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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 4th November 2014
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Consumers "should be better informed" about slaughter
chickens
Just 11 per cent feel the public understands the difference between stunned and non-stunned slaughter.
Only 11 per cent of vets believe the public understand the difference between stun and non-stun

The vast majority of vets think consumers need a better understanding of slaughter methods, according to new BVA figures. Very few vets believe members of the public understand the difference between stunned and non-stunned slaughter.

Figures on vets' attitudes to slaughter have been released to coincide with a parliamentary debate taking place today (November 4), on the slaughter of animals in accordance with religious rites.

According to the Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey findings, 94 per cent of vets believe consumers should be better informed, and just 11 per cent feel the public understands the difference between stunned and non-stunned slaughter.

Earlier this year the BVA launched a #stunb4slaughter campaign which calls for an end to non-stun slaughter for animal welfare reasons. Its government e-petition is nearing 80,000 signatures.

Current UK and EU law requires animals to be stunned, rendering them insensible to pain, before slaughter. An exception in the law allows animals to be slaughtered without pre-stunning among some religious communities.

Meat labelling will be discussed at the parliamentary meeting secured by Neil Parish MP today. MPs will not vote at the end of the debate, but BVA hopes its e-petition will garner 100,000 votes, triggering a full parliamentary debate with a vote.

BVA president John Blackwell said: "There is much more to be done to educate the general public about welfare at slaughter. We know that UK consumers care about animal welfare but our members believe that there needs to be better understanding about methods of slaughter and how that impacts on welfare.

"We believe labelling that clearly explains the method of slaughter would help all consumers make informed choices about the products they wish to buy."

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.