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RSPCA launches appeal after suspected chicken poisonings
The allotment holder suspects the deaths may be due to corn feed contaminated with poison.
Chickens found having been frothing from the mouth 

An appeal for information has been launched by the RSPCA after multiple chickens were found dead on an allotment in Wales.

RSPCA Cymru said the allotment holder arrived at the site in Brithdir to find 30 chickens dead, some of which were his own. The chickens has been frothing from their mouths and had blood on their combs, suggesting they had been poisoned.

In light of these events, the RSPCA is now calling on anyone in the area with information to contact their inspectorate appeal line. The allotment holder suspects the deaths may be due to corn feed contaminated with poison.

“Clearly, the death of these poor birds is highly suspicious and disturbing – and we fear the chickens would have suffered immeasurably by any poisoning,” said RSPCA inspector David Milborrow.
 
“There is strong evidence to suggest any poisoning was a deliberate act - and we are calling on the local community to come forward with any information they may have.”

Anybody with information is encouraged to contact the RSPCA’s inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. 

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.