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Hong Kong to phase out ivory trade
elephant
"History has shown that legal ivory sales only serve to provide a cover for illegal trade, which fuels the rampant poaching we see across Africa."
Changes welcomed as "a historic step"
 
The Hong Kong government is set to legislate a ban on local sales of elephant ivory, joining mainland China and the US in a bid to end Africa's poaching crisis.

The city's chief executive, Leung Chun-ying announced the move during his annual policy address. He also said maximum penalties for trafficking endangered species would be increased to seven years in prison - a sharp upturn compared to the current two years.

Conservation group WildAid said several hidden camera investigations into Hong Kong's ivory trade may have put pressure on the government. The city's environment officials had previously said they are "open minded" about ending legal ivory sales. This was a reversal of their previous position that the trade was "strictly regulated".

The group's CEO, Peter Knights, called the move a "historic step", offering hope for an end to the poaching crisis, which has claimed the lives of as many as 33,000 elephants a year.

"History has shown that legal ivory sales only serve to provide a cover for illegal trade, which fuels the rampant poaching we see across Africa," he explained.

"Hong Kong has always been the epicentre of that trade, so we congratulate CT Leung and the government for this historic step. Coupled with a 50 per cent drop in ivory prices in China over the last 18 months, the end of the crisis may be in sight."

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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.