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Orphaned otter cubs found wandering streets of Inverkeithing
The cubs (pictured), named Inver and Forth, were found in Inverkeithing on 6 February.

Scottish SPCA cares for cubs at National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

Two otter cubs are currently being cared for by the Scottish SPCA after they were found wandering the streets by members of the public on Saturday 6 February.

The cubs – one male and one female – are around three to four months old. The Scottish SPCA suspects that their mother was involved in a road traffic accident or some other disturbance and didn't make it back to the cubs.

They were spotted wandering down the road in Inverkeithing on Saturday night. The female cub was followed to a nearby field by members of the public, who then contacted the rescue charity.

Centre manager Steven Gray said: “The pair wouldn’t have survived on their own as they rely on mum so we are thankful the members of the public contacted us.

“The female has been named Inver and the male has been called Forth.

“They will stay with us until they are around 12 to 14-months-old, just like with mum in the wild. We will teach them how to feed and take care of themselves and will release them when they are ready.”

The charity reminded members of the public not to approach an otter if they spot them as the animal may feel threatened and use its strong bite to defend itself.

Instead anyone who finds an otter that they suspect needs help should monitor it from a safe distance and then contact the Scottish SPCA's animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Image (c) Scottish SPCA.

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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.