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NFU raises questions about RSPCA role
Union calls for charity to clarify its role at Ramsgate following report

Following the AHVLA report on the events at the port of Ramsgate last year, the National Farmers Union (NFU) has called for the RSPCA to clarify its role at the port.

It is felt that the recent report highlights confusion between the AHVLA and RSPCA over how to handle the incident. The timeline of events issued by the agency along with the report details the agency's intention to transport the vehicle in question to contingency premises 24 miles from Ramsgate. The RSPCA however objected to the proposal, and "informed the AHVLA inspector that they (the RSPCA)...were not prepared to allow the use of a vehicle that was unsuitable and overstocked, to transport the animals to the emergency facility."

Deputy president of the NFU Meurig Raymond claimed the RSPCA "appeared to have asserted significant influence over Government officials on the ground," during the incident which resulted in more than forty sheep having to be euthanised.

Mr Raymond insisted: "It is highly concerning that, although the RSPCA has no official role at the port, from an early stage, they were making objections to agreed contingency plans, making interventions from their legal team and, within an hour of a problem being found, they had ‘instructed’ AHVLA officers to unload animals at the port, despite RSPCA previously highlighting the lack of suitable facilities for handling animals."

The RSPCA however has defended its role during the incident, insisting the report "clearly states that all the key decisions on the day were taken by the competent authorities; AHVLA officers." The charity referred to its objection to the initial contingency plan as "well-founded" as a "fist-sized gap" was later found between the the deck floor and the shell of the vehicle, posing a significant risk to the animals.

The AHVLA timeline describes events from the inspection of the first vehicle at the port at 8:35am, to the arrival of the replacement vehicle at 1:00am the following morning, during which several difficulties are reported in implementing a contingency plan. As a result of the AHVLA's recent report, various alterations have been made to procedures to prevent a repeat of the incident.

To view the timeline of events click here.

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com