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Blue Cross seeks hero pets for 2018 medal
Romeo was awarded the Blue Cross Medal in 2017.
Medal recognises the amazing way pets change lives

Animal lovers are being urged to nominate their pet heroes for the Blue Cross Medal 2018.

Up to now, the Blue Cross Medal was aimed at working or assistance pets, or those that have saved lives in dramatic ways. This year, the charity is opening up the medal to the everyday pet heroes - from cats who are there to listen and guinea pigs that give children confidence.

Sally de la Bedoyere, Blue Cross chief executive, said: “With the Blue Cross Medal we want to honour the amazing things pets do for us and how they change our lives. If you know a pet that has made an incredible rescue and saved a life, or if someone’s cat, horse or rabbit is their hero just by being a friend, helping them through life’s challenges, then we want to hear from you.”

The winner of the 2017 Blue Cross medal was five-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross, Romeo. Romeo was nominated by his owner because he spends much of his time visiting residents in care homes and stroke patients. He also donates blood to the Royal Veterinary College, saving countless lives and transforming the stereotype of the breed.

Recognising animals and people for extraordinary acts is a long-held tradition of the Blue Cross. The charity gave veterinary care to horses during the First World War and, in 1917, awarded Major Methuen of the King's Royal Rifles for the rescue of horses under shellfire on the battlefield in France.

In 1940 the medal was expanded to recognise animal bravery. A dog named La Cloche was the first recipient of this award, for saving his owner after a torpedo hit their ship.

To find out more about the awards and to nominate a pet, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/medal. The closing date for entries is 4 February 2018.

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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.