Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Ban the sale of pets in shops, urges charity
Marc Abraham with Winnie
Marc Abraham with ex-Blue Cross dog Winnie, outside the charity's Victoria animal hospital.

Blue Cross supports the campaign of celebrity vet Marc Abraham

Animal charity the Blue Cross is supporting a campaign to ban the sale of puppies and kittens in pet shops.

In a bid to tackle the puppy farming industry, TV vet and Pup Aid founder Marc Abraham last year launched an e-petition, campaigning for a ban on the sale of puppies and kittens unless their mothers are present.

As the petition received more than 100,000 signatures, the issue will now be debated in Parliament on September 4.

Blue Cross recently welcomed Marc to its Victoria animal hospital. The charity believes selling puppies and kittens in pet shops leads to impulse buying and compromises animal welfare.

Many of these pets have been bred irresponsibly and taken away from their mothers too young, leading to life-threatening health problems.

The charity, which cares for around 40,000 animals each year, says it often takes in pets that have been bought on impulse.

Rachel Cunningham, the charity's public affairs manager, said Marc's Pup Aid campaign has “captured the public imagination” and is helping to promote responsible pet ownership.

“We are also pleased that these issues are to be discussed in Parliament and we will be working closely with MPs to ensure a full and wide ranging debate,” she added.

Marc commented: “It’s fantastic to have the support of Blue Cross. Calls on the Government to review existing legislation to ensure that prospective owners should always see the puppy or kitten with its mother, and to ban the sale of puppies and kittens from retail centres or puppy supermarkets, would be a really positive step in the right direction for animal welfare in the UK."

Image courtesy of Blue Cross.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.