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Regimental goat appointed by Welsh battalion
Fusilier Llywelyn
Army Wales posted on Twitter: 'The cutest kid ever to parade to a drumbeat. Meet the new Regimental Goat for @TheRoyalWelsh @BritishArmy' (Image: @Army_Wales)
Fusilier Llywelyn is the new kid at The Royal Welsh

A new regimental goat has been appointed by the 1st battalion of The Royal Welsh. Nearly 500 soldiers lined the streets as Fusilier Llywelyn took his first steps on the road to a promising military career.

For centuries it has been tradition for a goat to lead every Royal Welsh parade. There are many theories as to why - some say that heroic goats saved the lives of men in battle by bleating warnings to the sentries on duty.

Another explanation could be that goats were such a familiar part of the Welsh landscape, that they were taken into battle as a reminder of home.

After the death of Fus. Llywelyn's predecessor - Lance Corporal Gwillam 'Taffy VI' Jenkins - the battalion began searching for a new recruit from the royal herd at Great Orme, Wales.

Last week, Fus. Llywelyn led his first official parade, the annual Rorke's Drift parade in the Garrison town of Tidworth.

It is the custom for a member of the battalion to be appointed 'goat major', taking overall responsibility for the regimental goat. Daily duties include watering, feeding, exercising and grooming.

Current goat major, Fus. Mathew Owen, believes the new recruit has star quality.

Speaking on the day of the parade, he said: "Since he was recruited in November Llywelyn has undergone intensive training, and preparing for his pass out today.

"He worked very hard this morning and was absolutely fantastic. Llywelyn has loved the attention, he is one for stardom."

 

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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.