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Solihull animal hospital earns environmental accreditation
"Ensuring we have an environmentally sustainable hospital is extremely important to us" - Toby Gemmill, managing director at Willows.
Willows Veterinary Centre has earned silver accreditation for its sustainability. 

Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Centre in Solihull has been recognised by Investors in the Environment (iiE) for its sustainable practices.

The small animal hospital set up a dedicated 'Green Giants' group, and set up initiatives across the practice, including switching all lighting to LED energy-saving lights, creating new waste streams, and reducing single-use items. 

Willows has seen significant results from its sustainable initiatives, including an eight per cent overall drop in electricity usage across the hospital, a seven per cent fuel reduction, and a 12 per cent rise in recycling. 

Dave Hindley, building and facilities manager at Willows, who is spearheading the scheme, commented: “Willows is very proud of this iiE Silver award. 

“We want to continue to make significant environmental savings across our site, by looking into technology such as solar panels, electric car charging points and an electric van, which will help take us to the next level and reduce our carbon footprint even more.” 

April Sotomayer, from iiE, added: “Congratulations to Willows on achieving this silver award for its work on reducing its environmental impact and engaging its staff with some fantastic waste and carbon reduction initiatives, in particular.

“This shows a clear determination to prioritise its sustainability efforts in line with our independent accreditation scheme and we’re excited to see them go even further in the future.” 

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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.