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Shire horse tug of war called off
shire horses
Lizard Stallions said shire horses have undergone 1,000 years of breeding to pull loads.
Cornwall show stops tug of war bouts after online criticism

Tug of war bouts involving shire horses will no longer take place at the Royal Cornwall Show, organisers have confirmed.

Shire horse stallion George, of the Lizard Stallions company, was involved in tug of war challenges with rugby teams last week. However, the display attracted significant online criticism from members of the public with welfare concerns.

Show organisers said on Twitter: "We have considered comments some made regarding the Lizard Stallions. Their display will no longer include the tug of war challenge."

Responding to criticisms on Facebook, Lizard Stallions - who offer shire experience days, horse drawn trips and wedding transport - said: "This is George's job 5 days a week during our busy period. He weighs just over a ton and believe me when I say, if he didn't want to do it he wouldn't.

"We care considerably for our horses and would never put them in any danger. We are surrounded by very experienced animal professionals and no concerns have been raised by them."

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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.