1. Reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
Why?
The current Act was designed for a different era. As a result:
- Vets are regulated, veterinary practices are not.
- Anyone can call themselves a veterinary nurse
- There is no recognition of the wider vet-led team
We need:
New primary legislation that modernises the regulatory framework, making it fit for purpose and protects the title ‘veterinary nurse’. This will benefit animal health and welfare, delivery of veterinary care and retention of veterinary professionals.
2. Access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland secured beyond 2025
Why?
Northern Ireland is expected to lose access to 51% of veterinary medicines (around 1700 products) at the end of 2025 due to the changes required by EU regulations. These include the only licensed salmonella vaccine for cattle, the loss of which could represent a serious public health emergency.
We need:
Continued engagement between the UK Government and the European Commission to find a permanent solution to safeguard the future supply of veterinary medicines beyond 2025.
3. Legislation to protect animal health and welfare
Why?
The Kept Animals Bill would have prevented the immeasurable suffering of thousands of animals, by tackling puppy smuggling, livestock worrying and the keeping of primates as pets. It is essential that the individual elements of this Bill are taken forward.
We need:
- Stricter pet import measures, including mandatory pre-import testing, to minimise the spread of Brucella canis and other emerging diseases.
- A ban on the importation of dogs, cats or ferrets with mutilations which are illegal in the UK, such as cropped ears.
- Replacement of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) 1953 Act with legislation that has clearer definitions of livestock worrying, livestock, where attacks occur, what it means to be at large, and expands police powers and sanctions.
4. Minimum standards for animal welfare in UK trade deals
Why?
Without this, the UK’s high animal welfare standards are being eroded. Following the recent signing of free trade agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, we are seeing repeated examples of the UK opening up its markets to goods produced under low welfare systems.
We need:
A minimum set of standards for all UK trade deals which will safeguard our high animal welfare standards and prevent the UK market from being flooded with produce farmed under conditions we would never accept in this country.
5. An overhaul of The Dangerous Dogs Act
Why?
Banning individual breeds does not work. Despite having had Breed Specific Legislation in place for over 30 years, the number of people bitten or attacked by dogs continues to increase year on year.
We need:
Significant reform of the Dangerous Dogs Act to produce legislation which focuses on responsible breeding and ownership, early intervention and better enforcement.
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