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Travel industry urged to do more for animal welfare
Swimming with dolphins can have serious animal welfare and safety risks. 
RSPCA calls on tour operators to review all animal attractions 

Following news that tour operator Thomas Cook is to cease selling tickets to attractions keeping orcas in captivity, the RSPCA is calling on the travel industry to do more to endorse good animal welfare overseas.

The leading animal charity said that it would love to see more holiday companies follow in the footsteps of Thomas Cook, and go even further by reviewing all of the animal attractions they sell tickets for.

“We’re really pleased that Thomas Cook has taken this step and appreciate how important the welfare of the animals in tourist attractions is,” said Adam Grogan, head of wildlife at the RSPCA. “We’d also urge all holiday-makers to keep this in mind when they’re planning their trips and to avoid taking part in any activity or visiting any attraction where animal welfare is not of the utmost importance.

“It’s our ethical responsibility to lead the rest of the world by example and take a stand to show that we do not condone any kind of cruelty to animals.”

To help promote ethical tourism, the RSPCA has put together top tips for taking an animal-friendly holiday. They include not taking selfies with animals like chimps and monkeys, not riding elephants, and remembering to donate to local animal welfare charities.

“Riding an elephant, swimming with dolphins, cuddling a tiger cub, or taking a picture with a monkey may seem like a once-in-a-lifetime experience but all of these can have very serious animal welfare and safety risks for tourists,” said Paul Littlefair, head of RSPCA’s international team.

“We work in many countries throughout the world to prevent animal cruelty, and tourism can also play a big part in tackling this. If there is a demand for activities like these and money to be made then cruel practices will continue.

“It’s important to research the activities you are taking part in first and if you are in any doubt, look for ethical alternatives.”

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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.