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Sky lanterns and balloons banned from festival
Sky lanterns are popular with festival go-ers but they have a devastating effect on animal welfare.


BBC Radio One has been praised for banning sky lanterns and balloons at last weekend’s ‘Biggest Weekend’ in Swansea, owing to the danger they pose to animals.

Sky lanterns are popular with festival go-ers but they have a devastating effect on animal welfare, as they can trap, entangle or be ingested by animals. Mass helium balloon releases can also have grave impacts on animals.<br> <br>

The RSPCA led a campaign urging local authorities to ban the release of sky lanterns on their land in Wales - a step that has now been taken by each of the country’s 22 councils. Wildlife expert Llewelyn Lowen said the move is “really positive news for animals in the local area”.

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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.