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Irresponsible breeders cash in on canine craze
Rescue figures for wolf dogs on the increase

The Kennel Club (KC) has released figures demonstrating that official registrations of "wolf type" dog breeds have dropped, whereas rescue figures are on the rise. The new figures have prompted fears that unscrupulous breeders are cashing in on the latest canine craze, which is thought to have been triggered by films such as Twilight.

There was a 23 per cent drop in pedigree registrations for Alaskan Malamutes in 2012, a 15 per cent drop in Siberian Huskies and a 30 per cent drop in Akitas. At the same time, breed and general rescue homes are struggling to cope with the increasing numbers coming through their doors. It is believed these breeds may have gained popularity due to the likes of Jacob Black's half man half wolf character in the hugely popular film Twilight, and the direwolves in Game of Thrones, which are based on the Northern Inuit dog.

The KC Breed Rescue organisation Akita Rescue and Welfare Trust, saw the number of dogs coming through their doors treble to 91 in 2012, and the Friends of Akitas Trust and the Japanese Akita Trust took a further 135 dogs between them.

Stephanie Brown, from Akita Rescue & Welfare Trust said: “We simply cannot cope with the ever growing number of Akitas we are being asked to take on. Akitas are big strong dogs, should not be let off lead in public due to their prey drive and lack of recall. They are a luxury to own and are not cheap to look after."

As with Akitas, rescue homes are "inundated" with Siberian Huskies coming through their doors. The Siberian Husky Club of GB Welfare Scheme reached maximum capacity last year, while other rescue organisations took 158 huskies.

The Kennel Club has voiced concerns about the unscrupulous breeders who are willing to sell puppies to people regardless of their suitability. Sally Leich, a Kennel Club Assured Breeder of Siberian Huskies, said: “Too many breeders are selling their puppies with no questions asked, in order to cash in on the latest canine craze. The internet makes this so much easier because you can simply get a puppy delivered to your door."

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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.