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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 18th April 2018
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Britain’s 'last lion tamer' refused licence
Mr Chipperfield owns two lions and a tiger.
Thomas Chipperfield owns two lions and a tiger

A lion tamer from Hampshire has been refused a licence to use three big cats in his travelling big top show.

Thomas Chipperfield from Winchester is Britain’s only remaining lion tamer. According to BBC News, his appeal against the decision by Defra was also rejected in court.

A Defra spokesperson said: “We remain absolute in our commitment to banning wild animals in circuses and intend to introduce the ban prior to the regulations expiring in January 2020.
 
“Until then, we will impose the strictest possible standards to ensure the welfare needs of these animals are met.”

Mr Chipperfield, who owns two lions and a tiger, submitted an application to Defra in April last year for his Big Cats Live circus. He appealed against Defra’s decision in July, but it was later upheld by North Staffordshire Magistrates Court.

BBC News said that the court rejected the appeal over concerns that, while he was experienced with big cats, he may be unable to maintain stable care plans for the animals and to provide written itineraries.

Defra has confirmed it does not intend to renew regulations allowing animals in travelling circuses when they expire in January 2020. 

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.