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Changes to help renters keep pets announced in King’s Speech
The King's Speech sets out the government's legislative plans for the coming months.
Tenants will have a new right to request a pet.

Renters could soon have greater rights when it comes to pet ownership under legislation announced by the new government in its first King’s Speech.

The Renters’ Rights Bill is set to give tenants the right to request a pet, which landlords will have to consider and will be unable to unreasonably refuse.

The bill will also allow landlords to request insurance to cover any potential damage from pets.

A similar change to the law had been proposed by the previous government as part of its own Renters (Reform) Bill. However, the legislation failed to make it through Parliament before the general election.

The new bill has been welcomed by charities such as the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Cats Protection.

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said: “We believe that the Renters’ Rights Bill will give tenants a legal right to have a pet, unless there is a justifiable reason not to do so - ending blanket bans that exist at present on the keeping of beloved companion animals in rental homes.

“The RSPCA has long campaigned for this change - as we believe this will stop many pet owners having to face the heartbreaking choice of choosing between finding accommodation and keeping their pet; and also offer countless new owners the chance to adopt rescue pets.”

However, some elements of the King’s Speech have been criticised within the veterinary profession. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has expressed its disappointment over the lack of animal welfare legislation in the speech.

Anna Judson, president of the BVA, said: “Whilst we understand the new government has many challenges to tackle, it’s disappointing that today’s King’s Speech doesn't prioritise any of its election manifesto commitments to animal welfare or its plans to deliver improved trade with the EU through a proposed veterinary agreement.

“I urge the Prime Minister and his team to press on with this important work and the British Veterinary Association stands ready to ensure that the necessary detail is correct.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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."