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Disposable vape ban welcomed as “great news for wildlife”
Vapes contain chemicals that can be toxic to wildlife.
The government plans to ban the products from 1 June 2025.

News that the UK government plans to ban disposable vapes in England from 1 June 2025 has been welcomed by the RSPCA.

The charity, which has run a #VexedAboutVapes campaign, has called the announcement “great news for wildlife”.

The use of vapes in England grew by 400 per cent between 2012 and 2023. An estimated five million single-use vapes are thrown away in general waste or littered every week in the UK, according to research by Material Focus.

The RSPCA has highlighted the danger that disposable vapes can cause to wildlife. The products’ lithium-ion batteries can cause fires, and when thrown away as litter the vapes can be ingested, potentially leading to choking or poisoning from the chemicals they contain.

In the past four years, the charity has received around 13,000 calls about animals affected by litter, with vapes believed to be contributing to the problem.

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said: “Discarded disposable vapes pose a threat to the environment and animals – so this news marks a great day for wildlife.

“The infrastructure for recycling these vapes just isn't widely available – and too many single-use vapes are simply being tossed away in our communities, putting animals needlessly at risk.”

The ban will only apply to England. The Scottish government is currently holding a consultation on a ban and the Welsh government has said that it plans to ban the products after its own consultation closed in December 2023.

Mary Creagh, the UK government’s circular economy minister, said: “Single-use vapes are extremely wasteful and blight our towns and cities.

“That is why we are banning single use vapes as we end this nation’s throwaway culture.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.