The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a new toolkit to help voters identify which of Scotland’s political parties are prioritising stricter fireworks regulations, farmed fish welfare, a ban on electric shock collars for dogs and cats, and other key animal welfare and veterinary workforce issues in the Holyrood elections next month.
BVA’s Manifesto for Scotland’s animals, vets, and public health 2026-2031 includes a number of key asks for Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) candidates, including a call to implement the recommendations of the Fireworks Review Group and championing the veterinary voice in farming policy. 56% of vets in Scotland believe that the latter should be one of the most urgent priorities for the new Scottish Government, according to a recent BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey.
When asked to pick up to three pledges from a list, 44% of vets also wanted the incoming Scottish Government to prioritise tightening the regulation of fireworks as soon as possible, while 42% want to prioritise a ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats.
Voters who wish to consider animal welfare and veterinary workforce issues when voting next month can use BVA’s new toolkit to see how the manifestos of the major parties align with BVA’s key asks championing the veterinary voice in farming policy and tightening the regulation of fireworks, as well as five other key calls to action:
Better protect the welfare of farmed fish- Implement legislation based upon the principles of humane slaughter of farmed fish as set out by the Animal Welfare Committee. As an interim measure, we welcome the new statutory guidance issued by the Government under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Teach children about animal welfare- Make animal welfare and sentience part of the national curriculum. Children should learn about animals’ needs, duty of care, and the meaning of sentience so they grow up treating animals and people with compassion and respect.
Support the veterinary workforce– Streamline the visa/sponsorship process for international vets to attract and support veterinary talent from overseas and sustain the vital roles they contribute to in Scotland, including public health.
Ban electric shock collars – Introduce a complete ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats. Evidence shows that reward-based training is not only the most effective training method for animals but also makes sure they are protected from any pain or suffering as part of their training.
Veterinary education funding: Ensure that veterinary education is properly funded and supported by removing financial barriers for universities and students, so that more homegrown talent, particularly from rural areas, can enter the profession.
BVA Scottish Branch President Vivienne Mackinnon said:“Our manifesto highlights the key animal welfare and workforce issues that matter most to our members across Scotland’s veterinary community.
“We hope that this toolkit will help those who want to consider these issues when voting next month to see how the manifestos of the major parties align with BVA’s key asks for Scotland.”
BVA is the leading body representing vets in the UK, with around 19,000 members, including nearly 2,500 in Scotland. For more details on BVA’s voter toolkit for Scotland, visit www.bva.co.uk/scottish-branch.
As charities across the UK face increasing financial pressure and a decline in overall donations, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is thanking its community of regular donors whose ongoing support is helping transform the lives of pets and their owners.
Today, 3,044 regular donors collectively fund approximately one sixth of the charity’s work and aid in ensuring animals receive the care they need all year round.
With rising energy and operational costs placing growing pressure on animal welfare charities, the Home is highlighting the vital role that consistent, monthly donations play in keeping its doors open. It costs around £7,000 per day to run the Home, which receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on the generosity of the public.
Amelia Morgan, CEO at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said:“Regular giving allows us to plan for the future and ensure these wonderful animals receive the highest quality of care all year round, no matter what.
“We are endlessly grateful for the continuing support of our regular donors who help us be there for dogs and cats who need us.”
Even small monthly donations have a direct impact, from helping provide food for growing kittens and puppies, to covering essential treatments, specialist diets, and dedicated behavioural training to help dogs thrive.
That ongoing support is what enables the charity to make rehoming stories like Hamish’s possible.
Hamish, an anxious collie, spent almost a year in the Home’s care after struggling to trust new people. The team worked patiently to build his confidence, knowing it would take time for him to truly come out of his shell and find the right person for Hamish.
That moment came when he met his new owner Paul. Visit by visit, trust began to grow, until Hamish was ready to take the next step. Today, he is thriving, full of life, loyal and enjoying the loving home he deserves.
Hamish’s journey is just one example of the impact regular donations make every day. In 2025 alone, the Home accepted 343 animals, rehomed or reunited 318 pets, and provided more than 636,000 meals through community food banks, support that met only half of the demand seen across the region.
