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Police raids uncover ‘ruthless’ tiger trade in Europe
There are thought to be just 3,900 tigers left in the wild today.

Petition calls for EU ban on commercial trade to protect tigers  

Conservationists are urging the EU to ban all commercial trade in tigers and tiger parts, after recent police operations found the trade is not only an issue in Asia, but also Central Europe.

Police and customs officials in the Czech Republic raided properties in Prague and central and northern Bohemia, on suspicion of illegally killing tigers and possessing tiger products.

A recently killed tiger was seized at one of the properties, where a suspect was processing tiger bones and other tiger products. The suspects shot the tigers in the eyes to avoid damaging the skin and those killed were used to make tiger broth.

Czech authorities also found tiger meat and products on sale at the Vietnamese market, Sapa, in Prague.

According to international animal charity FOUR PAWS, one of the raided facilities was owned by circus leader Ludvik Berousek. Research by the charity in June shows a meeting in which Mr Berousek revealed his tiger breeding facility in Prague and discussed the sale of tigers to Asia.

In the 20th century, tiger populations declined by more than 90 per cent around the world. There are thought to be just 3,900 left in the wild today. Much of this is driven by demand for tigers to be displayed commercially and traded for their body parts, for use in traditional Asian medicines.

Under current legislation, tigers born in captivity in Europe can be traded for commercial purposes, such as circuses, photo opportunities or private keeping.

FOUR PAWS has launched a petition urging the European Commission to ban the commercial trade in tigers.

Kieran Harkin, head of wildlife campaigns, said: “It is shocking how the EU does so much to combat the trade in wildlife in other parts of the world, but we have turned a blind eye to protecting an endangered species on our own doorstep…

“The EU should take a leading role in protecting these endangered species and ban all commercial trade ensuring tiger traders and businesses have no place in the EU."

Image © FOUR PAWS

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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.