Efra select committee backs the idea, initially proposed by the BVA, amid growing fears about the procedure’s health effects and wider unease about the legislative plan itself.
UK CVO Christine Middlemiss praises colleagues’ “professionalism and resilience” in 2023 and says she is “very keen that we manage to progress a new Vet Surgeons Act”.
Issue is part of a broader exercise seeking public views on whether new licensing requirements in Wales should be applied to animal-related activities such as rescue centres.
Defra said it was “right” to give them the same rights as other dog owners, although the exemption only applies to dogs that were in their care when the ban timetable was outlined.
In a newly released open letter to the prime minister, the group said more time was urgently needed for owners, vets and rescue centres to “do the best for the dogs in our care”.
The BVA and RSPCA have both welcomed plans for tougher rules, but say Defra must work with veterinary and zoological groups on how they are implemented.
Working group says efforts to discourage owners from buying a brachycephalic dog must continue, despite signs that the message may be starting to get across to the public.
A total of 23 animals in England have now been confirmed to have the virus since the initial case was detected last month, though officials maintain they do not believe it is circulating more widely.
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board is hosting a session for vets and farmers on Tuesday 19 December as Defra reveals details of three more Kent cases.
BVA says service brings together resources, advice and help for employee and employer members, as association reveals 26% of vets rate their practice’s HR as not up to scratch.
Legislation tackling pet smuggling, theft and hunting trophies have been presented to Parliament, prompting fresh optimism they might finally become law in 2024.
