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Dog ownership in Wales under review
Dachshund on lead
The review will also assess the effectiveness of existing dog control legislation.
Report will recommend how to encourage responsible dog ownership

RSPCA Cymru is set to lead a review of responsible dog ownership in Wales. It is expected to make recommendations on how to raise awareness of the responsibilities of owning a dog, particularly in areas with high numbers of dog attacks.

Rebecca Evans, the Welsh deputy minister for farming and food, asked the charity to undertake this independent review, which is expected to report in early autumn. The Dogs Trust in Wales will also get involved, as well as vets, local authorities and other interested parties.

The deputy minister said she is particularly interested in recommendations on how to raise awareness of responsible dog ownership among children and young people "as they have a long term role to play in driving up animal welfare standards."

The review will also assess the effectiveness of existing dog control legislation.

Welcoming the opportunity, RSPCA Cymru's head of external affairs Claire Lawson, said: "The welfare of dogs and community safety issues are integral to resolving irresponsible dog ownership.

"This review will provide an important opportunity to build on the strong record we have in Wales in regards to enhancing dog welfare."

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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.