Animal Welfare in Severe Weather conditions

The Met Office warns that parts of Britain are likely to shiver with temperatures remaining below zero today, while blizzards and snow topping 25cm (nearly 10in) over higher ground are expected to cause severe disruption on Friday 18 January.

During severe weather, although priority will be given to human needs, the welfare of animals is also important. DEFRA has provided general advice on keeping a variety of animals safe:

Advice to Farmers

During periods of bad weather farmers will already be working to ensure livestock is protected from the severe weather and that food and water is available. Farmers will be best placed to identify and source feed and water for their animals, for example by co-operating with neighbours if supplies run short or access is difficult.

It is important to ensure that where animals are kept outside drinking water troughs etc. are kept free of ice and that if pipes and other water supply fittings are blocked water is taken to the animals regularly.

Advice to pet and horse owners

Where pets (such as rabbits and guinea pigs) are normally kept outside in hutches during mild winters, owners should consider moving them into garages/sheds to provide additional thermal insulation. Where cages cannot be moved additional protection or insulation should be provided wherever possible. It is also important to ensure a supply of drinking water. Ice should be cleared from drinking water containers and the spouts should be defrosted regularly.

As with farmed livestock, horses and ponies usually kept outside during the winter should have access to shelter at all times and a regular provision of feed and water ensured. Where such provision is inadequate, owners should consider moving the animals and/or permanently stabling in the interim period. Water supplies for all horses and ponies should be checked regularly and alternatives sources supplied if mains failure occurs.

Live animal transport

Transporters are required by law not to transport animals in a way that is likely to cause injury or undue suffering. So in cold conditions transporters must check their intended route is safe and clear before any journey commences. If journeys do commence then drivers should have contingency plans to care for the animals in case of any problems encountered.

Sources of help and advice

• RSPCA can be contacted by calling – Telephone 0300 1234 999.
• NFU Members – Telephone 0870 845 8458

Photograph: Graham Lawrence/Demotix/Corbis

Prestigious award for Professor Brian Perry

The University of Edinburgh’s Honorary Professor Brian Perry has won the 2012 Trevor Blackburn Award in recognition of his contributions to animal health and welfare.

Professor Perry (BVMS 1969, MSc 1975) is an international consultant specialising in livestock health and broader agricultural development issues in countries of the developing world.

For 20 years he led multidisciplinary programmes at the International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi. He is a Visiting Professor at the University of Oxford, an Honorary Professor at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and a prolific author of scientific books.

The award honours Professor Perry’s personal commitment to poverty alleviation by tackling diseases of global significance.

In accepting the accolade, he thanked the British Veterinary Association, which made the award, for its “recognition of British veterinary contributions to sustainable and inclusive economic development in emergent nations of the world.”

For more information, please visit :

www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/vet/studying/careers/brian-perry 

Anaethesia team help ease European Brown Bear's pain

R (D)SVS’s vet nurse Hayley Walters visited a very special patient at Camperdown Wildlife Centre in Dundee, on the 20^th December 2012. Star, a European Brown Bear, required root canal work to be done to one of her canine teeth. Veterinary dentist specialist Norman Johnson was called in to perform the dental work and it was The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine anaesthesia department who were asked to keep the bear unconscious for the procedure. New anaesthesia resident Karla Borland and Hayley rose to the challenge and Star remained completely unaware of everything happening to her during the 90 minute procedure.

Since Hayley worked with Moon Bears in China for over 3 years, she was asked to assist  and was more than happy to be involved in the case. She used the opportunity to brush up on her field anaesthesia skills which she uses when teaching animal welfare to vet students overseas. Hayley said, “In 2013 JMICAWE are planning several neutering workshops in Asia and we can never expect to have full veterinary hospital facilities. Field anaesthesia is always a little more stressful and challenging and it is important that we are comfortable and as prepared as possible in these situations before we actually try to go and teach in them.”

Star recovered quickly after her anaesthetic and her mate Comet, who was concerned but lightly sedated in the neighbouring den as the procedure went on, were reunited later that day.

