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Scottish Hot Branding Ban Welcomed
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) are delighted at the announcement from the Scottish Government that the hot branding of horses and ponies will be banned in Scotland.

New regulations will be laid in the Scottish Parliament in September to remove the exemption which allows the hot branding of equine animals to take place.

The announcement follows a consultation by the Scottish Government driven by BVA and BEVA policies calling for a full ban last year.
 
Commenting, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said: “This is a very important decision for the welfare of horses and ponies. Hot branding is undoubtedly painful and causes unnecessary suffering. We are delighted that the Scottish Government has made this decision and hope that the rest of the UK follows.”
 
Dr Madeleine Campbell, President of BEVA, added: “Hot branding requires the efficient destruction by burning of the superficial skin layers leaving a distinct scar. This technique is clearly no longer justifiable on welfare grounds and we are very pleased that the Scottish Government has listened to our concerns.”
 
 
Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "There is no place for hot branding in a country which prides itself on its high animal welfare credentials. The main function of branding is to identify horses and ponies but the legal requirement to microchip all equines now means that it is no longer required.”
 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.