As demand continues to grow, the charity says regular giving will play an increasingly important role in ensuring it can continue to support pets and their owners through challenging times.
Amelia added:“Every single regular donation helps us be there for animals like Hamish and the thousands more who need us each year.
“To everyone who already supports us, thank you. You are making a real and lasting difference every single day.”
To donate to the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, please visit:
‘It’s not a fight of people versus farmers, but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals’ – James Dalgleish
‘A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars’ – Claire Bass
Humane World for Animals UK (formerly known as Humane Society International UK) was in Edinburgh city centre on April 14 with its campaign to ban farrowing crates. Campaigners installed a life-sized animatronic pig named Penny to highlight the harsh reality faced by tens of thousands of mother pigs on industrial farms.
Penny sparked discussions among members of the public about her presence inside a metal crate, like those used to confine sows while they give birth and nurse their piglets. The striking installation is designed to show the severe restriction endured by mother pigs kept in these systems.
Abdullah from Livingstone, said:“Putting a sentient being in any sort of cage is unacceptable. I think mother pigs should be free to look after their babies, without being confined or exploited, just like we would expect a human mother or a mother from any other animal species.”
According to the latest agricultural census, as of 2025, Scotland is home to 25,600 sows, about half of whom are kept in indoor pig farms that keep mother pigs in these cages. Under current laws, they can be kept for up to five weeks confined in narrow metal cages every time they give birth, typically two or three times a year.
The cages are so restrictive that the animals are unable to turn around and have little opportunity to engage in natural behaviours such as nest-building or moving freely with their piglets, damaging their physical and mental health.
James Dalgleish, Labour candidate for Edinburgh Central, said:“It’s not a fight of people versus farmers but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals who can then be healthier and happier.”
Polling commissioned by Humane World for Animals UK revealed that 84% of the Scottish public reject the use of farrowing crates for mother pigs.
Over half of respondents (54%) stated they would be willing to pay more for meat from crate-free pigs, indicating opportunities for farmers to benefit from the highest welfare standards financially.
Humane World for Animals UK warns that some parts of the industry are shifting towards so-called ‘flexible’ farrowing crates, which involve the same extreme confinement for a shorter period (10 days). The organisation says these systems will condemn another generation of mother pigs to unnecessary suffering, and advocates instead for cages to be replaced with free-farrowing pens.
Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns at Humane World for Animals UK, said: “Many people are shocked that such extreme, prolonged confinement is still legal in Scotland. Farmers must end cruel caging, not replace old cages with new ones that would condemn millions more pregnant and nursing pigs to future decades of misery. A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars.
“With the Scottish election fast approaching, our tour is turning public compassion into political pressure. Voters in Edinburgh and across Scotland are demanding change and joining our call for the next Scottish Government to support farmers to put an end to pregnancy cage cruelty.”
ABOUT HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS
Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work underway in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering.
As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruellest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.
With the clocks moving forward this weekend, dog owners may notice small changes in their pets’ behaviour as routines shift overnight.
According to Jo Hinds, COAPE-Certified Behaviourist & Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, the fresh dog food subscription service, even a one-hour adjustment can affect feeding times, walks and sleep patterns for dogs that rely heavily on routine.
“Dogs are creatures of habit,” says Jo Hinds, COAPE-Certified Behaviourist & Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, a fresh dog nutrition brand focused on personalised feeding.
“They don’t understand the concept of daylight saving time, so when feeding or walk times suddenly change by an hour, it can feel confusing for them. Some dogs may wake earlier, seem restless, or start asking for food before their owners are ready.”
The clocks in the UK moved forward on Sunday 29 March 2026, meaning mornings will be darker and evenings lighter.
Jo Hinds, COAPE-Certified Behaviourist & Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, says the shift can be particularly noticeable for dogs that follow very structured daily schedules: “Dogs learn routines incredibly quickly. If breakfast normally arrives at 7am, their internal clock expects it.
“When that suddenly becomes 8am from their perspective, they can become impatient or unsettled.”