The Year Ahead

Welcome back everyone after a well deserved Christmas break! The team here at JMICAWE has lots to look forward to and many exciting activities planned for the New Year!

We'll soon be delivering our 3rd Animal Welfare Science training workshop in India, in partnership with the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Kerala, and have a number of events planned in China also. We'll also be expanding our horizons, hoping to deliver animal welfare education and veterinary training alongside some new partners in countries where we've not worked before and are very excited about broadening our impact.

As always our message will be that of improving the lives of all animals through education and collaboration, training experts in animal welfare and raising the standards of animal welfare wherever we go.

Happy New Year!

Top tips for pets during festive season

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has teamed up with its ambassador, Paul O'Grady, to share top tips to keep pets happy this Christmas. Paul explained: “Everyone goes a bit crazy at Christmas, chucking up tinsel, knocking back mince pies and having everyone you’ve ever met round for a party. Then it’s straight into New Year, with all the fireworks, and even more food and drink.....and while it’s all great fun for us, it can be a bit much for our four-legged friends, so I’ve teamed up with Battersea to share my top tips for ensuring your animals have a brilliant time as well.”

His tips are as follows:

• Make sure your pets have their own space. When the house is heaving it can be easy for the poor pooch or moggy to feel a bit overwhelmed, so create a comfy den for them away from the action where they can retire if things get too much. Choose an area they are familiar with and give them a tasty treat to make it more enjoyable, but don’t lock them in. If you have excitable pets make sure you tidy up any loose Christmas tree light cables.


• Ensure they don’t escape. When everyone arrives, remind them to always shut the external doors behind them. You can even put a sign up, otherwise it’s all too easy for pets to wander outside and take themselves for a festive stroll.


• Stick to your normal routine. Try not to upset your dog’s usual routine as it could make him restless and stressed. If he’s used to three walks a day, or any other regular activity, try not to deviate from it too much.


• Brief visitors on the pet house rules. If you have rules about where your pets go and which furniture they can go on make sure all your visitors are aware, so Uncle Jim doesn’t start encouraging the dog onto your brand new sofa and getting him into bad habits.


• Keep an eye on the calories. We might all be eating like it’s our last day on earth, but there’s no need for the dog or cat to pork out. Tell visitors not to give them titbits so you can monitor how much they get. There’s no harm in a few cheeky morsels, but if everyone gives the dog a sausage it’s not going to be long before you get a pooch with a very upset stomach.


• Avoid certain foods. With all the goodies floating around it can be easy for pets to snatch a treat, but make sure your dog avoids chocolate, grapes, raisins and onions as they can be poisonous. Turkey bones can be dangerous for pets, so make sure they can’t get any out of the bin.


• Don’t let fireworks ruin New Year’s Eve. The flashing lights, sudden loud bangs, and unusual noises can spook even the calmest pet, and it’s not surprising, as they have no idea what’s going on. There’s lots you can do to keep dogs and cats calm, and Battersea have heaps of advice you can follow here.

Season’s Greetings from Scotland!

Merry Christmas from all at the University of Edinburgh's Jeanne Marchig Centre for International Animal Welfare Education (JMICAWE) and our Animal Welfare team.

We have been delighted to have achieved so much in 2012 including:

1.  Extending the BVM&S curriculum to incorporate more animal welfare, animal ethics and animal behaviour education for our undergraduates

2.  Implementing the new online Masters in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law (MSc IAWEL)

3.  Working with our partners including WSPA, IFAW, UFAW, Animals Asia and RSPCA International to continue to support animal welfare education internationally.

4.  Further develop the Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (MSc AABAW) with SRuC.

5.  Organise Animal Health & Welfare workshops in India

6.  Organise Animal Welfare training for vets in China

Many thanks for all your support in 2012 and we look forward to working with you towards improving animal welfare education in 2013.

Best wishes

Nat, Heather, Jane, Hayley, Fritha, Susan, Willie and everybody involved in our animal welfare education team.

