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RSPCA calls for circus wild animal ban date
Image: JUSNews.co.uk
Date of ban still not confirmed

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has demanded that the government confirm a deadline date by which the ban on the use of wild animals in circuses would come into force. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced on 1st March 2012 that a ban would be sought “at the earliest opportunity”, but did not specify a date at the time.

Commenting, the RSPCA's Chief Executive Gavin Grant said "The question which needs to be asked is: does the government intend to stay true to its word? We have been studying the details of the plans and find them vague and littered with contradictions. Nothing short of a proper ban will safeguard the welfare of these majestic animals. Everyone who cares about these animals agrees. So let's get on with it."


At the time of the original announcement, DEFRA also announced the introduction of a licensing scheme to ensure that wild animals in circuses are kept to certain welfare standards until such time as a full ban can be brought into force. Details of a consultation period to allow the general public to offer their input on the licensing scheme may be found here, and the consultation period will close on April 25th 2012.

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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.