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Puppy love is in the air
dog with present
One in 10 pet owners surveyed said they will get their dog or cat a Valentine's Day gift.
Pets and partners on a par this Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day looming, love is definitely in the air for pet owners as a new survey shows one in 10 people plan to buy their cat or dog a gift.

The most popular way to spoil our furry friends is a special meal, according to the survey by Co-operative Pet Insurance. A fifth of those who planned to treat their pets in this way said they would be cooking the meal themselves.

Other top 10 gifts were treats, pet-friendly chocolate, toys, a new collar, an item of clothing, new bedding, a cuddly toy, new walking gear and a grooming/pamper day.

One in five pet owners who took part in the survey said they spend as much on their pet as their partner - with the average amount being £23. About 40 per cent said it was just as important to spend Valentine's Day with their pet as their partner.

But for some owners, pets take priority. One in 10 people admitted they love their pet more than their partner and would prefer to celebrate the day with them. 

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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.