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BSAVA Congress News Archive
Spanish Congress vote to protect bullfighting
4th October 2013
Spanish Congress has decided to protect bullfighting and grant it cultural heritage status, a decision that has been condemned by international animal protection organisations. A coalition of six organisations said: "Bullfighting is cruel and outdated and has no place in a modern society; culture stops where cruelty starts." Bullfighting is declining and the public is not supportive of subsidies to protect it. The final text will now be presented to the Senate where a vote is likely to take place later this month.
PETA launch not-for-profit international science company
1st October 2013
PETA and its European and Asian affiliates have launched a not-for-profit science company - the PETA International Science Consortium (PISC). The new company will work with industry, private research facilities and regulatory bodies on developing strategies to implement and promote non-animal research methods. PISC Director Jessica Sandler, said: "By influencing national and international testing regulations and guidelines, PISC will help countries around the world shift more quickly to modern, humane science."
DNA tests for Tibetan Spaniels
25th September 2013
A DNA testing scheme for Progressive Retinal Atrophy 3 (PRA3) in Tibetan Spaniels has been approved by the Kennel Club. In the UK, this test is offered by the Animal Health Trust, and further details can be obtained directly from them.

Future results will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog and any future offspring, and on the Health Test Results Finder on the Kennel Club website. Results for dogs already tested can also be recorded, and a new certificate printed free of charge, if the owners submit copies of the DNA certificates themselves.
HIC secures major world congress
24th September 2013
The Harrogate International Centre (HIC) has announced it will host the next International Sheep Veterinary Congress (ISVC) in May, 2017. Around 700 world leading animal health experts are expected to attend the congress. Paul Ashton, sales manager at HIC, said: "It's great for HIC but it's also great for the local economy." Paul said he was able to secure the contract thanks to HIC's links to nearby Leeds/Bradford airport and strong regional associations with sheep farming and agriculture.
Global unity against bullfights
12th September 2013
Anti-Bullfighting campaigners have delivered a letter to the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, signed by more than 100 animal welfare organisations from 29 countries. The letter is part of a campaign, called #LoveSpainHateBullfights, which opposes the political initiative to protect bullfighting as "cultural heritage" and allow public funds to be used to support the industry. Altogether, petitions for the campaign have attracted more than 256,600 signatures across more than 135 countries.
Possible panda pregnancy update
10th September 2013
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo has released a statement about the possible pregnancy of its female giant panda, Tian Tian. Her hormones are following an atypical pattern, it reports, but external experts believe she may have experienced her secondary progesterone spike two weeks later than previously suggested. International colleagues will be helping to review results with the zoo this week, during the Giant Panda Research Symposium.
Dachshund DNA needed for research
5th September 2013
A research project is being carried out by the Dachshund Breed Council in collaboration with the Animal Health Trust (AHT) to study the genetic component of IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) in dachshunds. The project is calling for dachshunds who have undergone back surgery for herniated discs in the lumbar spine when they were four to eight years old (although they may be older now). Those looking to get involved in the study can contact Gina Salisbury via email or phone 01425 476826

Click here to download the project brief, or here to download a sample submission form.
Dog fun day to support Pup Aid
4th September 2013
A dog fun day will be taking place at Primrose Hill, London, on September 7. The event will include appearances from celebrities such as Ricky Gervais and The Dreamboys and is being held in support of Pup Aid - in an effort to stop puppy farming. People are encouraged to come along to the dog fun day and sign the puppy farming e-petition by clicking here.
Birdworld holds Penguin Day
3rd September 2013
Researchers, conservationists and those working in penguin husbandry are gathering together at the International Penguin Conference from September 2-6. During the event, which is taking place at Bristol University, delegates will share ideas, results and best practice in protecting the 17 penguin species. Threats such as pollution, fishing practice and climate change are presenting a serious challenge to all penguins species.
Stranded dolphin rescued by RNLI
29th August 2013
A dolphin that last week became stranded on sandbanks of the River Dee was rescued and released into deeper water by a team from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The team transferred the dolphin to a lifeboat in a stretcher, where her condition was monitored, until she was safe to be released. Click here to watch video footage of the rescue.
Six signs of stress
27th August 2013
Animal health company Vetoquinol has released a checklist to help owners identify signs of stress in their dog. The checklist covers behavioural changes such as barking or howling, as well as physical changes including weight loss and posture. Vet and behaviourist Hannah Lyon said: "Dealing with an upset pet can be distressing for owners but there are steps you can take to help your dog feel more secure in his environment." Click here for more information and advice.
Four Paws reveals consumers want labelling of eggs in food
21st August 2013
Animal Charity FOUR PAWS reveals that 69% of consumers want labelling of eggs in food. Although conventional battery cages are now outlawed across Europe, around half of egg-laying hens in the UK are still confined in battery cages where they are unable to even stretch their wings. FOUR PAWS urges shoppers to check labels carefully. Angelique Davies of FOUR PAWs advises "If it doesn't specify on the the ingredients list that the eggs are free range or barn, you can assume that they are likely to have come from battery eggs."