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Lack of exercise 'bigger killer than obesity'
owner walking with dogs
Researchers say even a 20 minute walk each day could have significant health benefits.
Study underlines how dog ownership can extend the human lifespan

Just a brisk 20 minute walk each day could reduce a person's risk of early death, according to new research. The findings support numerous studies indicating the human health benefits of dog ownership.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge studied more than 334,000 European men and women over a 12-year period. During this time, 21,438 of the participants died and twice as many deaths were found to be attributable to lack of exercise than obesity.

While lack of exercise could contribute to obesity, researchers say the links between inactivity and early death are independent of an individual's body mass index (BMI).

Despite this, researchers say even a 20 minute walk each day could have significant health benefits, reducing the risk of early death by 16-30 per cent.

The findings are significant when taken alongside other research highlighting the higher levels of exercise among dog owners.

A study last year by the University of St Andrews found dog owners over the age of 65 were 12 per cent more active than those in the same age group who did not own a dog. Of those who took part in the study, nine per cent were dog owners and three-quarters of those walked their dogs.

Simiarly, a previous survey by the Kennel Club found a quarter of non-pet owners admit to never exercising, compared to 12 per cent of dog owners.

Lack of exercise has been consistently linked to a higher risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Professor Ulf Ekelund, lead researcher from the University of Cambridge, commented: "This is a simple message: just a small amount of physical activity each day could have substantial health benefits for people who are physically inactive.

"Although we found that just 20 minutes would make a difference, we should really be looking to do more than this - physical activity has many proven health benefits and should be an important part of our daily life."

The research paper has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Exercise.

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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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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.