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Scotland plans to ban wild animals in circuses
tiger
Calls for a Scottish ban were prompted in 2014 when it emerged that, during winter, circus big cats were being kept in cages of a 'beast wagon' near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire. (stock photo)
Welfare campaigners 'delighted' by the news
 
Scotland could become the first part of the UK to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. A spokeswoman recently announced the government's intention to outlaw the practice - which came as welcome news for animal welfare campaigners.

According to The Scotsman, the spokeswoman said: "The Scottish Government intends to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. We are currently investigating the best mechanism for introducing legislation on ethical grounds and will make further announcements in due course."

Calls for a Scottish ban were prompted in 2014 when it emerged that, during winter, circus big cats were being kept in cages of a 'beast wagon' near Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.

A consultation subsequently found 98 per cent of people supported a ban.

Responding to the Scottish government's pledge, the BVA and BVA Scottish branch, said: "As the leading representative body for vets, we have long campaigned on this issue. The welfare needs of non-domesticated, wild animals cannot be met within a travelling circus in terms of housing nor being able to express normal behaviour…

"We are pleased to see the new Scottish government not only identifying opportunities to improve animal health and welfare in Scotland, but taking hold of these opportunities with both hands - and we would urge other UK governments to follow their lead."

The Born Free Foundation said it was "delighted" by the news, but asked for clarification on when the ban would be implemented. Westminster has made a similar pledge, going so far as to publish draft legislation that would have banned the use of wild animals in circuses by December 2015, but the government has yet to make parliamentary time for the issue.

Chris Draper, programmes manager for captive wild animals at Born Free, commented: "We would hate to see Scotland replicate the mistakes and delays that have occurred south of the border, and urge the Scottish government to act swiftly to end the practice once and for all."

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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.