Signs Your Dog Is Adjusting to the Clock Change
Owners may notice small behavioural changes in the days following the time shift, including:
Waking earlier than usual
Asking for food earlier in the morning
Increased restlessness in the evening
Seeming slightly out of sync with walk times
“These behaviours are usually temporary,” Jo explains. “Most dogs settle within a few days once the new routine becomes consistent.”
Tips to Help Dogs Adjust to the Clock Change
Pet experts say small adjustments can make the transition easier:
Shift routines gradually Move feeding and walk times by 10 to 15 minutes over a few days before the clocks change.
Keep exercise consistent Regular walks help maintain structure and reduce restlessness.
Stick to familiar cues Using the same bowls, walking routes and commands helps reinforce routine.
Avoid sudden feeding delays If your dog is clearly expecting breakfast earlier, easing the transition over a few days can prevent frustration.
Maintain evening wind down habits Consistent bedtime routines help dogs adapt to lighter evenings.
“Dogs thrive on predictable schedules,” Jo adds. “A few small adjustments can make the clocks changing far less confusing for them.”
Pet owners are also reminded that lighter evenings often mean longer walks and more outdoor activity for dogs, which can help them quickly settle into the new seasonal rhythm.
PROTESTERS gathered outside Edinburgh Pets At Home (Pets At Home Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird) today and called on newly appointed CEO, James Bailey, to stop live animal sales at all of the chain’s stores.
Live animals are sold in the majority of Pets At Home stores; rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils, fishes, insects and reptiles.
Newly appointed Pets At Home CEO James Bailey, will start work in the new role on March 30th 2026.
Campaigners representing Rescue Not Retail are calling on James Bailey, the former Waitrose boss, to end the sale of live animals in all Pets At Home stores.
Protestors wore masks and signs were held outside the front of the shop that said “Animal abuse in shops! James Bailey, make it stop!’ Pets at home abuse them daily! End it now James Bailey!”, “Hamsters are not toys! Just like us!”. “Fishes are not decorations! Just like us!”. “Snakes are not hobbies! Just like us!”.
The protest was part of a nationwide week of action organised by campaign group Rescue Not Retail. Other protests are happening in Edinburgh, Derby, Dorchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Southampton
The week of action has followed an open letter written by Rescue Not Retail to Pets at Home asking for an end to animal sales. The letter was endorsed by Chris Packham, Dame Joanna Lumley, Gail Porter, Peter Egan and other notable figures, including 29 veterinary professionals and 25 animal rescues.
Over the past 6 months, Pets At Home have seen their profits dive, a 25% drop in share price, and their CEO depart with an interim currently in place.
Rival pet store chain Jollyes removed live animals from all of their stores earlier this year, receiving praise from animal rescues.
The UK is in a rescue crisis, exacerbated by the fallout of Covid and the rising cost of living, with an estimated 184,000 small animals given up every year.
LOCALS protested for two hours outside Pets At Home (Edinburgh, Fort Kinnaird) calling for new CEO James Bailey to stop selling live animals. With rescue centres across the country at bursting point and facing funding issues, campaigners are addressing the root cause of this crisis.
Many pet store chains have already stopped selling live animals, James Bailey and Pets At Home are simply being asked to follow suit. A growing number of people are boycotting Pets At Home stores completely due to the conditions the animals are kept in there, likely contributing to the recent slump in profits of the business.
Chris Rhodes, an animal advocate from Edinburgh said: “James Bailey, the newly appointed CEO of Pets at Home, must end the abuse of animals in shops by halting animal sales across all stores.
“We’re saying loud and clear: ‘Animal abuse in shops! James Bailey, make it stop! Pets at home abuse them daily! End it now James Bailey!“
Chris Rhodes, an animal advocate from Edinburgh said:“James Bailey, the newly appointed CEO of Pets at Home, must take immediate action to end this abuse by halting animal sales across all stores.
“Pets at Home is acting irresponsibly by encouraging the objectification of animals and enabling impulse purchases. There is a troubling lack of transparency within the pet industry—we do not know exactly where the animals sold at Pets at Home come from. Pet mills operate as factory farms supplying animals for the trade.
