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'Thousands of wild animals kept in UK homes'
lemur
Over 100 lemurs are being kept in private homes in the UK.
RSPCA says the findings are "deeply concerning"
 
Thousands of wild animals, including venomous snakes, lemurs and tigers, are being kept in homes across the UK, new figures have revealed.

More than 100 councils have issued licences to allow people to keep undomesticated animals in the home, according to a freedom of information (FOI) request by the Press Association.

In order to keep animals that are considered to be wild, dangerous or exotic, a licence must be obtained from the local council.

FOI requests were sent to every UK council, of which 363 replied.

Animals being privately kept in the UK include:
  • Over 300 venomous snakes, including cobras, rattlesnakes and vipers
  • 145 ostriches
  • 115 lemurs
  • 15 wolves
  • 13 tigers
  • 10 alligators
  • Nine pumas
  • Nine crocodiles
  • Eight leopards
  • Seven cheetahs
  • Two lions
There are also more than 2,000 wild boar, 412 bison and a score of zebras being kept in private fields.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA is quoted by the Telegraph as saying: "We are deeply concerned about the number of exotic animals, including dangerous wild animals, now being kept as pets…

"Licences for exotic animals classed as Dangerous Wild Animals - such as cobras, ostriches and caiman crocodiles - are granted by local authorities and the details are also held locally. There is no centrally-held list to determine how many are kept across the country.

"The emphasis of this legislation is on making sure the owner takes reasonable steps to prevent the animal from being a threat to the public, rather than the welfare of the animals concerned."

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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.