DEFRA

Red-eared sliders banned in the UK

Red-eared sliders as well as five other popular aquatic plant species, have been banned from long-term sale. The decision follows the European Commission publishing its list of species of EU wide concern, as part of the Invasive Alien Species Regulation. The list effectively bans long-term sale of water hyacinth, a popular…

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DEFRA confirms microchipping regulations

Individuals who microchip cats, ferrets and rabbits must meet certain criteria to comply with regulations, according to VetSkill. Since The Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015 came into effect last year, providing clear details about who can legally implant microchips into dogs, there has been ongoing confusion over who can…

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OATA announces new chief executive

The Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association has revealed that Dominic Whitmee will be its new chief executive. Current head, Keith Davenport, announced his retirement in March after 25 years at the helm. Dominic joins OATA from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) where he was senior international biodiversity policy…

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Councils fail to use the latest advice on pet shop inspections

Barely half of councils that licence pet shops are using the most up-to-date advice on how to do this, according to a new report from the Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (OATA). The Association found that at least one of 400 councils did not seem to be aware they were the licensing authority…

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More than one million dogs still not microchipped

More than one million dogs in the UK are still to be microchipped, according to the latest statistics from Defra. A significantly higher number of dog owners’ contact details are also not up to date on their microchip record, with only one day to go until microchipping of dogs becomes compulsory…

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Compulsory microchipping for dogs is only days away

On April 6 2016, microchipping becomes compulsory for all dogs in the UK. The change will have the biggest impact in Britain; chipping has been mandatory in Northern Ireland since 2012. Under the new rules, dogs’ keepers are responsible for having their pet microchipped and registered to an approved database by…

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Joint response to Defra’s landmark consultation from veterinary organisations

The British Veterinary Association (BVA), the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) have submitted a joint response to Defra’s landmark consultation on animal establishment licensing in the UK to voice the veterinary opinion. The 12 week consultation, which closed Saturday 11 March, is…

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Defra reminds dog owners of change to microchipping law

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has circulated information reminding dog owners of the upcoming changes to microchipping laws. The new rules, which come into force in England, will not only protect the welfare of dogs and promote responsible ownership, but also make it easier to track…

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Dogs Trust welcomes EFRA recommendations

Dogs Trust welcomed the recommendations outlined in the report of the EFRA committee’s inquiry as a positive step forward for Greyhound welfare. In light of the popularity of the sport and the significant turnover it generates the charity welcome the report’s onus on bookmakers who profit from greyhound racing to contribute…

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PIF CEO’s plea for YOUR help on a ground-breaking licensing review

The chief executive of the Pet Industry Federation (PIF), Nigel Baker, has issued a plea to all pet businesses to engage directly with the DEFRA consultation on the review of animal establishments licensing in England by completing PIF’s online survey on the issue. TheDEFRA consultation is seeking the views of stakeholders based…

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