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UAE endurance suspension lifted
hoof
The UAE National Federation was suspended earlier this year amid concerns over horse welfare.
Agreement signed to ensure horse welfare is respected
 
The Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF) has signed an agreement to ensure horse welfare will be respected and rules strictly enforced at endurance events. As a result, the FEI Bureau has agreed to lift its suspension.

EEF is the governing body of equestrian sports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Earlier this year, the federation was provisionally suspended by the FEI Bureau, following an investigation into major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI rules and regulations in the discipline of endurance.

It was revealed yesterday (27 July) that the bureau has unanimously agreed to reinstate the UAE National Federation to full membership of the FEI - the international governing body for Olympic equestrian sport.

A legally binding agreement has been signed by the EEF and FEI, offering a guarantee that horse welfare will be respected and that rules will be enforced at endurance events in the UAE.

Among other terms, EEF must ensure that:
  • Protocols are put in place to avoid equine fatalities
  • Applicable rest periods are respected
  • Horses on rest periods are blocked from entry in national events (the FEI system already blocks entries in international events)
  • Use of prohibited fluid administration and any substances prohibited under the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs) in and around the Field of Play and at the Vet Gate is prevented
Commenting on the agreement, FEI's secretary general Sabrina Zeender, said: "We are very pleased that, after four months of very hard work, the United Arab Emirates have demonstrated with the signature of this agreement that they are fully committed to ensuring horse welfare and complying with FEI rules at both international and national level in the country."

EEF's secretary general, Taleb Dhaher Al Mheiri, said the federation will continue to work with the FEI to ensure the requirements are applied. "It is our goal to pursue excellence while promoting the growth of the sport and safeguarding the welfare of equine and human athletes," he added.

For more information on the agreement, see http://www.fei.org/news/uae-national-federation-suspension-lifted-fei-bureau-following-signature-agreement

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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.