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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th September 2012
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Live exports suspended after Ramsgate incident
NSA react after 45 sheep die at Ramsgate

All live exports have been suspended from Ramsgate Port until further notice, following an incident last week which saw 45 sheep die.

On Wednesday 12th September, 43 sheep were put down after a lorry was stopped at the port, and the animals found to be injured. The RSPCA found that none of the animals could reach the drinkers in the vehicle. In a separate incident, a loading area floor collapse while sheep were being taken off a lorry. Six sheep fell into the water but two drowned.

The following day, Thursday 13th September, Thanet council suspended all live exports from the port. The council said it would lift the ban following the construction of suitable facilities for the animals at the port.

Phil Stocker, Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association, said: "Our understanding is that this incidence could have been avoided if regulations and controls, which are effective in the majority of cases, were followed."

Agricultural minister David Heath has ordered an immediate review into the events at Ramsgate and the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has been told to take a zero tolerance approach to enforcing and maintaining animal welfare. 

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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.