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Animal welfare 'compromised' by legislative loopholes
caged puppy
Between 2011 and 2013 the number of declared puppies entering Great Britain increased by over 780 per cent from some European countries.

Vets claim loopholes have led to an overpopulation crisis

Loopholes in animal welfare legislation could be the cause of a rise in neglected and sick animals, according to the Animal Welfare Foundation.

Vets at the charity have suggested that the government is failing to put in place measures to control and regulate indiscriminate breeding, as well as the sale of animals.

Speakers are due to claim that this has resulted in an over-population crisis which has comprised the welfare of a great number of companion animals.

Extensive evidence reveals that despite work by animal charities highlighting and attempting to tackle over-population, the situation is getting worse.

According to statistics released by the Dogs Trust, between 2011 and 2013 the number of declared puppies entering Great Britain increased by over 780 per cent from some European countries.

Similarly, the number of horses that equine charities say they took into care in the first quarter of 2013 increased by 40 per cent, compared to the year before.

The legislative loopholes are due to be explored at the Animal Welfare Foundation's annual Discussion Forum in June.

Veterinary surgeons Maggie Roberts from Cats Protection, Roly Owers from World Horse Welfare, and David Martin will offer solutions to address the solution.

During the Discussion Forum, vets will also explore topic such as ethical dilemmas, slaughter and antibiotic resistance.

AWF Chair of Trustees,Tiffany Hemming, said: "This year's AWF Discussion Forum looks very exciting and I am particularly looking forward to debating how we might tackle over-population issues in companion animals and exploring some potential solutions with the wide range of delegates we attract."

The AWF Discussion Forum brings together animal welfare organisations, vets, veterinary nurses, the media, parliamentarians and students to confront current welfare issues and inspire change.

This year's forum takes place on Monday, June 8 from 10am to 5pm at One Great George Street in London. Places are £95 with lower rates available for veterinary nurses, recent graduates and students.

To see the full AWF Discussion Forum programme or book a place visit http://www.bva-awf.org.uk/events.     

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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.