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'Beast of Hackney' revealed as huge pet dog
Photo - Helen Murray
Reports of an unidentified 'beast' caused concern in London

The mystery of a huge black creature, dubbed 'The Beast of Hackney Marches', which was photographed in woodland in May, has been solved.

The black animal, spotted skulking amongst the trees, was a temporary cause for concern for local dog-walkers, but peace was restored when it was revealed to be no more than a large Newfoundland dog, belonging to the drummer from the 90s British indie band Kula Shaker.

The dog, named Willow, was photographed by startled student Helen Murray and the photographs promptly published on the front page of a local newspaper.

Her owners, Paul and Nicole Winter-Hart, immediately recognised their pet. Nicole said: "I am still laughing. I think this poor girl, Helen, saw Willow, our dog. My husband recognised her straight away when he saw the paper. He brought a copy to show me and said: ‘Look. Willow’s made the front page!'"

She added: "'I knew it was her immediately. It is funny because our friends call her the Beast of Dunlace Road and now she is the Beast of Hackney Marshes."

However, while it seems that the residents of East London can once again sleep easy in their beds, Helen remains unsure. She commented: "I am pretty sure it was not a dog as it was far too big and its build was not dog-like."

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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.