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Progress for Freedom Foods
Third of farmed pigs now reared under scheme

Freedom Food, an RSPCA-monitored scheme, has reportedly seen an upsurge in the number of pigs being reared under its welfare standards.

The scheme was launched in 1994, with the aim of improving the welfare standards of farmed animals. On the 19 April, it was announced that nearly a third of farmed pigs are now being reared under the scheme.

Over the last three years, the number of pigs being reared according to RSPCA welfare standards has risen by nearly 50 per cent, with around 948,000 more pigs reared under the scheme in 2012 compared to 2009. David Squair, chief executive of Freedom Food regards this as "great progress."

He added: "It is clear that British consumers remain firmly committed to farm animal welfare, despite the difficult economic climate.

"This news also really reinforces the fact that people really do have the power to bring about positive changes to farm animals' lives through what they buy at the supermarket and choose to buy in restaurants.

"The more people demand higher welfare, the more farmers will rear to higher welfare standards and the more animals will benefit from better lives."

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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.