Government & Legislation

Trade body warns pet businesses to get ready for new licensing regime

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) said it is “deeply concerned” by the new Animal Activities Licensing (AAL) regime which comes into force in England on 1 October 2018, and is warning businesses to get ready for its implementation. The new licensing regime for England expands the types of businesses…

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BVA: Government must make good on its commitment in law pre-Brexit

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has today (7 August) responded to the government’s update following a consultation on the Animal Welfare (Sentencing and Recognition of Sentience) Bill. The government’s announcement centred on a pledge to introduce tougher sentences for animal cruelty, with those who commit the most serious offences facing…

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Gumtree introduces measures to clamp down on illegal pet trade and improve animal welfare

Gumtree has announced new measures in order to clamp down on the illegal pet trade and improve animal welfare. The new measures will see the introduction of a compulsory paywall in its pets category, in a bid to deter unscrupulous operators from misusing the platform and discourage the ‘casual’ trading…

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Grain-free dog food causes heart disease concerns

British pet food manufacturers have expressed concern following a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation into links between heart disease and grain-free dog food. The probe followed a “highly unusual” number in cases of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. DCM can be fatal, weakening and enlarging the heart,…

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Vet cleared of ‘disgraceful conduct’ after cat dies

The Disciplinary Committee of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has found a London-based veterinary surgeon not guilty of “disgraceful conduct in a professional respect”, after a cat died during treatment. The Disciplinary Committee hearing for Sarah Lee Dantas-Holmes concerned the death of a cat, named Hope. On 19…

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HMRC proposal to access taxpayers’ bank accounts in secret ‘condemned’

An HMRC proposal that would have allowed secret access to taxpayers’ bank accounts has been condemned as an “unreasonable invasion of taxpayers’ privacy”. David Redfern, director of tax specialists DSR Tax Claims, has denounced the proposal and is urging HMRC to reconsider. He said that although HMRC is “correct to…

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Government agrees not to ban Staffordshire Bull Terriers

The government has agreed with a petition not to add Staffordshire Bull Terriers to the Dangerous Dogs Act’s list of banned breeds. The decision was made during a parliamentary debate, sparked by a petition signed by over 163,000 people. The petition was in response to a a submission made by PETA…

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Animal welfare sector rejects calls to add Staffordshire Bull Terriers to the Dangerous Dogs Act

The Kennel Club, RSPCA, Dogs Trust, and Blue Cross have collectively released a statement urging MPs to reject calls from “misguided activists” that Staffordshire Bull Terriers be added to the list of banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act. The animal welfare organisations said that they strongly believe that current…

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Campaign group calls on Welsh government to introduce Lucy’s Law

Anti puppy farming campaign group and one of the founders of Lucy’s Law, Care And Respect Includes All Dogs (CARIAD), called on the government to make the law a reality at the Welsh Assembly yesterday (11 July). Current laws require all dog breeders to obtain a licence to sell puppies,…

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UK Treasury rejects retailers’ business rates reform calls

The UK Treasury has today rejected calls from retailers who say business rates should be reformed to create a level playing field with online retailers. During a meeting of parliament’s Treasury Select Committee, chancellor Philip Hammond said reforming international corporation tax was a higher priority for the government, adding that…

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