6th January 2011
Recent reports in the media have focused on the deaths of thousands of birds and fish across America. The deaths are currently baffling scientists, although experts say the events are unlikely to be linked and analysts have suggested causes such as an illness or fear of fireworks. Unsurprisingly, conspiracy theories are running wild on the Internet. Read more from the Daily Mail here.
24th December 2010
Pete Wedderburn's latest blog, entitled 'Why a white Christmas is bad news for animals' discusses how snow is not just causing difficulties for humans at this time of year. As well as mentioning wild animals, the piece also asks readers to spare a thought for animal charities across the country. Pete also touches upon the new Facebook game which has been launched by the RSPCA and aims to promote animal welfare messages through social media.
22nd December 2010
According to a recent news article in the Daily Mail, available to read here, "tens of thousands of horses and ponies are believed to have been abandoned in the Irish countryside as families struggle to cope with the financial meltdown." Unfortunately many of these have had to be shot, as they are deemed to weak to survive.
21st December 2010
A reindeer was spotted on the loose in Sunderland over the weekend. After being frightened by a dog, the reindeer decided to make a bid for freedom and escaped from its enclosure at Sunderland's Mowbray Park's Lapland Village. Luckily this Christmas tale had a happy ending as the reindeer was found and returned to the enclosure to be reunited with the four other members of the herd.
15th December 2010
A new species of lemur is thought to have been found in Madagascar. Genetic testing of samples taken from the animal should be able to confirm whether the animal is indeed a new species. A video, available on the BBC website here, shows more about how the animal was discovered.
2nd December 2010
According to the BBC, Christianne Glossop, Wales' chief veterinary officer, has "urged people to think again about releasing sky lanterns, warning they can hurt livestock." Reports suggest that these sky lanterns are causing injury and undue stress to animals in Wales and are posing a threat to buildings.
30th November 2010
Recent media reports have focused on the announcement by the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes that meat and milk from cloned animals are safe consume. To read an article on the BBC relating to this, please click here.