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Statistics reveal huge number of stray dogs
Almost four fifths of the country's stray dogs are not microchipped

As the government considers whether to make microchipping compulsory, statistics have been released revealing that almost four fifths of the UK's stray dogs are not microchipped.

According to the figures from the Microchip Alliance Compulsory Microchipping Briefing:

•         Last year over 126,000 stray dogs were
          handled by local authorities - of these
          around 7,500 were put to sleep.
•         77% of stray dogs which local authorities receive are not microchipped.
•         Petlog estimates that 58% of dogs in the UK are microchipped

The public consultation into compulsory microchipping is nearing its end, and the issue of microchipping is on the minds of many. Last year, the Kennel Club  contacted twenty five microchip databases across Europe in order to examine the effects of compulsory microchipping.
 
The research did not take differing national attitudes towards compliance with the law into account, but compulsory microchipping appears to have had a positive impact in Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Estonia, Switzerland and France.

With National Microchipping Month to take place in June, it remains to be seen whether microchipping will become compulsory in this country. 

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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.