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Kennel Club permits inter-variety matings in chihuahuas
A decision has been reached to allow inter-variety matings for chihuahuas.
Decision set to have a have 'a positive effect upon genetic diversity'

The Kennel Club Board has reached an agreement with the chihuahua breed health coordinator to allow inter-variety matings in the breed.

The agreement follows a discussion with the 10 chihuahua breed clubs about whether the breed should be able to inter-variety mate, or whether this should only be with special permission. It was revealed that the majority of respondents were in favour of inter-variety mating, without having prior permission to be sought.

In a statement, the Kennel Club said that it has agreed to allow the inter-variety mating of smooth and long coat chihuahuas. Chihuahua breed health coordinator, Dr Geoffrey Curr, said:

“This positive development for chihuahuas would not have been possible without the unanimous support of all ten breed clubs. The allowing of inter-variety matings within the breed will have a positive effect upon genetic diversity for future generations, so this is very good news indeed.”

Kennel Club genetics and research Manager, Dr Tom Lewis, added: “The move to allow inter-variety matings for chihuahuas will be helpful to breeders striving to deliver a sustainable population for generations to come and so is very welcome. The breed clubs should be proud of taking a step that will contribute to attempts to preserve genetic diversity in the Chihuahua breeds.”

Applications to register puppies resulting from inter-variety matings must be made on a paper form (not online) and all enquiries regarding such matings in Chihuahuas should be directed to hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk

 

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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.