MSPs SAY BUYING PETS ONLINE IS NOT THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT CROSS PARTY GROUP ON ANIMAL WELFARE

News Release - Thursday 6 December 2012

MSPs SAY BUYING PETS ONLINE IS NOT THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

The Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Animal Welfare is warning people in Scotland not to impulse buy pets as Christmas presents.  The situation is particularly urgent at this time of year as 'gifted' animals are more likely to be abandoned or need re-homing come January, when the novelty wears off.

The Group stresses that people should especially beware of buying a pet online.  Many unscrupulous breeders take advantage of the Christmas season to make money and what people see on a website is not always what they get in real life - if they receive anything at all.  Hundreds of cases have been documented of puppies and kittens being sold online that turned out to be underage, sick or not properly socialised.  There have also been cases of illegal dog breeds, such as pitbulls, being advertised online, or breeds of cats with inherent welfare problems.

Christine Grahame MSP, Convener of the Cross Party Group on Animal Welfare said:

“Christmas is the worst possible time to introduce a young, vulnerable animal to a busy household.  Once the holidays are over, reality kicks in and the responsibilities of caring for a pet can be too much for some people, with tragic consequences.

“The Group has received information about the severe animal welfare problems related to buying pets online, and we will continue to highlight this trade in the New Year.  Many puppies and kittens are bred for the Christmas market and advertised online. Buying on the internet, without doing proper research and seeing the new pet with its mother, can be buying into needless suffering.”

NB:

The Cross Party Group in the Scottish Parliament on Animal Welfare http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/41364.aspx brings together MSPs from all parties and almost fifty associate members and groups with a shared interest in animal welfare including Professor Nat Waran from JMICAWE.  The Group’s office bearers are: Convener – Christine Grahame MSP; Vice-Conveners – Claudia Beamish MSP and Alison Johnstone MSP; Secretary – Libby Anderson, OneKind.

For more information, contact Christine Grahame MSP – Christine.Grahame.MSP@scottish.parliament.uk or 0131 348 6084

MSc AABAW Graduation - Congratulations

Congratulations to the 15 MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare students of 2011-12 who managed to make a trip back to Edinburgh to enjoy their graduation ceremony on Friday 30^th November.  

It was a lovely ceremony in the beautiful McEwan Hall of the University of Edinburgh.  This was followed by a short walk to Old College to have lunch in the Playfair library. 

We all had a super day celebrating the achievements of the students and it was lovely to catch up with some of the 2011-2012 students!! 

5 others graduated 'virtually' by Second Life or in absentia.

www.ed.ac.uk/vet/animal-behaviour

Perspectives in Laboratory Animal Science (PiLAS)

The Launch of PiLAS

FRAME was founded in 1969, to promote the development and application of sound scientific principles and methodology which could lead to the progressive reduction and replacement of laboratory animal procedures in biomedical research, testing and education. We are not uncritically for or against science, we do not favour humans in competition with animals, and we never put animal welfare above the welfare of humans. Rather, our aim is to avoid the conflicts that can arise between these kinds of competing interests, by encouraging positive scientific developments which are genuinely in the interests of all concerned.

While animal procedures continue to be considered necessary in some circumstances, they should be conducted in ways which ensure the highest possible standards of welfare and care for the animals concerned. As members of the Triple Alliance (the BUAV, CRAE and FRAME), which advised the British Government during the passage through Parliament of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), we were totally supportive of the inclusion of requirements for a named day-to-day-care person and a named veterinary surgeon for each animal breeder, supplier or user establishment.

Now, 25 years on, we are pleased that similar requirements are spelled out in Article 24 and Article 25 of Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes, which applies to all the Member States of the European Union, and which comes into force in January 2013. Like the ASPA and the Directive which preceded it (Directive 86/609/EEC), the new Directive is firmly based on the Three Rs of Russell and Burch, and the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement are clearly spelled out in Article 4.

