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Born Free Foundation decries Dutch court ruling
Image Morgan
Morgan at Loro Parque, Tenerife.
Decision to transfer orca whale to an aquatic circus in Tenerife ruled as lawful

Retrieved in poor health from the coast of the Netherlands in June 2010, Morgan the orca whale was housed in Dolfinarium Harderwijk for one-and-a-half years “to recuperate”.

The Dutch Minister for Agriculture then granted permission for her to be transferred to Loro Parque in Tenerife in November 2011.

This decision was yesterday ruled lawful by a Dutch court, despite support from experts to justify her rehabilitation and release back to the wild.

President of the Born Free Foundation, Will Travers OBE, said:

“The decision flies in the face of natural justice, which would surely conclude that, having been returned to a degree of health, Morgan should, as the terms of her capture permit stated, be returned to the wild. Instead she seems condemned to a life of deprivation, confinement and intimidation, far from her ocean home.”

Morgan is currently held in a purpose-built tank, and forced to perform tricks in front of an audience every day, with very little focus on education, Born Free says.

She has suffered from injury as a result of hostile tank companions, and her captivity has resulted in abnormal behaviours, causing her to damage her teeth and rostrum.

However, the recent legal proceedings did not take into account Morgan's current state of health, reviewing only the situation from 2011, when she was transferred.

Born Free, among other organisations, has repeatedly raised concerns about Morgan's welfare. Mr Travers said:

“The Born Free Foundation will continue to support the Free Morgan Foundation in its endeavours to free Morgan from her captivity in Tenerife and to find her an alternative to her current life of exploitation. There is a very real possibility that her current living conditions threaten her survival and Born Free will continue to do all we can to save her before it is too late.”

 

Image courtesy of www.freemorgan.org.

 

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.