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Friends for Life winners announced
Owen and Haatchi
Companionship between dog and owner celebrated

Seven-year-old Owen Howkins and his three-legged Anatolian shepherd, Haatchi, have been announced winners of the Crufts Friends for Life competition.

The award celebrates the pair's bravery, support and companionship to one another, and recognises that one-year-old Haatchi has truly earned his title as man's best friend.

As a small puppy, Haatchi was tied to a railway line and hit by a train. Both his tail and one of his back legs were amputated as a result.

A month later, he found a new home with Owen, who suffers from a rare genetic condition called Schwartz-Jampel syndrome. This condition causes his muscles to constantly tense.

Owen was always shy and withdrawn, but when Haatchi came along, he was given a new lease of life. He was encouraged to meet a dog that needed regular medical attention just like him.

After being awarded the trophy at the recent Crufts event, Owen said: "I am glad that Haatchi is in my life because he makes me smile all the time and is my best friend."

Owen was also given a cheque for £1,500 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which he has chosen to donate to the Naomi House children's hospice.

Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club secretary, commented: "We congratulate Owen and Haatchi on winning this award. They are truly deserving winners and their story is so incredibly moving.

"Each and every one of the finalists today have helped to change and save lives, and can teach us all a lesson about loyalty, companionship and bravery."

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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.