We, the undersigned veterinary professionals and members of the British Veterinary Association, are writing to respectfully and urgently request that the BVA issue a statement and provide tangible support in response to the humanitarian and animal welfare crisis in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has caused a catastrophic collapse of food systems, leading to widespread famine and a devastating loss of livestock, which constitutes a severe animal welfare crisis.

As the leading professional body for veterinarians in the UK, the BVA has a responsibility to act on issues of grave animal suffering. The BVA's previous statements on international conflicts, such as the one for Ukraine, have demonstrated a commitment to supporting the global veterinary community and addressing animal welfare in times of crisis. We believe that the current situation in Gaza warrants a similar, robust response.

The agricultural sector in Gaza, which was a critical source of local food production, has been decimated. This has led to a severe food security crisis for both the human population and surviving animals. The evidence, drawn from respected international organizations, indicates an unprecedented scale of destruction and loss:

Mass Livestock Deaths: According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), the conflict has resulted in staggering livestock losses. As of late 2024, nearly 95% of Gaza's cattle (approximately 15,000 heads) have died, and almost all calves have been slaughtered. Significant losses have also been reported for other species, with an estimated 57% of sheep and 63% of goats being killed or dying from a lack of food and water. The poultry sector has been almost entirely wiped out, with only 1% of birds remaining.
Destruction of Agricultural Infrastructure: The conflict has severely damaged the infrastructure necessary to sustain animal life and agriculture. Satellite data shows that as of September 2024, approximately 67.6% of Gaza's cropland has been damaged or destroyed. This includes the demolition of thousands of agricultural wells, greenhouses, and animal pens, making it impossible for remaining livestock to receive proper care or for food production to resume .
Famine and Acute Food Insecurity: The loss of livestock and destruction of agricultural land has been a primary driver of the ongoing famine in Gaza. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has declared that the entire population faces high levels of acute food insecurity, with a persistent risk of famine. This widespread hunger also directly impacts any remaining animals, as food and water are non-existent.
Call to Action

The scale of this crisis demands a clear and compassionate response from our professional body. We urge the BVA to take the following actions:

Issue a Public Statement: Release a formal statement acknowledging the catastrophic animal welfare and food security crisis in Gaza. This statement should highlight the professional and ethical concerns of the UK veterinary community and call on international bodies to prioritize animal welfare in their humanitarian efforts.
Provide Tangible Support: Establish a fund or a designated campaign to provide emergency aid specifically for animal welfare organizations and veterinary professionals operating in the region. This could include supplying veterinary kits, emergency fodder, and financial assistance to help rebuild veterinary services.
Advocate for Veterinary Professionals: Use the BVA's platform to advocate for the safety and ability of veterinary and animal welfare workers in Gaza to perform their essential duties without obstruction.
By taking these steps, the BVA will not only uphold its commitment to animal welfare but also demonstrate its leadership as a compassionate and globally engaged professional organization. We believe this is a critical moment for the BVA to show that the welfare of animals, regardless of their location, is a fundamental concern for our profession.

Companion animals, which provide crucial emotional support to a traumatized population, are also facing critical shortages of food and veterinary care. Although no official report has been declared, from our interactions with two veterinary charities on the ground we are aware that many cats are dying of malnutrition and hardly any dogs remain in Gaza. Companion animals are family to these victims of war and travel with displaced families.

As veterinary professionals, our oath and our ethical framework demand action. Our representative body, the RCVS, mandates that we make animal welfare our first consideration.

"Veterinary surgeons must make animal health and welfare their first consideration when attending to animals." (RCVS 1.1, 2024)

The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct has no legal jurisdiction in other countries; however, its ethical framework applies universally. While the political situation in Gaza is complex, our professional duty to animal welfare compels us to act.

While the political situation in Gaza is complex, it cannot serve as a justification for inaction. The RCVS Code requires that animal welfare remain our first and foremost priority, and this professional responsibility must take precedence over any political discomfort or complications.

We look forward to your prompt and decisive action.

Sincerely,

Uk Vets For Palestine