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

Vets respond to Liz Truss becoming new Prime Minister
Liz Truss is set to be appointed as Prime Minister by the Queen.
Ensuring UK's reputation for high animal welfare standards must be a 'top priority' - BVA. 

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) is calling on the new Prime Minister to make good on the government's pledge to improve animal welfare standards and bring the Kept Animals Bill into law. 

With Liz Truss set to be appointed as Prime Minister by the Queen at Balmoral today (6 September), BVA has released a statement urging Ms Truss to ensure the Kept Animals Bill 'doesn't fall by the wayside'.

The Kept Animals Bill is a long-awaited piece of legislation that aims to improve welfare standards through a variety of measures. It includes new powers to clamp down on puppy smuggling, restrictions on the export of live animals for slaughter and a ban on keeping primates as pets. 

The BVA has campaigned tirelessly for action in areas covered by the Bill, but progress has been hampered by other demands on parliamentary time. The Bill is currently awaiting its third reading in the House of Commons before it can pass into the House of Lords. 

BVA president Justine Shotton said: “Liz Truss has a long list of pressing issues to tackle as she takes up office as the new prime minister. Ensuring the UK retains its reputation for the highest standards in animal welfare must be a top priority, particularly as the UK continues to unpick the impacts of leaving the EU and looks for new trade opportunities. 

“A vital first step is to ensure the Kept Animals Bill doesn’t fall by the wayside and continues its journey through Parliament and into law. The new legislation comprises a range of measures which will bring in significant positive change for the health and welfare of pets, livestock and wildlife in the UK.”

Dr Shotton highlighted the importance of the UK government finally cementing plans to bring the Kept Animals Bill into law.

She added: “This crucial and long-awaited piece of legislation promises to bring in a cross-species suite of measures that will improve the lives of billions of animals and mustn’t be lost in the leadership handover.”

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

Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk