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Operation relaunched to tackle crimes against badgers
“To this day, badgers remain among the most persecuted of all species despite having one of the highest levels of legal protection” – Craig Fellowes.
New short film produced to raise awareness.

The UK Badger Crime Priority Delivery Group (BCPDG) has relaunched Operation Badger to tackle crimes that harm badgers.

The initiative, which was relaunched on National Badger Day on 6 October, aims to raise awareness of criminal activities against badgers, such as illegal trapping, poisoning, badger baiting and sett disturbance, and encourage people to report them.

A UK-wide police operation, Operation Badger gathers evidence of badger persecution and identifies and targets offenders. The operation is overseen by the National Wildlife Crime Unit and is supported by police wildlife crime units, Badger Trust, Scottish Badgers, and local badger groups.

A new short film, narrated by wildlife television presenter Megan McCubbin, has been released alongside the operation's online information library.  

Operation Badger relies on members of the public to report suspected crimes and the library contains resources to help people identify and report crimes against badgers.

Craig Fellowes MBE, Badger Trust wildlife crime officer and trainer, said: “Badgers have a long history of cruelty and persecution in the UK, spanning hundreds of years. To this day, badgers remain among the most persecuted of all species despite having one of the highest levels of legal protection.

“It’s up to all of us to work together to protect our badgers and stand up for them to stop badger crime. This new Operation Badger short film and the resources in the information library explain how.”

The information library, along with the short film, can be accessed here.

Image © Shutterstock

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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.