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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th September 2012
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Badger cull timing in question
The timing of proposed autumn badger culls may be in doubt

DEFRA's badger culls may be postponed due to legal challenges, weather problems and the recent political changes.

The culls were due to take place in the early autumn, once the London Olympics were over, however DEFRA is facing a number of possible delays.

A number of legal challenges have arisen regarding the policy which are yet to be decided.

The Badger Trust have appealed against the High Court's decision to allow the policy, and a formal complaint has been submitted to the Council of the Bern Convention by Humane Society International/UK, despite DEFRAs assurance that they will comply with convention.

There has also been added pressure from numerous high-profile celebrities, conservationists and wildlife campaigners.

A new DEFRA ministerial team may further delay plans and National Farmer's Union president, Peter Kendall, believes that the poor weather and subsequent late farming season has also affected preparations.

Mr Kendall said: "Although farmers will be devastated if [the cull] is delayed, getting it right is essential - rushing it and getting it wrong could undermine it forever."

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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.