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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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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.