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Christmas bags appeal to help homeless people and their pets
The bags are being dropped off at soup kitchens across Edinburgh.

Vet students and charities band together to distribute vital items

Edinburgh vet students have been distributing rucksacks stuffed full of essential items to help homeless people and their pets.

For the second year in a row, the bags are being dropped off at soup kitchens across Edinburgh and delivered to people living on the city’s streets. They contain warm clothing, toiletries, blankets, food items and a Christmas card.

Items for dogs are being given out at a student-run veterinary clinic, All4Paws, which provides free pet care for homeless and vulnerable people. They include reflective jackets, leads, toys, dental chews, food and blankets.

The initiative is a collaboration between students from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, the Roslin Institute and local homeless charities. It was launched in 2016 by Edinburgh graduate Jaime-Leigh Thompson and is led this year by students Marie Gallagher and Katie Ross.

Third-year vet student, Marie Gallagher, said: "The outstanding success and support from the vet school and all its friends has been fantastic. It's so heart-warming to know that we're helping someone this Christmas.”

Fellow student Katie Ross said: "The involvement from everyone at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute has been incredible, and it has been so rewarding to see so many people band together to contribute to such an important cause.”

Image (C) University of Edinburgh

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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.