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Honoured actors support campaign for wild animal circus ban
Circus tiger
The enforcement of a wild animal circus ban will prevent further suffering of the UK's circus animals

Letter written to the Queen to urge for action to be taken

Two honoured British actors have collaborated in joining the Animal Defenders International’s (ADI) Stop Circus Suffering campaign.  

Sir Roger Moore KBE and Imelda Staunton OBE have both been honoured by the Queen for their achievements. They have now written Her Majesty a letter, urging her to ensure that prompt action is taken to pass a wild animal circus ban. 

The letter raised concerns that despite government promises, action to bring a wild animal circus ban into force has been slow. It requested that commitment to the ban is included in the Queens speech at the State Opening of Parliament on the 4th June.

A letter was delivered to David Cameron last month, prompting him to reaffirm his commitment to the ban of wild animal acts. The letter, which was headed by former Conservative MEP and conservationist Stanley Johnson and social justice campaigner Peter Tatchell, was signed by 75 celebrities and politicians including Dame Judi Dench, Timothy West CBE, Eddie Izzart and Julian Clary.
 
ADI Chief Executive, Jan Creamer, said: “I am delighted that Sir Roger Moore and Imelda Staunton OBE are urging the Queen to support the promised ban on wild animals in circuses, which has support from the public and politicians alike. The Government has promised a ban and we want to see it happen. Further delays will result in continued animal suffering.”
 
The ban is widely supported by vets, animal welfare experts, politicians and the vast majority of the public. A consultation by Defra on the issue revealed that 94.5 per cent of respondents were in support of the ban.
 
Following implementation of a ban, the UK’s wild circus animals can be relocated to sanctuaries with the help of ADI. The charity have recently relocated 25 lions after securing a circus ban in Bolivia and are currently liaising with authorities to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation of circus animals in Peru.
 
Image courtesey of Animal Defenders International.
 

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.