BVA highlights key animal welfare priorities for new government

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has highlighted a number of animal welfare issues which it believes should be prioritised by the new coalition government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ministerial team.

Delegates at the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation Discussion Forum chose improved education on the needs of exotic pets as the top priority, due to concerns that such animals are often adopted for fashion reasons and then abandoned.

The organisation has also identified the welfare of farm animals as a key issue, calling for better surveillance systems, as well as more information for consumers on the living conditions of animals used in products they purchase.

Professor Bill Reilly, president of the BVA and trustee of the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation, stated that the identification of these priorities is important due the limited resources available to government.

He added: “The BVA’s ethics and welfare group will now consider how best we can take forward these hugely significant welfare issues in the next parliament and beyond.”

Earlier this month, the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation launched a guide to provide owners of domesticated ferrets with more information on how to cater to the animals’ needs.