Government & Legislation

BVA praises ‘strong and supportive’ NI vets ahead of Brexit

President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Daniella Dos Santos, has praised the “vital” work of vets in Northern Ireland. In its address to key representatives from animal health and welfare organisations and veterinary professionals, the BVA said it was “particularly concerned” about how a no-deal Brexit could impact NI…

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Delays to ‘important’ welfare legislation putting animals at risk, warns Battersea

Animal charity Battersea is warning that “disappointing” delays to important welfare legislation are putting animals at risk. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which would increase maximum sentences for the worst acts of animal cruelty from the current penalty of six months to five years, has now fallen in Westminster for…

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Treasury Committee urges MPs to reform ‘broken’ business rates

The government has been urged to fix the “broken” business rates system as it is continuing to affect high street retailers, a Treasury committee has said. An influential group of MPs has asked the government to examine alternatives to property tax, which puts more pressure on high street retailers than…

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BVA welcomes animal sentience legislation proposals in Queen’s Speech

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed proposals set out in the Queen’s Speech that would see animal sentience finally being embedded in UK legislation. The government has pledged that the principle will come into law as part of a package of measures on key animal health and welfare issues.…

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Labour pledges £10 minimum wage for all workers over 16

Jeremy Corbyn has pledged a £10 an hour minimum wage for all workers over 16 if his party is elected to government. In a speech delivered to the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Brighton, Corbyn said Labour would also deliver action on the gender pay gap, equal rights for all…

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BVA welcomes renewed calls to enshrine animal sentience in law

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the Labour Party’s renewed drive for animal sentience to be embedded in legislation. As part of its 50-point Animal Welfare Manifesto for Government, Labour is urging the government to embed the principle in law as quickly as possible, to impose a duty on…

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Trade associations call for review of UK animal activities licensing

An investigation into the new Animal Activities Licensing system in England has revealed it has “done little to improve animal welfare” but is tying up businesses in “unnecessary” red tape, according to two trade associations. OATA and REPTA, who issued a Freedom of Information request to more than 300 English…

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PFMA meets with MPs to discuss pet obesity

The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) recently held an event at the House of Commons to raise awareness for pet obesity and launch the third edition of its Pet Obesity Report. Guests at the event included representatives from Pets As Therapy (PAT), Therapaws and Hounds for Heroes who provides dogs…

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Gove delivers new bill to give animal abusers tougher sentences

Environment secretary Michael Gove has announced a new bill to enable tougher prison sentences for the worst animal abusers and introduced it to Parliament yesterday (Tuesday 25 June). The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill means that animal abusers could face up to five years in prison, a significant increase from the…

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OATA joins Westminster committee inquiry for invasive species discussion

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA) joined fellow trade associations and other experts on 11 June during a special outreach hearing held in Cambridge by the Environmental Audit Committee as part of its inquiry into the impacts of invasive species and their management. OATA’s assistant chief executive Dr Tracey King…

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