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Red Tractor to strengthen inspection programme
Red Tractor has announced plans to carry out more unannounced farm animal inspections.
Organisation to launch its first ever television campaign

Red Tractor has announced plans to strengthen its farm animal inspection programme and broaden its regime in a bid to maintain consumer trust and promote UK food and farming standards.

The move will see Red Tractor introduce more unannounced inspections, together with the creation of additional ‘Modular Standards’. These modules could cover areas such as organic, environmentally sustainable or enriched animal welfare and will be launched with a labelling system to improve consumer clarity.

“I believe that this is one of the most exciting times in Red Tractor’s 19 year history and I am very proud to be leading us through these changes,” said Jim Moseley, CEO of Red Tractor Assurance.

“Our vision is that Red Tractor is seen by shoppers, farmers and the food industry as the flagship of British food and farming. Red Tractor is already a world-leading assurance scheme; however, we are constantly strengthening our standards in line with scientific advances and consumer demand.

“We know shoppers are increasingly looking for more informed choice and simple signposts to traceable, safe and responsibly produced food, which is why we are looking to extend the remit of Red Tractor. Increasing confidence in Red Tractor and the entire UK food industry is vital, particularly as we approach Brexit.”

To communicate its message to consumers, Red Tractor is set to launch its first ever television campaign, supported by print, digital and in-store activity.

Moseley added; “We know consumers are twice as likely to look for Red Tractor products if they know more about what it stands for, which is why it is vital we invest in large-scale communications to tell them what we do.”

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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.