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Battersea campaign to help Staffies
Image: Care2.com
Campaign to challenge public perception of breed

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is attempting to rehabilitate the image of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The "Staffies. They're Softer Than You Think" campaign has been designed to challenge the public perception of the breed and tackle common misconceptions which have led to the breed acquiring a reputation for being dangerous.

The popular image of the breed as being a fighting dog that is a threat to public safety comes as dramatic contrast to the earlier reputation of the breed as being good with children and the previous nickname of 'Nanny dogs' . A YouGov survey commissioned by Battersea found that 14% of 18-24 years olds surveyed incorrectly described the breed as 'illegal' and that only 10% of a sample of 2116 people recognised that the breed could be a family pet.

Commenting, Chief Executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Claire Horton said "More people consider the dog to be a fighting dog than a family dog. It's time we gave the breed a chance and got to know Staffies for the lovely, friendly dogs they really are...We're working with many proud, responsible owners to champion the positive qualities of the breed, as it's vital that we tackle the issue at its source. Staffies will only stand a chance if we dispel the notion of a dog as a weapon or accessory in inner-city communities."

More information about the campaign can be found 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. 

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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.