“Snakes, fishes, and hamsters are thinking, feeling beings with distinct personalities and complex needs. They are not decorations or toys to be bought on a whim and discarded when they become inconvenient. Pets at Home should instead promote adoption as a way to help address the ongoing rescue crisis..“
Chris Rhodes, animal advocate, from Edinburgh said: “James Bailey, the new CEO of Pets at Home, must end the sale of animals and stop reinforcing the idea that animal exploitation is acceptable.
“Fishes, snakes, and hamsters are sentient beings with the capacity to think and feel. Animals are not objects, decorations, or toys to be purchased for human gratification. Pets at Home should instead champion adoption as a way to help address the ongoing rescue crisis.
“Fishes are not decorations! Hamsters are not toys! Snakes are not ‘hobbies’. Rabbits are not ‘for children’.”
Rescue Not Retail is a campaign group raising awareness of animal suffering in the pet industry.
The organisation’s first aim is getting Pets At Home to stop selling live animals on their shop floors. All animals are complex individuals who have specific care needs that can be very difficult for the average household to meet.
Misinformation during sales leads to many people finding themselves responsible for an animal they cannot properly care for, so the animal ends up either neglected, passed on to a rescue, or abandoned.
In response to the campaign’s recent open letter, naturalist Chris Packham said:“It’s time we stopped treating sentient, feeling animals as products on a shelf. Every small animal sold in a shop is an individual, not a toy or decoration.
Like ourselves, each hamster, rabbit, guinea pig and so on has just one life to live and they deserve not to be commodified. Keeping animals on shop floors encourages people to buy them on a whim, which is fuelling a rescue crisis in the UK.
“If we truly love animals we must end the sale of them in stores.”
With New Years Eve just around the corner, dog owners are being urged to watch for the lesser-known signs of fear so they can take early steps to comfort their pets, reduce exposure to loud noises and keep them safe.
The dog training experts from Acme Kennels have warned pet owners to recognise the more unknown indicators of stress in their dogs when fireworks are expected, to help prevent long term distress.
New Year firework displays can be extremely upsetting for dogs due to the loud, unpredictable sounds; and while barking and trembling are common signs of fear, more subtle cues such as showing the whites of the eyes, unusual tail carriage and swivelling ears should not be ignored.
Each of these signs offers owners an opportunity to intervene before fear escalates, and by being aware of these early signs, they can respond calmly and provide reassurance to help their dog feel safe and secure, preventing fear from worsening.
If these early signs of stress are missed, a dog’s anxiety can intensify, potentially leading to panic, injury, or longer-term fear and behavioural issues.
Ben McFarlane, expert from ACME Kennels, said: “Unfortunately, New Years Eve can be extremely distressing for dogs, so it is important that owners recognise the early signs of stress to protect their pet’s welfare.
“A dog that begins to show mild tension, such as body stiffness, lip-licking or a tucked tail, may quickly progress to trying to escape or a loss of toileting control if those signs are ignored as their fear and anxiety increase.
“By noticing and responding to these behaviours early, owners can provide reassurance, create a calm environment and help prevent fear from developing into a lasting problem.”
Six early signs of fear in dogs on New Years Eve, according to the experts at ACME Kennels:
Body stiffness and frozen stance: When a dog’s muscles tense and it “locks” in place, it may feel overwhelmed. Unlike a poised retrieve, a frozen stance implies uncertainty.
Lip-licking and yawning: These displacement behaviours often surface when a dog is unsure how to respond. A dog yawning repeatedly or licking its lips could be signalling anxiety.
Whale-eye (showing the whites of the eyes): Turning the head while keeping the body forward, revealing the eye’s white margin, indicates the dog is watching a perceived threat, and could be scared.
Tail carriage: A dog that carries its tail unusually low or tucked close to the body is expressing unease. On the other hand, a tail held rigidly upright can signal heightened stress rather than excitement.
Paw lifting and pacing: Lifting a front paw or pacing in a confined area suggests the dog would rather escape the situation.
Ears pinned or swivelling: Dogs rely on ear position to filter sounds. Ears flattened back or constantly swivelling may reveal sensory overload, especially in noisy environments.
