BVA calls for animal welfare action from Welsh government

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has underlined a number of animal welfare issues on which it believes the Welsh government needs to act.

Speaking at the association's recent annual dinner at Cardiff City Hall, BVA president Carl Padgett raised concerns over the fact that meat from non-stunned slaughter is starting to reach the mainstream market.

The BVA believes this trend needs to be mitigated through the introduction of new legislation to ensure that such products are clearly labelled.

"We recognise that it is difficult politically, but the BVA has received support from both inside and outside the veterinary profession since raising our concerns publicly," said Mr Padgett.

The BVA president also urged the government not to water down new laws being introduced to improve standards of dog breeding regulation in Wales.

Last month, the organisation also held a dinner event in Scotland, during which it highlighted the need for a strong veterinary surveillance system and a code of welfare for rabbits north of the border.