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RVNs campaign against breed specific legislation
Both Shakira and Gemma work within the charity sector and say they have experienced the "depressing reality" of BSL.

Calls for vets and nurses to take part in protest
 
Two veterinary nurses have launched a campaign to tackle breed specific legislation (BSL), which bans types of dogs based on their physical appearance under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Shakira Free Miles and Gemma Plumer are urging veterinary surgeons and nurses to join them at a peaceful protest this Saturday (11 July).

Organised by DDA Watch, the protest will be held in Westminster, London from 2-6pm.

Both Shakira and Gemma work within the charity sector and say they have experienced the "depressing reality" of BSL.

"As veterinary nurses our job entails holding that innocent dog for euthanasia, and the veterinary surgeons to give the lethal injection.

"We believe this is wrong and we would like to see an end to breed discrimination. This law penalises responsible owners and healthy innocent dogs.
 
"Our new campaign is to spread awareness about BSL within our veterinary community and to stand together and put an end to this law that is not working.

"We are in a desirable position to do something as veterinary nurses, this is our time and our opportunity to really change things. We have the drive and a voice to end BSL and hope to have the support of our veterinary community."

Shakira and Gemma say their campaign is getting evermore support on Twitter and an official government e-petition is on the horizon. They hope to debate BSL in the House of Commons if they get the required 100,000 signatures.

Commenting on this week's protest, Shakira and Gemma said: "We would love as many vets and veterinary nurses to join us in their uniform to represent veterinary professionals and offer their support to our campaign."

You can get in touch by email: saveabulls@gmail.com, Twitter: @SaveABulls, or Facebook: SaveABulls
 

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.