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Born Free calls for a review of zoo regulations
The plan calls on the government to end the import, sales and keeping of wild-caught mammals as pets.
Priority plan to reform the keeping of captive wild animals

A 15-point plan to protect and ensure the future of captive wild animals in the UK will be launched at a special event in Westminster this evening (22 March).

Compiled by the Born Free Foundation, the plan calls on the government to:

    •    Establish a full-time and centralised zoo inspectorate to ensure consistency in licensing and inspection of zoos
    •    Act swiftly on a ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses across the UK
    •    Introduce a ban on the trade in, and private keeping of, all species of non-human primate
    •    End the import, sale and keeping of wild-caught mammals, reptiles and amphibians as pets.

The plan will be unveiled at Beyond the Bars: The Welfare of Captive Wild Animals in the UK - a high-profile event involving animal welfare experts, veterinary surgeons, MPs and wildlife NGOs.

“The Prime Minister recently claimed that the UK was number two in the world when it came to animal welfare. However, the lack of attention and effort that has been paid to the keeping of wild animals in captivity seriously undermines that claim,” commented Will Travers OBE, Born Free president.

“Without resolute action, not only will our reputation suffer, but more importantly, wild animals in our care will suffer unnecessarily.

The event comes after South Lakes Zoo in Cumbria was refused a new zoo operating licence. A damning report by zoo inspectors revealed that 486 animals had died at the zoo in four years. It also exposed a catalogue of animal welfare concerns.

Born Free claims that many UK zoos do not provide their animals with the best possible living conditions or standards of care, and sometimes put the visiting public at risk.

“While the UK has been proud of its attitude to animal welfare, and historically introduced some significant legislation to protect animals, we may now have rested on our laurels for too long, particularly in the case of wild animals in captivity,” explained Chris Draper, Born Free’s associate director for animal welfare & care.

“Our understanding of the needs of wild animals has improved significantly in recent years, and we now need to face the unfortunate possibility that our current laws, regulations and standards may no longer adequately safeguard the welfare of wild animals in captivity.”


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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.