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Humane slaughter of wild fish
There is good evdence that wild-caught fish may experience significant suffering
Funding to encourage development and adoption of humane methods

Billions of fish are caught for food every year – the vast majority of these fish are not stunned before killing, and there is good evidence that many wild-caught fish may experience significant suffering between the time they are captured and their death.

The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) has announced funding of up to £200,000 to support a systematic review and feasibility study into the stunning or killing of wild-caught fish in commercial fisheries. It hopes to encourage the development and adoption of humane slaughter methods.
 
The specific aim of this research is to investigate the feasibility of the development and use of methods of humane stunning or stun/killing for wild-caught fish in order to minimise pain or distress in commercial fisheries. The work should also consider the sustainability of such methods – economic, environmental, ethical and social considerations, including practicality. 

The research is expected to consist of three major components:
  • an overview of the worldwide wild-capture fishing industry
  • a systematic review of any existing relevant research into the stunning of wild-caught fish
  • a feasibility analysis of which fishing system, species of fish, geographical fishing area is most likely to be amenable to the adoption of routine stunning of wild-caught fish.
Applications should be made via the HSA website. The deadline for receipt of applications is the 10 January 2020 with the aim of making an award by April 2020.

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.