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Vets welcome Welsh ban on glue traps and snares
“We will continue to engage with the Welsh government to develop what the scheme looks like in practice" - Collin Wilson, BVA Welsh Branch.
“This is a landmark piece of legislation" - Collin Wilson, BVA Welsh Branch.

Wales is to become the first country in the UK to introduce a complete ban on snares and glue traps.

On Monday (Sep 26), rural affairs minister Lesley Griffiths unveiled a new Agriculture Bill giving Welsh Ministers the power to promote Sustainable Land Management (SLM) principles and integrate them into Welsh agriculture. How this support is delivered will be defined by the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS).

The move has been welcomed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) which, along with other animal protection and research organisations, has long campaigned for a complete ban on 'inhumane' pest control devices.

The organisation has also played a key role in the development of the new SFS, and BVA representatives are involved in the working group looking at the next stage.

BVA Welsh branch president Collin Wilson said: “This is a landmark piece of legislation which represents a great opportunity to reform the way farmers in Wales receive support. We are particularly pleased to see specific recognition within the Sustainable Land Management goals of the need for high standards of animal health and welfare.

“We are looking forward to seeing more detail on how the conditions within the proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme will support animal health and welfare as a Sustainable Land Management goal. As farmers’ most trusted advisors, vets have a vital role to play in delivering the scheme. 

He added: “We will continue to engage with the Welsh government to develop what the scheme looks like in practice, and we look forward to responding to the consultation on the final proposals in 2023.”

BVA recently expressed disappointment that the recent Glue Trap Bill in England fell short of an outright ban and only put restrictions on the general public, still allowing ‘pest controllers’ to apply for licences to use the traps.

Mr Wilson said: “We are keen to see the greater detail of this Welsh Bill to ensure no similar loopholes will be allowed for the pest control industry in Wales."

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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. 

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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.