As this year’s extended Volunteers’ Week (1 – 12 June) kicks off, the British Veterinary Association is shining a spotlight on the majority of veterinary surgeons in the UK - more than 4 in 5 (84%) -  who give their time and veterinary expertise at a reduced rate, while more than 2 in 5 work unpaid with animal charities and rehoming centres to treat thousands of abandoned, mistreated or injured animals each year.

More than two-thirds of vets (71%) actively check labels and ask questions about the meat, fish and dairy products they purchase, according to figures revealed by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to mark National BBQ Week (30 May – 5 June). 

As a select committee of MPs considers what should be done about the pet trade, Blue Cross is urging a pragmatic solution that will really work.

NOAH (National Office of Animal Health) has announced that it is excited to be supporting farming charity, R.A.B.I (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) during this, its 30th anniversary year.

Fresh economic analysis shows independent butchers have been quick to shift with consumer habits, employing swathes of the UK workforce and generating £2.3bn in revenue.

The Woodland Trust and National Trust are celebrating the award of £730,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to enhance their restoration of Fingle Woods in the Teign Valley.

Simon Harrison, Chair of the IET Energy Policy Panel, said:

Independent butchers contributed £555 million to the economy and a significant contribution to employment in food and drink retail, according to a new AHDB Beef & Lamb report.

The global Review on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), commissioned by the UK government and chaired by Lord O’Neill, has published its final report calling for incentives to develop antibiotics, improved diagnostics and vaccines, and country-specific targets for the reduction of antimicrobial use in livestock.

Today’s publication of ‘Tackling Drug Resistant Infections Globally: Final Report and Recommendations’, by Lord Jim O’Neill, is a global landmark in the fight to keep antibiotics effective for both animals and people, says NOAH, which represents the UK animal medicines sector.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England offers its analysis of the Queen’s Speech, noting positive signs on neighbourhood planning, but concerns about planning conditions.

The growing domestic market for Halal sheep meat presents a significant opportunity for the industry, according to AHDB Beef & Lamb. 

In response to the announcement from the Scottish Rural College (SRUC) that confirms a post-mortem laboratory will be retained at Inverness, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) issued a statement welcoming the retention of this facility.

AHDB Beef & Lamb has commissioned an innovative three-year project investigating the health, welfare and performance of beef cattle on larger finishing units in England.

What is ADR, and what has been the legal obligation from 1st October 2015 for all businesses who sell to consumers? 

Developments in international markets and innovation for growth will be in the spotlight at the 12th AHDB Meat Export Conference.

575 ancient woods across the UK are currently under threat from development according to new Woodland Trust figures, with revised planning laws still failing to protect the irreplaceable habitats.

James Martin’s Manchester restaurant has become the first in the North West to train staff in meat knowledge and quality.

UKLPG highlights the crucial role of its members that supply gas to power British BBQs and 193,000 of the off-grid homes in the UK.

To mark World Veterinary Day 2016 (30 April), the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is launching its biggest ever Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey with over 15,000 BVA members invited to share their experience of the profession and expertise on animal health and welfare issues.

Supermarkets introduced 22 new lines in the mini roast category in the last year to support the long-term sustainability of the sector, and to encourage new consumers, thanks to new product development work by AHDB Beef & Lamb.

April 27th sees Warmer & Greener: A Guide to the Future of Domestic Energy Efficiency Policy launched in Parliament. A key report that comes in the wake of inquiries by the Energy & Climate Change Committee, National Audit Office and the upcoming Bonfield Review, Warmer & Greener provides workable solutions in a four part approach.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England urges Government to get volume builders to develop their existing brownfield sites, before needlessly ravaging more precious open land.

Ever-increasing numbers undermine Government claims that it truly wants to protect the Green Belt