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Crustaceans considered for Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill
Invertebrates are not currently protected under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill.
The Government are considering banning the practice of boiling lobsters alive under the Bill.

The UK Government is considering a ban on boiling lobsters alive as a part of its Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill.

The Bill does not currently cover invertebrates, however, if the Government goes through with the ban, it is likely that a clause will be added to the Bill, which is now going through the House of Lords.

This consideration follows requests from various animal welfare charities, asking for lobsters to be killed in a more humane manner than boiling them alive, including chilling them in the cold air or with ice, or stunning them with an electric shock. 

The ban has been urged on by several animal welfare groups interested in sentience recognition for crustaceans, including the organisation Crustacean Compassion, who called on Michael Gove to protect decapod crustaceans in animal welfare law. This call was signed by several people, including celebrities such as comedian Bill Bailey, alongside scientists, veterinary surgeons, academics, and others. 

The Conservative Animal Welfare foundation has also urged ministers to include crustaceans in the Sentience Bill.

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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. 

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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.