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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 29th November 2013
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

Welfare group hits out at primate research review

Report into multiple neuroscience research procedures on primates sparks RSPCA

CONCERNS have been raised by the RSPCA over a published report into the impact of neuroscience research on primates.

The report, "Review of the assessment of cumulative severity and lifetime experience in non-human primates used in neuroscience research," by the former UK Animal Procedures Committee,  considers the long-term implications of procedures on primates.

RSPCA's chief scientific officer, Maggy Jennings, OBE, said: “It is extremely concerning that this report systematically underestimates the serious impact of neuroscience research on primates and the level of suffering involved.


“How anyone can think that confinement in cages, being subjected to repeated scientific procedures including surgery, the implantation of eye coils or head implants and electrodes, food and water deprivation, long periods of restraint, and the catalogue of other adverse effects listed causes anything other than severe suffering is completely beyond us.


The report provides the first detailed account into this sensitive area of animal research of the nature, incidence and severity of procedures and complications, including their cumulative impact.


According to the Government's Animals in Science Committee, which published the report, the review also identified issues specific to the concepts of cumulative severity and lifetime experience that should be subject to further and future debate.


Maggy Jennings added: "We will be reviewing the report and its recommendations in very close detail to ensure that where constructive recommendations have been made that could reduce primate suffering, that they are immediately implemented.”


www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-procedures-committee-cumulative-severity-review

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

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."