For more information on how to look after your dog, visit:
Inn collaboration with Animal Rising, Dame Joanna Lumley has launched an animation showing conditions inside MBR Acres and the rescue of 18 beagle puppies in 2022.
MBR Acres breeds beagles for use in animal testing, primarily toxicology.
Earlier this week, five individuals were convicted of burglary in relation to the 2022 rescue. 13 more are due to face charges in the same case across three separate trials in early 2026. Another three are due to stand trial for a seperate rescue from MBR Acres in June 2022.
A petition launched by Animal Rising, calling for the closure of MBR Acres and the safe rehoming of the beagle puppies inside, has gained over 41,000 signatures.
The animation has been released on the third anniversary of the rescue of 18 beagle puppies in 2022.
In a pre-Christmas plea for goodwill, Dame Joanna Lumley and Animal Rising have joined forces to call on the Home Office and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood MP to urgently close down the beagle breeding facility known as MBR Acres and rehome all the dogs still there.
Rose Patterson, 36, Animal Rising Co-Director, from Harrogate and living in Hackney, said: “It is an honour to have a national treasure like Dame Joanna Lumley backing us, and thousands of others, in calling for the closure of MBR Acres and safe rehoming of the beautiful beagle puppies inside.
“It is utterly tragic that we use an animal that we also call ‘man’s best friend’ in horrific, painful, and needless experiments.
“It’s not the Victorian Era anymore; we don’t need to rely on using dogs in experimentation for reliable results. We have so many more options available to us that provide greater reliability, using better science.
“Shabana Mahmood needs to step up and make good on Labour’s manifesto promise to end animal testing as swiftly as possible.”
The animation details some of the procedures beagles undergo at MBR Acres, including “terminal blood sampling” that the facility is licensed to carry out.
This license allows MBR Acres to drain healthy dogs of blood and harvest their organs for other use. It moves on to depict the rescues, on two separate occasions, of dogs from the facility (with five puppies rescued in June 2022 and 18 more in December 2022).
Journal articles over recent years, including multiple in the British Medical Journal, have raised serious questions about the claims made by proponents of animal testing. Critics of animal testing point to drugs that passed testing in animals and later led to, sometimes, thousands of human death.
Nathan McGovern, 26, a defendant convicted in this week’s trial, said: “Not only is using innocent beagle puppies for animal testing cruel and painful, but it’s also just bad science.
“Non-animal methods are surging ahead in both reliability and cost. It’s plain that the future is here now, and we need to move with the times with the immediate shutdown of MBR Acres.
MBR has an absolutely atrocious track record when it comes to animal welfare, with both Italian and US facilities shutting down in recent years. In Italy, three senior employees even got prison sentences.”
Animal Rising is calling on concerned members of the public to sign their petition to shut down MBR Acres and rehome all the puppies there.
Sign the petition to save the beagles and shut down MBR Acres:
Defra announces biggest animal welfare reforms in a generation
UK Government launches new plans to protect and improve the lives of our pets, farmed and wild animals
The UK government will launch its Animal Welfare Strategy today – Monday 22 December, setting out new plans to protect treasured pets and much-loved wildlife across the country.
These generational reforms will end the cruel practice of puppy farming, where breeding dogs are kept in appalling conditions, often overbred, and denied proper care. These inhumane practices often result in puppies suffering from long-term health issues.
The Strategy further enhances protections for dogs and wildlife, building on new laws that put an end to puppy smuggling.
Farm animals in England and Wales will be better protected from dog attacks thanks to new livestock worrying laws. Tougher penalties and greater police powers will help relieve the emotional and financial strain these attacks place on farming communities.
Legislation, regulations and current practices need to be reformed as they have not kept pace with the latest evidence, and there have been instances of individuals taking advantage of loopholes.
The Animal Welfare Strategy, launched today by the Environment Secretary, will help fix this and deliver the most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation – in line with our manifesto promise.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We’re a nation of animal lovers. This government is delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation.
“Visiting Battersea Dogs and Cats Home reminded me that millions of families welcome pets into their homes every year. Our strategy will raise welfare standards for animals in the home, on the farm and in the wild.
