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France approves mandatory CCTV in abattoirs
cctv
Twenty-eight assembly members voted in favour of compulsory CCTV, while four opposed it.
Proposed law set to come into force in 2018

French National Assembly members have voted in favour of compulsory CCTV in slaughterhouses, following a number of concerning revelations about animal welfare in the past year.

There are around 1,000 slaughterhouses in France, which came under close scrutiny in 2016 after animal rights groups covertly filmed then published footage of workers killing animals without stunning them.

Under the proposed new law, which is set to come into force in 2018, authorities will install cameras in all areas where live animals are handled, including places of transport, accommodation, stunning and slaughter. Those caught inflicting unlawful cruelty on animals will face one year in prison.

Twenty-eight assembly members voted in favour of compulsory CCTV, while four opposed it. However, it must still pass the French Senate in February before becoming law.

A trial is set to take place this year to determine how the technology will be rolled out.

Animal rights group Animal Aid is urging Defra minister George Eustice to implement similar measures in the UK.

In December 2016, a Welsh working group concluded there was ‘not sufficient basis’ for introducing compulsory CCTV in Welsh slaughterhouses.

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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. 

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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.