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Are livestock animals suffering due to legislation?
The debate over whether the law is having a negative impact on livestock welfare, will take place at the Animal Welfare Foundation forum next month.
The debate over whether the law is having a negative impact on livestock welfare, will take place at the Animal Welfare Foundation forum next month.

Debate to take place at Animal Welfare Foundation forum

Livestock animals could be suffering extended long term pain because legislation is too vague.

The Animal Welfare Foundation is to discuss the impact of legislation surrounding animals on farms, in transport and at slaughterhouses, at its discussion forum on May 12.

Veterinary surgeon David Chennells will argue that a lack of specific legal definitions, and inconsistencies of court decisions has created uncertainty, resulting in animals with chronic lameness or minor wounds, spending too long in recovery pens.

The debate will focus on whether these animals suffer extended long-term pain on farm because of a fear of transporting them.

The forum will also discuss the psychological factors in animal hoarding cases with Fiona McEwen, from the Institute of Psychiatry, while Keith Chandler of the British Equine Veterinary Association, will lead the debate on whether improving the horse passport system will lead to better welfare.

Mike Radford, The School of Law, Aberdeen University, will open the forum discussion on What the offence of causing unnecessary suffering really means.

The forum takes place from 10am to 5pm, costs £85, and is followed by a reception in the House of Commons from 7pm to 9pm. 

For more click here

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
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BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'