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Herdsmen charged for lion poisonings
lionness
The Born Free Foundation said it was "devastated" by the deaths and raised concerns about the impact this could have on the rest of the pride (stock photo).
Lion cub becomes the third fatality in the Marsh pride

Two Maasai herdsmen have been charged with poisoning a famous pride of lions in Narok, south-west Kenya.

So far, two lionesses from the Marsh pride have been found dead. The first was identified as Bibi, one of the oldest and most famous members of the pride.

A second lion carcass was mauled beyond recognition by hyenas, but it is assumed to be Sienna, another member of the pride that has not been seen since the incident.

The Marsh pride featured in the popular BBC series 'Big Cat Diary', which aired from 1996-2008.

According to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), an autopsy carried out on Bibi on 7 December found traces of carbofurans. This confirmed the insecticide marketed as Furadan had been used to poison Bibi.

Eight vultures have also died as a result of preying on the poisoned remains of the dead lionesses. The lion carcasses have been incinerated and their remains buried to prevent any further fatalities.

Meanwhile, a lion cub known as Alan has been euthanised. While he was recovering from suspected poisoning, he was attacked by a buffalo resulting in serious internal injuries.

All other members of the pride have been located and are no longer showing any signs of poisoning, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

Suspected poisoning was first reported on Sunday, 6 December by the Governor's Camp in the Maasai Mara. A KWS veterinary officer confirmed that up to five lions had ingested a poison of some description.

Two herdsmen have been charged in Narok Court with poisoning the Marsh pride, according to DSWT.

The Born Free Foundation said it was "devastated" by the deaths and raised concerns about the impact this could have on the rest of the pride.

CEO Adam Roberts said: "Lions are the most social of all the big cats. They rely on the stability of their prides in order to survive. The loss of even a few lions in this way will seriously damage the pride's ability to function."

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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.