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Scottish SPCA calls for stronger fireworks legislation
"Many pet owners and farmers experience first-hand the frightening effect fireworks have on their animals" - Nicola Strachan, Scottish SPCA.

The charity is asking the public to act responsibly this Hogmanay. 

The Scottish SPCA is calling for stronger legislation on fireworks, warning that loud, unpredictable noises can have a harmful effect on pets, wildlife and farmed animals.

It follows the shocking aftermath of Bonfire Night, where terrified dogs at the Scottish SPCA’s Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Glasgow tore up and soiled their bedding due to fear.

With Hogmanay around the corner, the Scottish SPCA is pleading with the public to be mindful if they are using fireworks at home, or to attend an organised display where possible.

Nicola Strachan, head of advocacy and strategic partnership at the Scottish SPCA, reiterated the organisations call for a complete ban on the public sale and use of fireworks.

“Many pet owners and farmers experience first-hand the frightening effect fireworks have on their animals - and our centres are no different. The aftermath of Bonfire Night showcased the devastating impact they had on animals in our care, with a number of terrified dogs having shredded and messed their bedding as a result of panic and stress. This can’t continue and has to stop.

“We are in no doubt there will be similar impact following New Year’s Eve so we are calling for a complete ban on the public sale and use of fireworks. It’s time for stronger legislation to protect vulnerable animals from distress, injury and harm."

Ahead of the 2026 Scottish election, the Scottish SPCA has also launched its manifesto, Animal Count: Make Them Matter, which includes four key proposals:

·      Create a National Animal Offenders Register
·      Embed Animal Welfare into the Scottish Curriculum
·      Review the Animal and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006
·      Introduce a permitted list of pets.


The charity has also set out a campaign for a full ban on the public sale and use of fireworks to better protect animals and vulnerable individuals from distress. For more information, visit the Scottish SPCA website

Image (C) Shutterstock/Sanjagrujic.

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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...
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NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.