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New York considers end to ferret ban
ferret
Ferret keeping was banned in 1999.
Long-standing ban on ferret ownership may be overturned

New York health officials are considering a repeal of the city's ferret keeping ban, the New York Times reports.

In 1999, former New York mayor Rudolph Guiliani made it illegal to own ferrets, due to fears over rabies and attacks on young children. However, the move has prompted controversy among many.

According to the New York Times, current mayor Bill de Blasio is aiming to legalise ferret ownership once again.

In an internal paper reviewed by the paper, New York health officials weigh the pros and cons of allowing ferrets to be kept as pets.

On the pro side, officials said evidence shows ferrets do not bite more often or more severely than other pets of the same size. However, young children may be vulnerable to ferret bites, the internal paper says.

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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.