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

RVNs campaign against breed specific legislation
Both Shakira and Gemma work within the charity sector and say they have experienced the "depressing reality" of BSL.

Calls for vets and nurses to take part in protest
 
Two veterinary nurses have launched a campaign to tackle breed specific legislation (BSL), which bans types of dogs based on their physical appearance under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Shakira Free Miles and Gemma Plumer are urging veterinary surgeons and nurses to join them at a peaceful protest this Saturday (11 July).

Organised by DDA Watch, the protest will be held in Westminster, London from 2-6pm.

Both Shakira and Gemma work within the charity sector and say they have experienced the "depressing reality" of BSL.

"As veterinary nurses our job entails holding that innocent dog for euthanasia, and the veterinary surgeons to give the lethal injection.

"We believe this is wrong and we would like to see an end to breed discrimination. This law penalises responsible owners and healthy innocent dogs.
 
"Our new campaign is to spread awareness about BSL within our veterinary community and to stand together and put an end to this law that is not working.

"We are in a desirable position to do something as veterinary nurses, this is our time and our opportunity to really change things. We have the drive and a voice to end BSL and hope to have the support of our veterinary community."

Shakira and Gemma say their campaign is getting evermore support on Twitter and an official government e-petition is on the horizon. They hope to debate BSL in the House of Commons if they get the required 100,000 signatures.

Commenting on this week's protest, Shakira and Gemma said: "We would love as many vets and veterinary nurses to join us in their uniform to represent veterinary professionals and offer their support to our campaign."

You can get in touch by email: saveabulls@gmail.com, Twitter: @SaveABulls, or Facebook: SaveABulls
 

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

Voting opens for BEVA Council

News Story 1
 Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.

There are five candidates standing for four available places on Council. They are:

  • Alexandre Triguino
  • Angela Jones
  • Beth Bryant
  • Holly Rees
  • Hugh Somerville
Full profiles for each candidate can be found on the BEVA website

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Milk recalled over presence of veterinary medicines

Graham's Family Dairy has issued a recall for its semi-skimmed milk due to the presence of veterinary medicines in the product.

In a risk statement, the Food Standards Agency said the presence of the medicines, including penicillin, make the milk unsafe to consume and 'may be a possible health risk for anyone with an allergy to antibiotics'.

Customers who bought the product are advised to return it to the store of purchase for a full refund.