“We’ve already acted to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling and protect livestock from dog attacks. Now, we’re planning to ban caged hens, cruel snares, trail hunting, and curb low welfare dog breeding.”
The Animal Welfare Strategy sets out how the government will deliver:
Improved welfare for companion animals by:
Reforming dog breeding practices to improve health and welfare, preventing animals from becoming unwell and ending puppy farming
Consulting on a ban on the use of electric shock collars due to the possible harm to our pets
Considering the introduction of new licences for domestic rescue and rehoming organisations to ensure rescues have the right checks in place
Promoting responsible dog ownership to protect public safety
Improved welfare for farmed animals by:
Moving away from confinement systems such as colony cages for laying hens and the use of pig farrowing crates
Addressing the welfare issues that arise from the use of carbon dioxide to stun pigs because of animal welfare concerns
Introducing humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish to spare them avoidable pain
Promoting the use of slow growing meat chicken breeds
Protection for wild animals by:
Banning trail hunting amidst concerns it is being used as a smokescreen for hunting
Banning snare traps because they cause suffering to animals and can catch pets
Introducing a close season for hares which should reduce the number of adult hares being shot in the breeding season, meaning that fewer young hares are left motherless and vulnerable to starvation and predation
The Animal Welfare Strategy builds on this government’s proven track record in delivering reforms for animals. This includes introducing new, world-leading standards for zoos earlier this year and supporting passage of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 and the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act.
The government will work with interested parties to deliver the strategy by the end of 2030.
Thomas Schultz-Jagow, Director of Advocacy and Prevention at RSPCA, said: “The government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy is a significant step forward which has the potential to improve the lives of millions of animals.
“People in the UK love animals and they want to see governments leading the way to outlaw cruel practices which cause suffering such as a phase out of cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs.
“As we need a radical rethink about the way we see and treat animals in this country, this strategy leads the way by showing a strong commitment to animal welfare. We look forward to continuing to work with the government to give all animals the protection they deserve.”
Sonul Badiani-Hamment, FOUR PAWS UK Country Director, said: “FOUR PAWS UK welcomes the publication of the Animal Welfare Strategy today and the commitments outlined which have the potential to transform the lives of millions of animals.
“Improving animal welfare is not only a moral and ethical imperative, but also essential to building a healthy and prosperous nation. By taking action to end the use of confinement systems in farming, banning trail hunting and tackling the scourge of puppy farming, the government can significantly reduce animal suffering in the UK.
“The priority now must be swift action to deliver on these commitments for animals, and FOUR PAWS UK stands ready to support the Government in doing so.”
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said: “We welcome the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy, particularly its commitment to delivering the measures set out in the recently passed Animal Welfare Bill, which will prevent the import of underage puppies, heavily pregnant dogs and dogs with mutilations.
“We are also pleased that the Government plans to consult on the regulation of rehoming centres. We have seen too many cases of neglect and fatalities involving dogs at the hands of unregulated individuals, and the public strongly supports mandatory licensing and regular inspections.
“We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the Strategy is implemented swiftly and effectively, so that all dogs are properly protected.”
Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns and public affairs at Humane World for Animals, said: “There are hundreds of millions of animals in the UK whose health and wellbeing depends on humans and we welcome this Strategy’s commitment to tackle some of the most indefensible and avoidable forms of suffering.
“The Government’s commitment towards phasing out farrowing crates for mother pigs is in tune with both welfare science and public opinion. Supporting farmers to give animals more of the freedom they need and deserve is a hugely commendable and popular goal.”
Anthony Field, Head of Compassion in World Farming UK, said: “Compassion in World Farming welcomes the UK Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy as a landmark step forward in protecting farmed animals across Britain.
“By committing to phase out cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs, over 7 million hens and 150,000 pigs will benefit annually.
“We are also delighted that the Government’s commitment to improve the welfare of tens of millions of pigs and fish at slaughter. The Government is raising the bar for farmed animal welfare.
“Compassion very much welcomes the Government’s leadership on this and looks forward to working with them to turn these commitments into the much-needed policy changes as soon as possible.”
