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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 15th July 2015
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Fox hunting vote postponed
fox
Proposed changes would allow foxes to be flushed out by packs of dogs. Currently only two dogs can be used for pest control.
SNP said it would vote against a dilution of the ban

A vote on changes to the fox hunting ban have been shelved after the Scottish National Party (SNP) revealed it would be voting against proposals to relax the law.

MPs were due to vote on what Defra termed 'a small number of technical amendments' to the Hunting Act (2004) today.

In England and Wales, currently only two dogs can be used to flush out foxes for pest control purposes.

The proposed amendments would allow the use of a pack of dogs, bringing the act into line with practices in Scotland. Opponents have said this is tantamount to returning fox hunting 'through the back door'.

Labour MP Maria Eagle called the government's proposals "a shambles" and accused the Prime Minister of "running scared because he knew he was going to lose the vote on fox hunting."

Scottish Parliament is currently making moves to review the effectiveness of its own hunting ban.

SNP Westminster group leader Angus Robertson MP said: "In these circumstances, it is right and proper that we assert the Scottish interest on fox hunting by voting with Labour against the Tories' proposals to relax the ban."

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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.