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Government responds to ear cropping petition
"The government will engage with stakeholders, including the RSPCA, to understand the extent to which dogs are having their ears cropped in breach of the law in this country." Defra statement.

BVA and FOAL Group welcome support for #CutTheCrop campaign.

The UK government has issued a response to a petition, backed by veterinary organisations and animal charities, which calls for action to end the selling and importation of dogs with cropped ears in the UK.

The government responded to the petition after it surpassed 61,000 signatures, stating: “The government will engage with stakeholders, including the RSPCA, to understand the extent to which dogs are having their ears cropped in breach of the law in this country.

“Now the Transition Period has ended, we also have the opportunity to consider options regarding this abhorrent practice for imported dogs, in line with World Trade Organisation rules and would welcome further evidence from stakeholders and the public on this issue.”

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and The FOAL Group (Focus on Animal Law) welcomed the encouraging response and encouraged the public to continue to spread awareness of the petition so that it can reach 100,000 signatures, at which point it will be debated in parliament.

BVA senior vice president Daniella Dos Santos said: “We’re delighted that the government has committed to working with the #CutTheCrop campaign to close all loopholes that allow the trend of ear cropped dogs to continue in the UK.

“We look forward to engaging with Defra on this matter soon and will be writing to Animal Welfare Minister Lord Goldsmith to request a meeting with various supporting veterinary and animal welfare organisations at the table.

She added: “In recent years, vets and animal welfare charities in the UK have seen a dramatic increase in the number of dogs with cropped ears, marking a frightening trend towards the normalisation of a mutilation that is horrific, unnecessary, and rightfully illegal in this country.

“However, current legal loopholes allow the trend of importing ear-cropped dogs into the UK to continue, and also act as a smokescreen for illegal cropping taking place within the UK.”

To sign the petition and view the government's full response, please visit https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/574305

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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.