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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th February 2017
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RSPCA reveals Britain’s most ‘unloved’ pets
The American bull dog tops the list of pooches who spent the most time looking for love.

American bull dogs and brown cats spend longest time in care

With love in the air, the RSPCA has revealed the most ‘unloved’ breeds of dogs and cats in their care who are struggling to find their perfect match.

The American bull dog tops the list of pooches who spent the most time looking for love, with an average stay of 66 days. Staffordshire bull terrier crosses and huskies follow close behind, spending 60 days and 59 in care respectively.

Despite the popular belief that black and white cats are the most unpopular colours, the RSPCA figures show that brown cats may wait that little while longer (36 days) to find their forever home. Conversely ‘blue cats’ fly out of the centres, waiting just 18 days.

“The staff who care for our animals day in and day out know just how loveable each and every one is and how different they are from one another but we do find that some breeds and colours take longer to find their perfect match,” explains Dr Samantha Gaines, pet welfare expert at the RSPCA.

“This is probably due to a combination of reasons. For example, size or beliefs about particular breeds and types can stop people from even considering the possibility of adopting an American Bulldog or Staffordshire Bull Terrier. “

This valentine’s day, the RSPCA urges anyone considering a pet to do their research before they visit a rehoming centre - especially because the reputation of a particular type or breed is often undeserved.

“With so many of the same type of dog in our care or cats with the same coat colour, it can be difficult for individuals to stand out from the crowd despite their great potential, adds Samantha. “Sadly in some cases, animals are overlooked just because of how they look

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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.