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Brooke collaborates on new Pakistan equine laws
Brooke Pakistan hopes the new legislation will prevent cruelty to working equines.
The Animal Welfare Bill 2024 replaces 134-year-old legislation.

Brooke, a working horse and donkey charity, has influenced a landmark animal welfare bill in Pakistan.

The Animal Welfare Bill 2024, which replaces 134-year-old legislation, is expected to prevent cruelty and improve the care of working animals across the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.

It is the result of collaboration from Brooke Pakistan with the local government and livestock department. The charity had a central role in the drafting process and lobbying efforts, where it ensured horses, donkeys and mules were prioritised.

The new bill is designed to prevent the cruelty of working animals and promote their humane treatment and protection. This includes the identification and prohibition of acts including mutilation, harmful confinement and abandonment of working animals.

Penalties will be imposed on those found to be treating animals with cruelty or neglect.

The legislation also sets out the responsibilities linked to animal ownership, including provision of food, water, shelter and care. Veterinary procedures performed on the animals must follow international best practices.

Finally, the newly amended bill will encourage better engagement to ensure the public is better educated on animal rights and animal training.

The Animal Welfare Bill 2024 replaces the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1890, ensuring that working animals in Pakistan are treated in accordance to modern welfare standards.

Working animals play an important role in the livelihoods of many people in Pakistan, helping owners to earn an income. Brooke Pakistan works closely with local government and communities to ensure these animals are not suffering from malnutrition, exhaustion and disease.

The charity hopes that the new legislation will give horses, donkeys and mules healthier and happier lives.

Javed Iqbal Gondal, interim CEO at Brooke Pakistan, said: “This is a truly historic moment for all of us, as it marks the first time in Pakistan's history that comprehensive legislation focused on animal welfare has been successfully enacted.  
 
“This milestone sets an important precedent, reflecting our commitment to improving the lives of animals, particularly working animals like donkeys, horses, and mules.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RVC leads globally for Veterinary Science

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has retained its lead in Veterinary Science education in the QS World University Rankings 2025.

The college scored 100 for its Academic Reputation and increased its Employer Reputation to 91.7 points. It also maintained high scores for Citations per Paper and H-Index.

RVC says that its score recognises its students' employability and the institution's standing with employers. It also highlighted the impact that its graduates and alumni are making in the sector.

Stuart Reid CBE, president and principal of RVC, said: "We are dedicated to maintaining the teaching, learning and research that takes place at the RVC.

"I am delighted that the effort from all our staff and students has once again led to a great outcome in the QS rankings; it is a privilege we do not take for granted."

The full rankings can be found here.