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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th December 2012
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RSPCA fight on against live exports
Legal proceedings brought against arrangements

RSPCA has bid to take on a legal fight for live animal exports, by lodging a claim in the High Court.

Currently, the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) approve and supervise live animal exports through the port of Ramsgate in Thanet, Kent.

Seeking judicial review of these arrangements, the RSPCA is bringing new legal proceedings because it believes the AHVLA is acting unlawfully.

The society vowed to fight on for the animals after more than 40 sheep had to be destroyed during an incident at the port in September, and says the port has no livestock handling facilities.

Thanet District Council immediately closed the port, however, it has since reopened and live exports have resumed, despite protests from the public and animal welfare organisations.

AHVLA has also introduced changes to its inspection regime, but RSPCA believes these are unlawful in failing to provide proper checks at the port to safeguard animal welfare.

RSPCA believes the AHVLA are also failing to require the exporters to use ports with appropriate facilities and failing to impose sailing restrictions to ensure animals are not injured or caused undue harm when being transported.

Gavin Grant, RSPCA chief executive said: "The animals have no voice and no choice. We will not walk away from their suffering in this vile and unnecessary trade… The animals deserve their day in court."

The High Court will decide whether it will hear the RSPCA's case in the new year.

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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.