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Plans to ban wild animals in circuses announced
Draft legislation to be before Parliament in summer

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has announced that it is presently developing legislation to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) have both signalled their support for such a ban.

DEFRA has announced that it hopes to put draft regulations before Parliament “as soon as Parliamentary time allows”, which is likely to be during summer 2012. Furthermore, the Department has also announced the introduction of a licensing scheme to ensure that wild animals in circuses are kept to certain welfare standards until such time as a full ban can be brought into force. Details of a consultation period (which will close on April 25th 2012) allowing the general public to offer their input on the licensing scheme may be viewed here.

Welcoming the announcement, President of the BVA Carl Padgett said “We welcome the announcement that the Government has acknowledged that there is no place in today’s society for wild animals being used for our entertainment and proposes to ban the use of such animals on ethical grounds...Parliament has expressed its strong desire for a complete ban and the BVA will continue to work with MPs and other welfare organisations to keep up the pressure and ensure new legislation is brought in as soon as possible.”

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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.