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Non-stun petition hits target
butchers meat
A new FSA survey has revealed a rise in the number of animals slaughtered without pre-stunning.
BVA calls for House of Commons debate at the earliest opportunity

A petition urging the government to ban animal slaughter without pre-stunning has reached its target of 100,000 signatures. The issue may now be debated in the House of Commons.

The BVA, who launched the petition just nine months ago, said it was a significant step on the road to banning non-stun slaughter and shows the strong public support for the campaign.

The news was announced yesterday (January 29), on the same day the Food Standards Agency (FSA) revealed there has been a rise in the number of animals slaughtered without pre-stunning to render them insensible to pain.

Since 2011, the UK has seen a 31 per cent increase in the number of cattle not stunned before slaughter for Halal meat, according to the FSA's animal welfare survey of slaughterhouses.

Figures also show a 56 per cent rise in the number of sheep and goats that were not pre-stunned before slaughter for Halal.

There was, however, a small decrease of 1.7 per cent  in the number of poultry not pre-stunned.

Kosher (Shechita or non-stunned slaughter) was also found to be in decline, falling by 66 per cent in cattle, 68 per cent in sheep and goats and 69 per cent in poultry.

The figures are based on assessments carried out by official veterinarians from September 16-30, 2013, at 232 red meat slaughterhouses. Overall, the figures show 2 per cent of cattle, 10 per cent of sheep and goats and 4 per cent of poultry were not stunned before slaughter in the UK.

BVA is now urging the Backbench Business Committee to honour the e-petition and call a House of Commons debate at the earliest opportunity. It will still be possible to sign the petition until March 30.


 

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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.