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Are livestock animals suffering due to legislation?
The debate over whether the law is having a negative impact on livestock welfare, will take place at the Animal Welfare Foundation forum next month.
The debate over whether the law is having a negative impact on livestock welfare, will take place at the Animal Welfare Foundation forum next month.

Debate to take place at Animal Welfare Foundation forum

Livestock animals could be suffering extended long term pain because legislation is too vague.

The Animal Welfare Foundation is to discuss the impact of legislation surrounding animals on farms, in transport and at slaughterhouses, at its discussion forum on May 12.

Veterinary surgeon David Chennells will argue that a lack of specific legal definitions, and inconsistencies of court decisions has created uncertainty, resulting in animals with chronic lameness or minor wounds, spending too long in recovery pens.

The debate will focus on whether these animals suffer extended long-term pain on farm because of a fear of transporting them.

The forum will also discuss the psychological factors in animal hoarding cases with Fiona McEwen, from the Institute of Psychiatry, while Keith Chandler of the British Equine Veterinary Association, will lead the debate on whether improving the horse passport system will lead to better welfare.

Mike Radford, The School of Law, Aberdeen University, will open the forum discussion on What the offence of causing unnecessary suffering really means.

The forum takes place from 10am to 5pm, costs £85, and is followed by a reception in the House of Commons from 7pm to 9pm. 

For more click here

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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

Click here for more...
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.