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

France bans imports of lion hunting trophies
lion
French minister of ecology, Ségolène Royal, wrote: 'I have instructed my services to no longer issue import permits for lion hunting trophies.'
Country follows in Australia's footsteps

France has joined Australia in banning the import of lion hunting trophies, making it the first EU member state to bring in such a measure.

In a letter to the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the French minister of ecology, Ségolène Royal, wrote: 'I have instructed my services to no longer issue import permits for lion hunting trophies.'

Brigitte Bardot, a former actress, singer and model, had previously criticised Royal's 'guilty silence' over the import of hunting trophies, particularly in light of the recent death of Cecil the lion.

Announcing the news of France's import ban, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation thanked the minister.

The charity LionAid also welcomed the news, saying in a statement: "We applaud Minister Royal for this timely decision, and hope that this will precipitate like-minded decisions from many other EU Member States."

LionAid has in fact secured a debate in UK parliament on 24 November, when it will urge the UK to reject any further involvement with trophy hunting or 'canned hunting' (where animals are kept in a confined area) of wild lions for sport.

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

Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.