DEFRA

Feb- 2018 -

27 February

BSAVA Congress aims to help profession tackle challenges ahead

The puppy trade, Brexit and modernising animal licensing and inspection activities will form this year’s ‘Big Issues’ stream at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) annual Congress on Friday 6 April. The theme for the day is: ‘There is nothing permanent except change: change is constant and inevitable’ and the…

22 February

Charities

CatsMatter propose legislation to make cat RTAs a reportable offence

Feline road safety charity, CatsMatter, is hoping to see a change in the treatment of cat road traffic accidents (RTAs) with the help of the Labour party. In January, the charity’s co-founder Mandy Lowe met up with MP Sue Hayman, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,…

12 February

Manufacturers

Wolf Tucker launches new cat food

Sussex-based raw food specialists, Wolf Tucker is set to launch its new cat food recipe which is called Tiger Tucker. The brand prides itself on only using 100% natural ingredients, human grade meat and vegetables sourced from UK suppliers. Wolf Tucker claims to develop nutritionally balanced meals containing all the…

8 February

Current Affairs

Government announces new legislation for pet sales

The government has announced a call for evidence on whether there should be a ban on third party puppy sales. The announcement was made by Defra minister, Lord Gardiner, at London-based animal welfare charity, Mayhew, today. Mayhew CEO, Caroline Yates, welcomed the step forward towards the goal of banning damaging…

5 February

Current Affairs

Queen’s swans ‘killed by bird flu’

An investigation has been launched into the outbreak of Avian Flu after a number of swans, thought to belong to the Queen, died in Windsor. More than 20 swans have been confirmed dead with several more said to be ‘dying’. Seven of the dead birds are being tested to determine…

Jan- 2018 -

25 January

Current Affairs

England is ‘lagging’ behind in animal welfare, claims charity

Blue Cross has written an open letter to Michael Gove to clarify Westminster’s position on a ban on electric shock collars for England following the decision by Scotland to outlaw the cruel and unnecessary devices. The national pet charity is calling for Westminster to follow in the steps of Scotland…

24 January

Current Affairs

Bird flu prevention zone declared in Wales

An avian influenza prevention zone will be set up in Wales by midnight tonight (24 January) to reduce the risk of infection to the bird population. Wales Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths, Lesley Griffiths, took the action as a preventative measure, after three separate cases…

18 January

Current Affairs

Bird flu prevention zone extended across the whole of England

A bird flu prevention zone has been declared across the whole of England, following cases of influenza found in two different locations. This applies to everyone who keeps poultry or captive birds, meaning they must follow increased biosecurity requirements. It comes as 13 dead wild birds were confirmed to have…

15 January

Current Affairs

Bird flu found in Dorset

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have confirmed cases of avian influenza in South Dorset. Some 17 wild birds in Weymouth have been found to be carrying a virus closely related to the H5N6 strain. DEFRA has advised all bird…

12 January

Current Affairs

PFMA responds to raw food study

The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) has responded to claims feeding animals raw food could be dangerous. A team of researchers in the Netherlands have said that the foods could be contaminated with bacteria and parasites. The association responded by stating: “PFMA members produce a wide range of products including…