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: 26th May 2015
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

Minister issues stark warning to animal owners
Gavel
"The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that all animals in Wales have a high standard of health and welfare."

Breaches of Animal Health Act 'will not be tolerated'

Anyone failing in their duties to meet the health and welfare needs of their animals will be prosecuted, a Welsh minister has warned.

The warning follows the publication of a report by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which looked into the number of prosecutions taken under the Animal Health Act 1981. The report revealed that in 2014 there were 11 convictions in Wales, culminating in over £68,000 in fines and associated costs.

Rebecca Evans, Welsh deputy minister for farming and food said:  “High standards of animal health and welfare help to sustain a profitable and professional farming industry. These convictions are isolated cases and the vast majority of animal owners take their responsibilities seriously.

"However, any breaches of the Animal Health Act will not be tolerated and we will work with local authorities and APHA to take action where possible against anyone who fails to meet the health needs of their animals."

“The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that all animals in Wales have a high standard of health and welfare," Rebecca added

"Last year, I launched our new Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework which is building on nine years of work following devolution of powers in this area. In 2006 we gave Local Authorities more powers to prosecute individuals for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006."

Anyone who has concerns that farmed animals are not receiving adequate care should contact the Local Authority Trading Standards Department.

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.