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Support for horse welfare during COVID-19
"The coronavirus pandemic has caused immense difficulties for many areas across the equestrian industry."
Initiative to help alleviate financial strain on BHS riding schools.

A Hardship Fund to support the welfare of horses and ponies during the COVID-19 pandemic has been launched by the British Horse Society (BHS).

The Fund is specifically aimed to help BHS-approved riding schools who have been financially impacted by the outbreak and is designed to support any costs that go towards the health and wellbeing of equines under their care.

Each school has been allocated a payment of £750, made possible by contributions from BHS National, Regional and County Committees. The BHS has also been able to access several of their restricted funds, held aside for welfare specific purposes.

“The coronavirus pandemic has caused immense difficulties for many areas across the equestrian industry and riding schools have been hit particularly hard,” said James Hick, chief executive officer at The British Horse Society. “As their income stopped on March 23rd but the need to look after the wellbeing of horses continues at a high cost.

“The welfare of horses is at the heart of everything the BHS does, and we are working incredibly hard to help support our Approved Ridings Schools through these unsettling times. We hope that this Hardship Fund will help alleviate some of the financial strain riding schools are currently facing, whilst also serving to protect the health and wellbeing of the horses and ponies under their care.”

In addition to the Hardship Fund, the BHS has pledged to waiver all approved centre membership fees for the next 12 months and will be launching a donations appeal in the coming weeks to help provide further support.

The BHS has contacted its approved riding schools with details on how to apply for the funding. Schools that have not yet received communication are encouraged to contact the BHS Approvals team approvals@bhs.org.uk or call 024768 40500. 

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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.