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RSPCA push for immediate circus animal ban
Licensing delay not acceptable says RSPCA

The RSPCA is urging the government to ban wild animals in travelling circuses in England as soon as possible.

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs' (DEFRA) circus licensing scheme was passed in the House of Commons on Tuesday (29 October), which the charity says could mean a delay of up to seven years.

The government had said it would peruse the ban on the use of animals, following a consultation in 2010 that found 94 per cent of the 10,500 analysed responses favoured a ban.

The RSPCA, as well as numerous other animal welfare groups, including Captive Animal's Protection Society, believe the ban is the only way forward.

Gavin Grant, RSPCA chief executive, said: "We were delighted in March when the Government announced a ban would happen. Seven months later, nothing has happened to make the ban a reality.

"Anything short of a full ban is simply unacceptable."

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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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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.