Latest news with #StatesVeterinaryOffice
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Public backs better protection for animal welfare in Guernsey
People support expanding animal welfare laws, according to the results of a public consultation in from the States Veterinary Office (SVO) found more than 70% of the 266 respondents wanted to strengthen rules to make sure businesses dealing with animals treat them more open consultation made proposals such as the introduction of a star-rating system to grade different businesses, and limits on the number of dogs that a professional dog walker can walk at comes less than a year after the States of Guernsey voted through a raft of new rules such as a ban on animal traps. The States said licensing protects animal welfare, helps ensure public safety and gives the public confidence in choosing animal care open consultation took place between 18 February and 18 March, and found there was also an overwhelming majority in favour of limiting the number of litters a female animal should have a year."Thank you to every member of the public and business owner who took part in this survey," said Grace Hodgkinson, the deputy States veterinary officer."The feedback we have received will certainly help towards shaping licensing conditions for animal-related activities."[We want to] ensure the highest standards of animal welfare in Guernsey."
ITV News
02-05-2025
- ITV News
Laws banning snares and other animal traps come into force in Guernsey
New laws aimed at protecting animals in Guernsey have come into force. The Animal Welfare (Guernsey) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 places restrictions on snares, glue traps and lamping - the practice of using bright lights to dazzle hunted animals. The changes also give greater enforcement powers for animal welfare investigations. Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, President of the Committee, said: 'The Ordinance will have a notably positive effect on the lives of Guernsey's animals, aligning with legislative advancements elsewhere in recognition of animal sentience and helping fulfil our international Conventions and trade agreement obligations.' The proposals were put forward by the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure and got approved by the island's assembly in July 2024. What are the new laws? As of 1st May 2025, it is an offence to: use, sell, or be in possession of snares or gin/leg-hold traps to capture or kill animals; use glue traps, for instance rodent glue boards, except if carried out by a pest controller licensed by the States Veterinary Office; use artificial lighting or illuminating devices to capture, take, control or slaughter animals. Night vision devices are still allowed and using lights to identify or capture animals for environmental or scientific purposes is permitted under licence. Certain stunning and slaughtering devices that do not meet humane standards for culling birds and small mammals are also prohibited. The laws also prevent the farming of animals for fur, feathers and down or hides and skin as a primary product. The production of foie gras by force-feeding and using wild animals in circuses is also banned. Insect traps are still allowed, however they must be set up in a way that won't lead to larger animals becoming caught in them.
