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Minister issues stark warning to animal owners
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"The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that all animals in Wales have a high standard of health and welfare."

Breaches of Animal Health Act 'will not be tolerated'

Anyone failing in their duties to meet the health and welfare needs of their animals will be prosecuted, a Welsh minister has warned.

The warning follows the publication of a report by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) which looked into the number of prosecutions taken under the Animal Health Act 1981. The report revealed that in 2014 there were 11 convictions in Wales, culminating in over £68,000 in fines and associated costs.

Rebecca Evans, Welsh deputy minister for farming and food said:  “High standards of animal health and welfare help to sustain a profitable and professional farming industry. These convictions are isolated cases and the vast majority of animal owners take their responsibilities seriously.

"However, any breaches of the Animal Health Act will not be tolerated and we will work with local authorities and APHA to take action where possible against anyone who fails to meet the health needs of their animals."

“The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring that all animals in Wales have a high standard of health and welfare," Rebecca added

"Last year, I launched our new Wales Animal Health and Welfare Framework which is building on nine years of work following devolution of powers in this area. In 2006 we gave Local Authorities more powers to prosecute individuals for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006."

Anyone who has concerns that farmed animals are not receiving adequate care should contact the Local Authority Trading Standards Department.

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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.