of bluetongue on their farm. It asks how many animals have been affected, the severity of their clinical signs and how it has impacted farm business.

The survey takes five minutes to complete and is fully anonymous.

It is led by Fiona Lovatt, of Flock Health Limited, and the Ruminant Health & Welfare bluetongue working group, in collaboration with AHDB and the University of Nottingham.

Dr Lovatt says: "We need to find out what level of clinical signs farmers are seeing in their animals, whether they are experiencing mortality with BTV-3 cases, and what their appetite is to vaccinate in future for bluetongue serotype 3."

The survey can be found here.