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
Welfare breach for sheep shipment
Photo: Jennifer MacKenzie
AHVLA and RSPCA inspected conditions at Ramsgate docks

The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the RSPCA found a welfare breach while inspecting lorry loads of sheep at Ramsgate docks on 6th June, when it emerged that a faulty pump had resulted in hundreds of sheep having no access to drinking water.

It is a legal requirement that all lorries be fixed with a water supply so the animals can be provided with water instantly if so required. The AHVLA issued a warning note and the pump was repaired at the port before the lorry continued its journey.

Dr Julia Wrathall, head of the RSPCA's farm animals science team, said: "Drinking water is one of the essential basics that sheep, or any animals, need during a journey which can potentially be long and hot. It's very concerning that a lorry transporting live animals abroad had a faulty water pump but it's a relief that this was rectified so quickly."

The welfare breach follows the European Commission's rejection of a petition signed by over 400 MEPs and a million supporters calling for a maximum eight hour journey time. 

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

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."