World News Roundup: November 24, 2017

Purina Canada Supports Mental Health Through Animal-assisted Therapy (Business Insider)

Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada announced it will be sponsoring the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)’s Pet Therapy Program by matching consumer donations up to $10,000 through the CAMH’s Gifts of Light program. Purina will also “sponsor a $30,000 grant to study the health impact of the bond between humans and animals, and promote animal-assisted therapy.” This program supports recovering CAMH clients with basic necessities, along with visits from the pet therapy program.

Tories Vote Animals Cannot Feel Pain (Independent)

The Tory Government has voted that all non-human animals have no emotions or feelings—including the ability to feel pain—in the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, which is being created due to Brexit. “At the moment, 80% of the UK’s animal welfare legislation comes from the EU.” But this vote shows just how much potential havoc Brexit could cause. “Today it’s animal sentience, and tomorrow it could be something far worse.” Now, Theresa May, the prime minister of the UK, has promised to maintain and improve animal welfare standards in the UK after Brexit.

RCVS Warns Homeopathy Veterinarians Must Stop Animal Suffering (The Telegraph)

According to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), animals are dying from preventable diseases and suffering needless pain because of “unscientific” homeopathic treatments. After 3360 veterinarians signed a petition expressing rising concern at the use of homeopathy, the RCVS joined in the protest with a statement, saying, “Homeopathy exists without a recognized body of evidence for its use.”

Kansas State Professor Conducts Animal Research in Mongolia (The Garden City Telegram)

A veterinarian and professor from Kansas State University spent a week surveying animals in Mongolia known to carry diseases capable of jumping to humans. Particularly, the veterinarian surveyed the “double-humped Bactrian camel and Middle East respiratory syndrome, a potentially deadly virus relatively new to humans.” He and his team collected nearly 100 samples in an effort to combat viruses like this respiratory syndrome before they spread to the United States.

WSAVA Discusses Brachycephaly, Dentistry, Dog and Cat Meat Trade (AVMA)

“The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has focused attention on the issues facing brachycephalic dogs, released global guidelines for veterinary dentistry, and strongly expressed opposition to trade in dog and cat meat.” Ahead of the WSAVA Congress, the association released a statement about the welfare of dogs and cats in meat trade, and at the WSAVA Congress, a panel discussion was held on brachycephalic dogs.

New Canadian Rules Address Anti-Microbial Resistance (Occupational Health & Safety)

Two new rules have taken effect in Canada to enhance protection from antimicrobial-resistant infections, which are becoming more frequent and difficult to treat. “From now on, only drugs that Health Canada has determined do not pose a risk to human health or food safety may be imported by livestock owners, and then only in limited quantities.” Also, a new program has been put in place that will allow access to low-risk veterinary health products for companion and food-producing animals.

New Dubai Safari Preserves Wildlife and Animal Welfare (Khaleej Times)

“Dubai Municipality announced completing preparations for the official opening of the Dubai Safari Park, after adding the finishing touches to the highly anticipated project.” While the official opening date has not been revealed, municipality officials have been briefed on its facilities, animal shelters, medical care, veterinary services, and transport services. According to officials, the park “will not only offer residents a unique edutainment experience, but will contribute to international efforts to preserve wildlife and animal welfare.”