Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 18th April 2018
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Britain’s 'last lion tamer' refused licence
Mr Chipperfield owns two lions and a tiger.
Thomas Chipperfield owns two lions and a tiger

A lion tamer from Hampshire has been refused a licence to use three big cats in his travelling big top show.

Thomas Chipperfield from Winchester is Britain’s only remaining lion tamer. According to BBC News, his appeal against the decision by Defra was also rejected in court.

A Defra spokesperson said: “We remain absolute in our commitment to banning wild animals in circuses and intend to introduce the ban prior to the regulations expiring in January 2020.
 
“Until then, we will impose the strictest possible standards to ensure the welfare needs of these animals are met.”

Mr Chipperfield, who owns two lions and a tiger, submitted an application to Defra in April last year for his Big Cats Live circus. He appealed against Defra’s decision in July, but it was later upheld by North Staffordshire Magistrates Court.

BBC News said that the court rejected the appeal over concerns that, while he was experienced with big cats, he may be unable to maintain stable care plans for the animals and to provide written itineraries.

Defra has confirmed it does not intend to renew regulations allowing animals in travelling circuses when they expire in January 2020. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.