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Charities meet MPs to call for fireworks review
MPs were invited to sign a declaration calling for a change in fireworks legislation.
Drop-in event sees politicians ask the Government to change the law.

As New Year’s Eve approaches, a coalition of charities has met with MPs to call for a review of fireworks legislation.

At the drop-in event at Westminster on Wednesday, 6 December, representatives from the Fireworks Working Group spoke with MPs from across the political spectrum about the need for further restrictions to be introduced on where and when fireworks can be used.

MPs were told about the distress that firework displays can cause for animals and people. Those who attended were invited to sign a declaration asking the Government to conduct a review of existing firework legislation to account for the impact that fireworks have on human and animal welfare.

In England and Wales, it is currently legal for any adult to set off fireworks on private property between 7am and 11pm, with extended cut-off times on particular days such as Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve and Diwali.

The Fireworks Working Group is made up of 16 charities: Cats Protection, British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, Blue Cross, Battersea, Children’s Burns Trust, The Kennel Club, Combat Stress, PTSD UK, Dan’s Fund for Burns, Assistance Dogs, Service Dogs, British Horse Society, Redwings, Bravehounds and Help for Heroes.

Cats Protection’s advocacy and government relations officer Charlotte Broad said: “We were very pleased to be part of this important event to highlight the harmful effects fireworks can have on vulnerable people, animals and pet owners.

“We hope that by working together with other charities, we can urge the Government to modernise our fireworks legislation to make sure it is fit for purpose and allow people to enjoy displays without causing excessive stress and discomfort for other people and animals.”

Image © Cats Protection

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."