Michael Webb, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Battersea, said: “Battersea welcomes the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy. The reforms laid out in the Strategy will address some of the key issues that we as a charity have been campaigning for over many years, including regulating the rescue sector, tackling bad breeding practices and putting an end to puppy smuggling.
“There is clearly still a lot of detail to work out, and the Strategy does not claim to tackle every problem animals face. However, Battersea is hopeful that it will be the catalyst for real, lasting change and ultimately make a brighter future for future for animals across the country.
“We look forward to working alongside the Government to ensure these promises are implemented effectively and ultimately safeguard the welfare of dogs and cats.”
Charlotte Di Cello, Chief Commercial Officer at Waitrose, comments: ““The Animal Welfare Strategy is an important step towards better lives for farmed animals. Shoppers want higher welfare standards and it is really good to know that some of the more inhumane methods of farming, such as fast-growing chickens, will be consigned to history in the UK.
“Waitrose has led the industry on higher welfare in partnership with British farmers: we stopped selling eggs from caged hens nearly 25 years ago; this year delivered the Better Chicken Commitment for all own-label chicken and all own-label pork will be free range by 2027.
“Our new welfare rating label has been welcomed and we are hopeful the strategy will be a springboard to a mandatory scheme in the future to boost transparency and more conscious choice for shoppers.”
Emma Slawinski, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “The bans already in place in Wales and Scotland marked a pivotal step in acknowledging the unnecessary suffering caused by these indiscriminate and cruel devices, so the government’s announcement that it will implement a ban on the use of snares in England is very welcome indeed.
“Snares pose a constant danger in the countryside, and not just for the animals these traps are laid to catch. The League has compiled case studies over many years where animals such as badgers, hares, and even pet dogs and cats have been caught and killed by snares, often discovered by members of the public left horrified by what they have seen.
“These traps are blunt instruments of cruelty, often used for no other reason than to protect millions of game birds which are later shot just for fun, and have no place in a country committed to taking a progressive approach to animal welfare.
“We commend the government for taking robust steps to ensure we will become such a country by outlawing snares.”
After a long and sustained campaign by British Veterinary Association, the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill has received Royal Assent to become law.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has hailed the passage of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill into law today as a huge win for animal welfare, as well as public health.
Introduced as a Private Members’ Bill earlier this year by vet and MP Danny Chambers with support from BVA, this legislation will introduce crucial measures to clamp down on puppy smuggling and ban the import of dogs and cats with illegal mutilations like cropped ears or declawing.
It will also better protect public health by reducing the risk of diseases such as rabies and Brucella canis from being imported into the country, by increasing the minimum age that puppies can enter the UK and preventing heavily pregnant dogs from being brought in.
Data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey revealed that 1 in 5 UK small animal vets had seen puppies they believe to have been imported illegally into the country in the last year. French bulldog puppies were by far the most common breed vets reported concerns about, with just under half (48%) of vets who had seen suspicious puppies referring to this breed.
Responding to news, British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said: “Every day, vets in practice see the devastating consequences of puppy smuggling and the loopholes that allow illegal and brutal mutilations like ear cropping and tail docking to continue.
“After years of tireless campaigning by the British Veterinary Association, the wide-ranging measures in this new legislation will finally stop criminal gangs from abusing pet travel rules for profit as well as tackle rising cases of imported diseases, such as Brucella canis, which are not currently endemic to the UK and which can be passed from pets to people.”
Danny Chambers, vet and MP for Winchester who introduced the Bill, said: “As a vet, I’ve treated many dogs with cruelly cropped ears or docked tails, leaving them physically scarred and emotionally traumatised.
Knowing this Bill will help us put a stop to this abuse and have a bigger impact on animal welfare than I could possibly have achieved in a lifetime treating individual animals, demonstrates how important this legislation will prove to be.
“Thanks to the support of organisations like the BVA and other animal welfare nonprofits, we got the Animal Welfare Bill through the Commons, through the Lords, and today passed into law.”
As winter temperatures plummet across the UK, Cats Protection is urging people to keep a caring eye on stray and abandoned cats.
