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Scottish government to introduce animals in circuses bill
Circus tiger
The bill will put in place enforcement provisions and sanctions for non-compliance with the ban.

Bill will ban the use of wild animals 

The Scottish Government has published its intentions to introduce a wild animals in circuses bill.

The bill will ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses and put in place enforcement provisions and sanctions for non-compliance with the ban.

Welcoming the news, BVA Scottish Branch President Grace Webster said: “An opportunity to improve animal welfare has been presented and BVA commends the Scottish Government for seizing it.
 
“This is an issue that BVA has long campaigned on and, while it may not affect a great number of individual animals in the UK, the use of wild animals in travelling circuses is emblematic of the way we treat all animals under human care. The welfare needs of non-domesticated, wild animals cannot be met within a travelling circus.
 
“If we want to be truly proud of the UK’s reputation for some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world, governments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must follow Scotland’s precedent and deliver on their long-time promises.”

In addition to banning the use of wild animals in circuses, the Scottish Government has also announced plans to continue their review of pet welfare. This includes consideration of the results of recent consultations on electronic training collars and tail docking of working dogs.

The plans are outlined in 'The Government's Programme for Scotland 2016-2017 which can be found at http://www.gov.scot/Resource/0050/00505210.pdf

 

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.