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British protocol to maximise horse welfare
The British protocol is to tailor it specifically to the country’s climate and terrain.
Governing bodies to develop UK endurance strategy
 
Plans are in place to develop a British protocol to maximise horse welfare in all international endurance rides held in Great Britain.

Endurance GB (EGB) and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) are working together to create a long-term strategy, whilst acknowledging the major challenges facing the discipline of endurance.

The British protocol will, among other things, aim to set parameters around optimum speed, heart rate and recovery times.

Steps have already been taken to improve horse welfare in endurance events internationally, by the FEI for example, but the aim with the British protocol is to tailor it specifically to the country’s climate and terrain.

It will be established by a working group led by BEF board director, Dr Tim Watson, and comprised of key stakeholders including veterinary surgeons, the National Federation, event organisers and technical delegates.

Set to be implemented as a pilot study at British events this year, the protocol will be refined after the season, based on experience gained from the events. It is hoped it will be in place for the first FEI rides of 2017, beginning at King’s Forest on 14-16 April.

Clare Salmon, BEF chief executive, commented: “Horse welfare is an ongoing priority for the BEF and EGB and by initiating this new British protocol, we hope this will ensure a safe sport in which the wellbeing of the horses is paramount. The aim of the protocol is to implement modifications that will ultimately reform the sport by changing the mind-set of trainers and riders competing in this country.”

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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.