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.
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

Ban the sale of pets in shops, urges charity
Marc Abraham with Winnie
Marc Abraham with ex-Blue Cross dog Winnie, outside the charity's Victoria animal hospital.

Blue Cross supports the campaign of celebrity vet Marc Abraham

Animal charity the Blue Cross is supporting a campaign to ban the sale of puppies and kittens in pet shops.

In a bid to tackle the puppy farming industry, TV vet and Pup Aid founder Marc Abraham last year launched an e-petition, campaigning for a ban on the sale of puppies and kittens unless their mothers are present.

As the petition received more than 100,000 signatures, the issue will now be debated in Parliament on September 4.

Blue Cross recently welcomed Marc to its Victoria animal hospital. The charity believes selling puppies and kittens in pet shops leads to impulse buying and compromises animal welfare.

Many of these pets have been bred irresponsibly and taken away from their mothers too young, leading to life-threatening health problems.

The charity, which cares for around 40,000 animals each year, says it often takes in pets that have been bought on impulse.

Rachel Cunningham, the charity's public affairs manager, said Marc's Pup Aid campaign has “captured the public imagination” and is helping to promote responsible pet ownership.

“We are also pleased that these issues are to be discussed in Parliament and we will be working closely with MPs to ensure a full and wide ranging debate,” she added.

Marc commented: “It’s fantastic to have the support of Blue Cross. Calls on the Government to review existing legislation to ensure that prospective owners should always see the puppy or kitten with its mother, and to ban the sale of puppies and kittens from retail centres or puppy supermarkets, would be a really positive step in the right direction for animal welfare in the UK."

Image courtesy of Blue Cross.

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

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.