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Welsh minister sacked over “unacceptable” emails
Alun Davies
Alun Davies was asked to leave government after requesting private information about opposition politicians.
Alun Davies requested private information about opposition politicians

Alun Davies, Welsh minister for natural resources and food, has been sacked after it emerged he asked civil servants for private information about the financial interests of opposition politicians.

In an email, Mr Davies asks for information about the common agricultural policy payments made to certain assembly members.

Despite being told by his staff that the information was not publicly available, Mr Davies made the request again verbally. The matter was then forwarded to first minister for Wales, Carwyn Jones.

In an official written statement released on July 8, the first minister said Mr Davies' actions were “poorly judged, inappropriate” and “unacceptable”.

“As a result,” he wrote, “I have asked the minister for natural resources and food to leave the government.

“I made this decision with some regret and would like to record my appreciation for the contribution that Alun Davies has undoubtedly made to the work of the government during his time in office.”

Mr Davies' previous duties have been divided up between other ministers.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.