BVA-backed petition calls for post-Brexit commitment to animal welfare

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has backed a widely-supported industry petition calling for the UK to maintain key European animal welfare legislation after Brexit.

A 1,200-signature letter, led by the BVA and the British Veterinary Nursing Association, has been published in the Daily Telegraph, urging the government to remain committed to the principles of Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty even after the UK leaves the EU.

This piece of legislation ensures there is a duty on the state to have due regard for animal welfare in the development and implementation of policy, as well as recognising animal sentience.

MPs recently voted down an amendment to include the Article 13 principles in the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, a decision that attracted significant media attention. The BVA believes much of this coverage was misleading in tone and may have obfuscated the key issues of the case.

Signatories of the Daily Telegraph letter include small and large animal practice staff, researchers, government figures and academics, as well as including former UK deputy chief veterinary officers and leaders of BVA specialist divisions.

BVA senior vice-president Gudrun Ravetz said: "We exist to represent the views of our members, enabling one strong evidence-based voice that will be heard at national level, in government and the media – and that’s exactly what this letter does."

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