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Latitude criticised over pink sheep
The RSPCA said: "We want all animals treated with kindness and respect and would discourage people from painting or dying animals for novelty purposes.”
Petition calls on festival to end its 14-year tradition 

Latitude Festival has defended social media posts showing sheep that were dyed pink to promote the event, which took place last week (18-21 July).

A video showing the sheep being released at Henham Park prompted a backlash on social media after being posted to Instagram.

While some defended the sheep-dyeing tradition - which has become a signature of the festival for the past 14 years - others branded it ‘cruel’ and ‘disgusting’.

According to BBC News, Latitude organisers said the water-based dye is not harmful and sheep welfare is the priority for farmers.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA added that it would be writing to the organisers.

“We want all animals treated with kindness and respect and would discourage people from painting or dying animals for novelty purposes.”

A petition on Change.org is calling for Latitude to cease the tradition and to remove the animals from the festival, where they are exposed to ‘loud noise and drunken revellers’. It has been signed by more than 4,500 people.

Latitude has been approached for comment.

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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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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.