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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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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.