Stakeholder Position: National Office of Animal Health

National Office of Animal Health

 

 

2005 was an exciting year for animal health and welfare and the National Office of Animal Health looks forward to this momentum continuing in 2006.

 

Animal Welfare Bill

 

NOAH broadly welcomes the introduction of the Animal Welfare Bill, and, as a member of the Pet Advisory Committee, is keen to see the Bill achieve its goal of improving existing animal welfare legislation.

 

NOAH would like to see all politicians interested in the animal welfare and the relationship between companion animals and people at the event NOAH is co-ordinating on 3 May called 'Animals are good to us – be good to them' to be hosted by Eric Martlew MP (chairman of the Associate Party Group on Animal Welfare), in the Commons Terrace, right in the middle of National Pet Week. This is a great opportunity to meet some of the people and animals from charities involved with assistance animals and other people/animal bonds.

 

Veterinary Medicines Regulations

 

The new Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2005 have provided a good update to the controls on animal medicines, which balance the need to ensure that all medicines satisfy strict safety, quality and efficacy requirements, yet remain available to those that look after the health and welfare of animals

 

NOAH would like animal medicines to continue to prevent and treat disease, and more animals to enjoy the old adage 'prevention is better than cure'. For example, only around 40% of pets are wormed, and less than half the dog and cat population receive vaccinations to prevent potentially killer diseases.

 

Animal Welfare Strategy

 

The Animal Health and Welfare Strategy is gathering momentum, with the prospect of positive gains in farm animal health.

 

NOAH would like to see animal medicines, especially in the livestock sector, to be accepted and respected by all as essential elements of the veterinary surgeon's and farmer's armoury in providing safe food from healthy animals. Sadly, and all too often, animal medicines are perceived by a few as 'bad' and medicines for humans, by contrast, are perceived as good. Animal medicines are even more strongly regulated than human medicines and consumers should have confidence that their responsible use is a positive thing.

 

For further details please contact Alison Glennon,Communications Manager, NOAH, at A.Glennon@noah.co.uk