The proper application of the Three Rs involves a wide complexity of ethical, scientific and practical considerations in relation to benefit (to humans) and suffering (of animals). These include: justification of the need for performing the specific procedures; how they should be performed in order to maximise benefit and minimise suffering; the likelihood that worthwhile benefit will be achieved and how that should be weighed against likely animal suffering; the detection, measurement and relief of suffering; the nature and uses of models; the planning of experiments and the analysis of data; the breeding, supply, transport and re-use of animals; species differences among animals and between animals and humans; and conflicts between responsibilities to animals, colleagues, science and medicine, and employers.

The aim of PiLAS is to improve the quality of discussion about animal experimentation and alternative approaches, by offering bio-scientists in all relevant fields an opportunity to share their expertise, knowledge and ideas concerning these and other issues raised by laboratory animal use.

As well as being circulated along with FRAME’s peer-review, scientific journal, Alternatives to Laboratory Animals (ATLA), articles within PiLAS will be freely available, via open access, on the accompanying website — www.atla.org.uk.

21st International Conference on Bear Research and Management, India

The 21st International Conference on Bear Research and Management (IBA 2012), was held for the first time in India this week, which was jointly hosted by the ministry of environment and forests, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the Central Zoo Authority, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Delegates heard that recent research on animal welfare showed that more than 85% Indians believe that animals have as many rights as people. According to surveys conducted by the World Society for Protection of Animals (WSPA), 87% people in India think that animals have as many rights as people and 83% Indians believe protecting animals from the effect of natural disasters is important. Besides, 73% believe the treatment of animals is a serious challenge and that they should be protected from the effect of natural disasters.

"Animals matter to the planet. Protecting them is vital to any successful response to the biggest issues of our time, from disasters and climate change, to stable food supplies and good health. The welfare of animals affects us all, and protecting them cannot wait," Mike Baker, CEO of WSPA, said while launching its campaign for animal welfare in India Monday. Underlining the reason for WSPA launching its campaign in India, he said: "India is a global power today and a unique country with a passion for animals that is embedded in its culture. It can give a perspective to the link between human and animal welfare." In his presentation, Baker gave three different examples - one from the island of Bali in Indonesia and two from India. In all three cases, the WSPA had helped protect animals from being culled at the same time rehabilitating humans dependent on them.

Other speakers who spoke on the occasion included R.M. Kharb, chairman of Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), Chinny Krishna, vice president of the AWBI and Emily Reeves, director of programmes, WSPA (Asia Pacific). "This campaign is necessary as human-animal conflicts are increasing and animals usually lose in these. Also, enforcement of animal protection laws in India is a big grey area," said Kharb.

Krishna echoed Kharb. "India has the finest animal protection laws in the world. But their implementation is woefully poor." "Indians believe that every life is sacred. And yet, what we do to animals should shame us," he added.

Reeves said: "Collaboration is essential for success. Wide-scale change that is sustainable can only be brought about by collaboration."

Sadly due to unforeseen circumstances, Heather Bacon could not fly out to India to give her presentation, which was very frustrating. However, JMICAWE were delighted that the launch of WSPA's campaign came on the same day when union minister of Environment and Forests, Jayanthi Natarajan launched the National Bear Action Plan in the capital.

After Dolly - the ethical dilemma of animal biotechnology

After Dolly - the ethical dilemma of animal biotechnology is an EU-funded public engagement project where students are invited to discuss how far researchers should go in their manipulation of domestic animals in order to produce food and medicine.

At The Roslin Institute Bruce Whitelaw performs research in the development and application of transgenic animals to enhance our understanding of cellular and tissue differentiation in vivo.

Peter Sandøe is Professor in bioethics at the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen working with bioethics to focus in particular on ethical issues related to agriculture, animals and biotechnology. The team at Animal Welfare Team, here at the Universtiy of Edinburgh, were delighted that Peter had time to speak with our MSc AABAW students the next day.

This workshop held at The Roslin Institute on the 15th of November can be watched by following the JMICAWE weblink - http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/vet/jeanne-marchig-centre/recent-presentations/after-dolly

3 scholarships are available in relation to animal welfare & health projects

The Moredun Foundation Scholarship – applications open for 2013

The Moredun Foundation is delighted to announce that their scholarship scheme will run again for 2013 after a hugely success first year.

