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RSPCA Welcomes Introduction of Animal Welfare Codes
The RSPCA welcomes new government guidelines for pet owners on how to look after their dogs, cats, horses and primates, which have come into force today.

The welfare codes of practice have been introduced by the government in England to help make sure the needs and requirements of people’s pets are met.

The charity has long backed the plans for the introduction of the codes in England to provide clear information to help owners protect animal welfare.

Claire Robinson, government relations manager, said: “The RSPCA welcomes the introduction of the codes and hopes that they will make a great difference to help owners understand what their pets need. The Society has been working closely with the government to develop the codes to ensure that they are appropriate, effective and workable and we think that they are succinct enough for owners to read and comprehend.”

Inspectors will be able to properly measure the welfare of an animal against specific guidelines.
The RSPCA’s 300 inspectors will be using the codes on a regular basis to help in their day to day work throughout England. Whilst breaking the codes will not be an offence, the information in them can be used by a court to illustrate whether an owner was complying with the Animal Welfare Act.

RSPCA superintendent Tim Minty said: "The codes will first and foremost be an invaluable educational tool for everyone involved in animal welfare but they will also play a vital role to help RSPCA inspectors identify any problems of neglect or cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act. Inspectors will be able to properly measure the welfare of an animal against specific guidelines so that they can accurately assess whether an animal's needs are being properly met. The codes will also help inspectors to advise the person responsible for the animal on how to look after their pet so the RSPCA and owners can work together to make sure the animals are happy and healthy."

The codes expand on existing legislation set out in the Animal Welfare Act. The advice falls into the following sections:
  • The need for a suitable environment
  • The need for a suitable diet
  • The need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
  • The need to be housed with, or apart form, other animals
  • The need to be protected from pain, suffering injury and disease.

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Two new roles on BEVA Nurse Committee

News Story 1
 The BEVA has opened two new roles on its Nurse Committee.

There is one role available for a full member (for three years) and one role for a student member (until they qualify).

Members must attend all meetings, occurring four times a year. They will assist the committee in understanding the field, identifying issues and engaging with external parties.

More details can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.