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Petplan suspends automated breeder registration
Petplan said a full review of its registration process is underway but it has made a series of immediate changes.
Steps taken after concerns about puppy farmers

Pet insurer Petplan has suspended the automated registration process for its breeder scheme, and introduced new measures to help ensure the authenticity of breeders.

The move follows a recent Mail On Sunday article that suggested puppy farmers could be using the scheme to lure buyers with four weeks’ free Petplan insurance, which breeders on the scheme are able to offer puppy buyers.

Six journalists said they were able to successfully register for the breeder scheme using false names. The Mail also reported it had learned of at least two cases of criminal puppy farming gangs that were signed up to the scheme.

Petplan said a full review of its registration process is underway but it has made a series of immediate changes, including the suspension of its automated system. Going forward, there will now be a two-stage registration process whereby breeders register their interest online. Full registration will only be confirmed following a telephone conversation with a Petplan representative.

In addition, the company said it now captures additional information from breeders at the point of registration and breeders who expect to breed five litters or more per year are subject to an additional review.

A spokesperson said: “One of Petplan’s key goals is to ensure that the health and welfare of pets is protected at all times, particularly during periods of high vulnerability such as the transition period as a pet leaves the breeder or rehoming centre and settles into its new home.

“Petplan provides four weeks’ free insurance which includes £4,000 veterinary fee cover to help encourage new owners to seek veterinary treatment at the earliest opportunity and to ensure they have financial help available to cover the cost of any unexpected treatment the pet needs.

“Given that this is an unregulated industry, we are taking further steps to help ensure the authenticity of breeders issuing Petplan insurance.”

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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

Click here for more...
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.