Cold snaps can worsen conditions such as arthritis for all cats and wintry chills pose a particular danger to outdoor cats without access to shelter or food. For them, the deadly risk of hypothermia or painful frostbite is real.
Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection Central Behaviour Officer, said: “In the past 12 months, our teams have taken in more than 26,000 cats who have been left behind by life, including over 3,000 kittens from unwanted litters.
“Through no fault of their own, these cats have been given up or abandoned. They don’t know why they’ve been discarded, can’t tell us how they feel. They know only cold, fear and hunger. But we’re there to listen until the tough times pass.”
This winter, Cats Protection has launched a fundraising and awareness campaign (cats.org.uk/alfie) to reach even more stray and abandoned cats in need of urgent help.
As well as raising cash to provide food, shelter and care for neglected cats, Cats Protection has some tips to ensure cats stay safe and warm this winter:
Provide warm, draught-free resting spots. Self-heating pads are ideal for older cats.
Tap your car bonnet and check underneath before starting up – cats love to hide there.
Check sheds and garages to ensure that cats seeking shelter don’t become trapped.
Wipe your cat’s paws and coat when they come in. Grit, salt or antifreeze can be toxic if licked.
Provide fresh water, checking it cannot freeze over. An indoor litter tray means your cat doesn’t have to venture out.
Consider keeping your cat in at night when temperatures drop – and lock cat flaps to prevent them sneaking out.
Cats are good at finding warm places to rest but for outdoor cats struggling to find shelter, the charity has tips to create a safe and dry winter bolthole that might save a life this winter.
For guidance on how to keep cats warm indoors and outside, visit:
Help Every Dog Follow The Yellow Brick Road to a Loving Home
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home launches heartwarming Winter Appeal and issues an urgent call for support
The charity receives 40 calls per day with pet owners seeking support
Nearly half of the animals accepted by the Home between January and October this year were strays
Animals at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home don’t need a wizard to change their life – just love, care and much needed donations to the charity’s Winter Appeal.
‘Nowhere Like Home’ is the heartwarming new campaign from the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, inspired by the timeless story of finding your way back to where you belong. To bring the campaign to life, the charity has lovingly recreated a “homely” yellow brick road adaptation using household items that metaphorically leads surrendered dogs and cats to their forever home.
This year, the charity has faced a high number of animal admissions, with over 300 new arrivals between January and October 2025, coinciding with all-time high operational costs. This year the charity aims to raise £200,000, making this their biggest appeal ever, to help them continue to provide vital care for animals in need.
The Winter Appeal is critical, as it helps the charity sustain its operations and provide essential services. In the first 10 months of 2025 the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home rehomed or reunited 193 pets. They accepted 301 pets, 141 of these were strays, but they received 700 surrender requests which, unfortunately, demonstrates the urgent need for their services.
Between January and October this year, the Home provided 539,149 pet meals (the equivalent of the population of Edinburgh) to dogs and cats in East and Central Scotland to protect their loving homes. This is just 50% of the demand that they received.
The Home is appealing to members of the public, businesses and groups to get involved and show love and warmth to the animals who rely on its vital support by donating funds to their Winter Appeal.
Communities can also get involved – for example, by hosting a pet food drive, or organising a fundraising Christmas jumper day or even daring to face the cold dip challenge – all helping to raise vital funds and significantly helping pet owners from having to surrender their beloved pets.
Jamie Simpson, CEO at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “Every animal deserves to know the comfort and safety of a warm home. Your support with our Winter Appeal can help to change their story and make that happen for the dogs and cats in our care.
“The need for our services continues to escalate, and it’s through the kindness of our supporters that we’ve been able to assist both pet owners and their beloved animals. But demand is high, and we need to be able to help more dogs and cats.
“Every donation counts,” he continued. “£50 can help pay for lifesaving medicine and expert medical care for a neglected dog or cat. A donation of £100 could help pay for warmth, shelter and the care they need, and £20 could help pay for their chance to find their loving home.”
To support the Winter Appeal, please visit https://edch.org.uk/winterappeal call 0131 669 5331 or text COSY to 70058 to donate £10.
