Regulation

Animal cruelty sentences increase to five years in prison

New government plans will bring England’s maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty in line with Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. The maximum sentence will now stand as five years. Courts can also issue an unlimited fine and ban offenders from keeping animals in future. The new legislation will only be…

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RCVS launches new website

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has today launched a redesign of its website, www.rcvs.org.uk, with a key focus on improving user experience to help people find what they want, faster. The redesign includes a complete overhaul of the layout, structure and navigation of the College’s whole family of sites:…

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‘Primates can be bought as easily as goldfish’, claims Monkey World

Monkey World is asking for change for the UK pet trade and the legal sale of primates, . The plight of pet monkeys in the UK following last year’s petition demanding “Welfare for Wildlife”, was discussed in Parliament yesterday. This was handed into Downing St. by Monkey World director Dr Alison Cronin, MP Richard…

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Couple jailed for selling sick puppies

A Kent couple who sold dying puppies to unsuspecting buyers have been jailed for a number of fraud and animal welfare offences. Anthony and Lucy O’Donnell, both of Old Maidstone Road, Sidcup, appeared at Inner London Crown Court for sentencing after 12 people reported buying sick puppies, ten of whom…

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Pets at Home food recalled following ‘seriously unwell’ pets

Pets at Home has issued a recall for four of its AVA pet food products after pets collapsed suddenly and experienced fitting, as well as other symptoms. Three cats became seriously unwell after being fed the product for just four to six weeks. All three cats had to receive veterinary…

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New avian flu measures announced

New measures to protect against avian flu have been confirmed by the Government chief vet. A more targeted approach will be taken to control the disease. Following plans set out earlier this month, all poultry keepers across England must continue to observe strict biosecurity measures, with housing or netting required in…

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Working party dedicated to Cavalier King Charles spaniel hearts

Following a meeting convened by the Kennel Club with representatives of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed clubs and the Veterinary Cardiology Society, progress has been made in developing a working party to review and improve the heart screening of the breed within the UK. The working group will review…

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Better surveillance of livestock needed, warns BVA

A ‘robust surveillance system’ is vital to the health of UK livestock, claims the British Veterinary Association (BVA). Following the precautions against Avian Influenza further strengthened last week and reports of Schmallenberg Virus cases across the country, the anniversary of the devastating 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak (19 February) the…

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Ten month suspension for vet nurse who ordered drugs for herself

  A Surrey-based veterinary nurse has been suspended from the Register for ten months after order drugs for her own personal use. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Veterinary Nurse Disciplinary Committee has directed the Registrar to suspend the veterinary nurse. The disciplinary case against Lois Hodgkinson RVN took place…

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Telemedicine consultation launched by RCVS

The RCVS will be launching a new consultation asking for the views of the veterinary and veterinary nurse professions on the use of telemedicine in veterinary clinical practice.   Telemedicine can be defined as any clinical healthcare service that is provided using remote telecommunications services and the aim of the consultation…

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