Whether you want to gain experience in the UK or abroad, wish to learn a new skill or conduct a short research project, three scholarships of up to £1000 each are available from Moredun in 2013
The Moredun Foundation Scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for individuals to broaden their education and experience in areas relating to livestock health and welfare and the agricultural industry. 

Projects may involve work experience, travel, collaborations with science, or the arts and are open to individuals over the age of 18 living in the UK with the condition that the applicant is a member of the Moredun Foundation at the time of applying.

Lee Innes, Communications Director at Moredun is delighted that this scheme is running for its second year. She commented, “These scholarships are a fantastic way for individuals to pursue a short term project or further develop their own knowledge of livestock health. The 2012 scheme saw the completion of three excellent projects and we are looking forward to some exciting and innovative applications coming through for 2013”

The Moredun Foundation is a registered charity and governs the work of the internationally recognized Moredun Research Institute. It is hoped that these scholarships will support and encourage innovative and diverse projects and contribute to Moredun’s mission to improve the health and welfare of livestock.

The closing date for applications for a 2013 Moredun Foundation Scholarship is Monday 31 December 2012.

Successful applicants will be notified in writing by the end of February 2013 and projects need to be completed by Friday 30 August 2013.

Further information, details of the 2012 projects and application forms are available to download from the Moredun website www.moredun.org.uk/scholarship.

 

Dick Vet Masters students visit a pig unit - to discuss animal behaviour and welfare

The on-campus MSc Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare (AABAW) students were given the opportunity to see a working pig unit, allowing them to observe and discuss:

• the behaviour of growing pigs and recording relevant behaviours such as postures, feeding, fighting and mounting
• the issue of hunger in these animals
• the issue of accommodation, especially for pregnant sows

Students also looked at farrowing environments including the PigSAFE alternative free farrowing accommodation and learnt about suckling and teat orders in pigs.

For further information on the MSc AABAW - please visit www.ed.ac.uk/vet/animal-behaviour

Teaching at Nanjing Agricultural University

The JMICAWE was delighted to spend a week at Nanjing Agricultural University in China last week teaching clinical skills and animal welfare training to 4^th year veterinary students.

Vet Heather Bacon and vet nurse Hayley Walters flew out to Nanjing with suitcases full of models and mannequins to demonstrate alternatives to live animals when teaching clinical skills. Currently in China, live animals are used for the students to practise their suturing, blood sampling and catheter placement techniques. The workshop demonstrated to the students the necessity or honing clinical skills and perfecting techniques, that can be painful, on models and mannequins before having to do it in a real life situation on a live animal.

“We took dog head models that allow students to practise blood sampling the jugular vein, suture boards that are like a fake skin that the students can practise different suture patters on, fake dog legs for perfecting IV catheter placement, heads for intubation practise and ligature boards so that the students could understand the necessity of tying ligatures at depth”, said Hayley.

Videos filmed in The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies of real life procedures were also used during the workshop and they provided relevant teaching material to compliment the practical tasks the students would then undertake during the workshop. Hand-outs and time for questions and discussions ensured that all the students had time to digest what they had learned. “The response from the students has been so positive,” commented Hayley, “They have all enjoyed this way of learning and feel happier practising on the models and mannequins than the live animals. The concept of animal welfare is still quite new here and we are trying to demonstrate that just because something has gone on for decades or seems normal, that doesn’t make it acceptable”.

“I was initially very upset when I saw the locally anaesthetised but conscious cows and sheep being used for the students to practise surgical skills on but appreciate that this was the way of vet schools in the UK until a few years ago. The Chinese Veterinary Medical Association is striving towards improvements in their curriculum and this is very encouraging to hear indeed”.

Heather and Hayley hope to return to Nanjing Agricultural University next year to teach the teachers who will hopefully go on to be a driving force in veterinary education with animal welfare  at the forefront of their teaching.