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UK bans elephant ivory trade
"Legal ivory markets have long provided a smokescreen for illegal trade, putting endangered elephants in further jeopardy" - James Sawyer, IFAW.
It is now illegal to sell ivory of any age. 

Yesterday (6 June), the UK's Ivory Act came into effect, creating a near-total ban on the sale of elephant ivory in the country.

Putting a stop to the UK trade in ivory, the ban on the import, export and dealing of items containing elephant ivory covers ivory items of all ages. 

With a narrowly defined set of exemptions, it is now illegal to deal in the items unless they have an exemption certificate, or have been registered. 

Lord Goldsmith, animal welfare minister, commented on the act: “The world-leading Ivory Act coming into force represents a landmark moment in securing the survival of elephants across the globe for future generations.

“Thousands of elephants are unnecessarily and cruelly targeted for their ivory every year for financial gain. 

“As one of the toughest bans of its kind, we are sending a clear message the commercial trade of elephant ivory is totally unacceptable.” 

The importance of the act for animal welfare cannot be overstated, with an estimated 20,000 elephants slaughtered annually for the ivory trade. 

James Sawyer, director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) said: “Today is a good day for elephants. With as many as 20,000 elephants a year poached for ivory, this ban could not have come a moment too soon. 

“IFAW believes ivory should only be valued on a live elephant and the overwhelming public support for banning the trade shows the majority of people feel the same.

“Legal ivory markets have long provided a smokescreen for illegal trade, putting endangered elephants in further jeopardy. 

“Ivory trading in the UK has now rightly been consigned to the history books and everyone who has played a part in this important conservation victory should be proud.” 

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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.