Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
NSA launches hotline for sheep worrying
New hotline will record incidents

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has launched a new hotline to record incidents where sheep are worried by dogs. The service will be open to all UK sheep producers whether they are affiliated with the NSA or not, and incidents can be categorised by geographical area and the seriousness of the case.

It is hoped that the hotline can help provide information on sheep worrying across the UK, which can then be used to campaign for improvements in responsible dog behaviour and increasing awareness of the issue. It is also hoped that the initiative will be able to raise awareness of the risks of tapeworm infection, which is a serious problem owing to the prevalence of ineffective worming of dogs.

Commenting on the announcement, Chief Executive of the NSA Phil Stocker said “We hope this new service will provide valuable information to benefit sheep producers. Sheep worrying and dog attacks appear to be on the increase and we are aware that many cases go unreported. It is important to create a picture of what is really happening and use this to raise awareness among dog owners and authorities.”

“I would urge any farmer to phone the NSA on 01684 892661 in full confidence and report any cases of sheep worrying they experience.” he added.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.