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Donations flood in for Winter Bag Appeal
Appeal volunteers distribute the bags to homeless people living on the streets of Edinburgh.
Volunteer-led scheme helps homeless people and their pets in Edinburgh. 

A scheme to support homeless people and their pets in Edinburgh has enjoyed a record-breaking number of donations this year.

The Dick Vet Winter Bag Appeal, organised by veterinary volunteers at the University of Edinburgh, invites campus staff and students to fill bags with warm clothes and necessities such as toiletries and blankets.

Now in its sixth year, the annual event was started by former Dick Vet student Dr Jaime-Leigh Thompson and is now run by a small group of veterinary students.

The donated bags are collected by Appeal volunteers, who work with Edinburgh-based charities Bethany Christian Trust, Steps to Hope SCIO and CrossReach Cunningham House, and distributed to the homeless and vulnerable people in the city. 

Originality focussed on Christmas, the scheme has extended into the New Year to ensure those sleeping on the streets continue to receive support during the coldest months of the year. 

Fifth-year student Zoe Powell-Davies, who is one of the Appeal volunteers, commented: “Being exposed to how cold Edinburgh is in the winter, I couldn’t imagine how I could cope without food, shelter and warm clothing.

“The weather can be bitter and ruthless to those on the streets and, having helped distribute bags in previous years, I have seen first-hand how much these donations are appreciated by those who receive them.”

Volunteers say they have had a 'phenomenal' response to the 2021 campaign and have managed to fill a total of 125 bags. The team hopes to continue to collect donations early next semester and are inviting students to bring back any unwanted items/Christmas gifts to campus. 

The scheme also accepts dog-related donations such as food, treats, toys, blankets, coats and reflective collars. These bags are distributed by All4Paws, a student-run veterinary clinic that provides free care for pets of homeless people.

For more information about the appeal and details on how to donate, visit ed.ac.uk/vet/news-events/2021-news/festivebagappeal

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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.