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Drop in public support for dolphin and whale shows 
dolphins italy
Dolphins at Fasanolandia, Italy, 2013.
Poll reveals a drop in public support for overseas marine parks containing captive dolphins and whales

A recent poll has revealed that public support for marine circuses has dropped. Fewer British tourists include watching dolphins and whales performing in tanks on their travel "to-do" lists.
 
It is thought that this change of public opinion could be the result of growing awareness of the ethics and physical implications of containing dolphins and whales in captivity.
 
The poll was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of responsibletravel.com and the Born Free Foundation. It showed that 85 per cent of 4050 British participants would choose not to visit a marine park to see whales and dolphins whilst on holiday overseas.
 
President of the Born Free Foundation, Will Travers OBE, said: “Are the days of the dolphinarium over? It seems clear that when presented with the information to make an informed decision, British travellers have had enough.
 
"It is time to bring the curtain down on the exploitation of whales and dolphins in captivity – just like the exploitation of wild animals in travelling circuses.
 
"There are no longer any captive dolphins in the UK and I hope that the result of this survey will hasten the day when there are no captive dolphins kept for public entertainment anywhere in the world. We have a responsibility to make that dream a reality.”
 
Participants in the survey were asked the same question twice, once before and once after reading a statement setting out facts about wild and captive whales and dolphins. Initially, 39 per cent said that they would not visit an overseas marine park to see whales and dolphins. However, 64 per cent of these respondents changed their minds after reading the factual statement.
 
Justin Francis, managing director at responsibletravel.com said: “The time has come for travel companies and the Association of British Travel Agents, to face the facts and stop supporting this irresponsible form of tourism.”
 
Image courtesy of Born Free Foundation

 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.