Ethics and Welfare Advisory Panel
Ethics and Welfare Advisory Panel (EWAP) plays a key role in the development of BVA policy across a wide range of animal health and welfare, public health, and veterinary professional issues, by providing ethical and welfare advice. EWAP works closely with BVA Officers and the BVA team to:
- Advise Policy Committee and working groups on ethical and welfare issues relating to policy development.
- Review draft policies to ensure appropriate consideration of ethical issues, first and foremost in relation to animal welfare.
- Review draft policies to ensure justifiable conclusions based on the available scientific evidence and ethical analysis.
- Horizon scan for the hot topics for consideration by Policy Committee.
EWAP activity
EWAP is currently:
- advising on identified priority animal welfare problems, including cages for laying hens.
- advising on the ethical and welfare considerations for two working groups, one on animals in performance sport, and one on the use of artificial intelligence in veterinary practice.
- advising on the ethical and welfare considerations associated with neutering of cats and dogs.
EWAP has recently:
- advised on the development of our position on the responsible use of parasiticides in grazing animals.
- advised on the review of our position on the responsible use of parasiticides for cats and dogs.
- supported the development of the updated BVA Animal Welfare Strategy.
- advised on the development of our position on farrowing crates for pigs.
EWAP members
EWAP is composed of eleven members, including:
- Eight vet members
- One vet nurse member
- Two non-vet members
