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Study hopes to improve dairy donkey welfare
dairy donkey
The donkey milk farming industry is growing, prompting concerns about animal welfare.
Charity joins forces with Milan researchers

The Donkey Sanctuary is partnering up with scientists from the University of Milan for a research project to improve the lives of dairy donkeys.

As the donkey milk farming sector grows - particularly in parts of continental Europe - so do concerns for the welfare of the animals involved.

Researchers hope to learn more about farming protocols and drive consumer demand for more responsible practices.

So far, they have visited eight different farms, who took part on a voluntary basis.

The team are gathering information in the following areas:
  • Key requirements of, and demand for, donkey milk
  • The husbandry of donkey stallions as studs and those surplus to breeding
  • Final destinations of donkeys when they leave the milk farms


They also carried out welfare assessments using donkey indicators developed in a recent EU-funded project - Animal Welfare Indicators.

Commenting on the research, the sanctuary's director of care and welfare Andy Foxcroft, said: "To better understand the situation of donkeys used for milking, their offspring and the jacks used for breeding we are supporting a yearlong research project looking at welfare, legislation and safety issues of milk farming in Italy."

Image courtesy of the Donkey Sanctuary

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.