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MPs vote against reviving Kept Animals Bill
The Kept Animals Bill would have covered animal rights abuses such as puppy smuggling.

RSPCA have voiced their disappointment at the result.

MPs have voted against an attempt by Labour to push the Government to revive the Kept Animal Bill.

The animal welfare bill, that would have countered animal rights abuses such as puppy smuggling and the live export of farm animals, was dropped by the environment minister Mark Spencer in May in favour of individual legislation for different elements of the bill.

The Opposition Day Motion comes after various charities expressed their disappointment at the environment minister’s decision, accusing the Government of inaction and abandoning manifesto promises.

However Labour’s motion to force the bill back into Government was unsuccessful, with MPs voting against it by 256 votes to 183.

RSPCA head of public affairs David Bowles said: “We are disappointed that MPs have voted against reviving the Kept Animals Bill.

“It’s terrible news for animals and we are calling on the UK Government to rethink and bring back all the proposals contained within the binned bill back by other means. We cannot go on allowing cruel practices such as the live exports of animals for slaughter and the puppy import trade.”

Since dropping the bill the Government has begun to propose individual legislation against the keeping of primates as pets, an issue that would have been covered by the Kept Animals Bill had it been passed.

A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: "The UK is a world leader on animal welfare and we are fully committed to maintaining and enhancing our strong track record to date.

"We are committed to delivering the Kept Animals Bill measures individually during the remainder of this Parliament and look forward to progressing these. We will be setting out next steps in due course."

Mr Bowles said: “We welcome the Government’s standalone proposals to ban primates as pets - which is a good start to reviving the proposals lost by dropping the Kept Animals Bill. But the bill contained many other proposals to tackle many other cruel practices which must be re-introduced as soon as possible.

“Without such action, the UK Government's policy agenda for animal welfare is merely smoke and mirrors.”

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.