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Northern Ireland animal welfare report launched
Dog in a kennel
The report includes tougher sentencing for those convicted of animal cruelty.
Department of Justice and DARD publish 68 recommendations

Launched in Belfast yesterday (29 February) by the agriculture minister Michelle O’Neill and the Justice Minister David Ford, the Final Report of the Review of the Implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 includes tougher sentencing for those convicted of animal cruelty.

Sending out a clear message about an ongoing drive to address animal welfare issues, the 68 recommendations include inspecting dog breeding establishments for how they socialise animals. It also addresses the need to work with animal charities on best practise for rehoming pets.

Seamus O’Kane, BVA Northern Ireland branch president said “We are very pleased with these recommendations and the way in which DARD and the Department of Justice have worked together so quickly to put these recommendations into practice.”

BVA Northern Ireland now urges judges to take the new report into consideration for any new cases. O’Kane said: “All vets in Northern Ireland are behind Minister Ford’s message this morning – ‘Crimes against vulnerable animals are abhorrent and will not be tolerated in our society’”

BVA president Sean Wensley commented: “These are strong recommendations matched by decisive action to make the necessary changes to ensure those who mistreat and abuse animals are punished effectively by the law.

“The government in Northern Ireland has made a clear statement about how animals should be valued and this is something that is to be warmly welcomed.”

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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.