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Welsh Gamebird Welfare Code
Gamebirds get new codes of practice
The Welsh Assembly Government has published a code of practice for the welfare of gamebirds reared for sporting purposes.

The code will apply to game farms that rear birds for sporting purposes only but it will not effect those that are farming them for food. The code will come into effect on 1st January, 2011.

Although much of the advice in the code of practice will already be carried out by competent game farmers, it does contain new advice on good rules of practice in a number of areas. This is because either new evidence has shown that certain management practices may directly compromise the birds' welfare or where the government considers that the practice may compromise the birds' welfare and leave game farmers vulnerable to prosecution under the 2006 act.

You can download the code of practice here.

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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.