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Jimmy's Farm welcomes rare Suffolk Punch foals
There are fewer than 500 purebred Suffolk Punch horses registered in the UK.
Team 'delighted' at two new additions.

Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park has announced that it has welcomed two rare Suffolk Punch foals.

The oldest English breed of working horse, the Suffolk Punch is a short and stocky horse and is listed as critical by the UK Rare Breeds Survival Trust. 

Annie and Annabelle, two Suffolk Punches who live at Jimmy's Farm, have given birth to a foal each, the organisation reveals.

Both horses moved temporarily to the Suffolk Punch Trust to have their foals, and will return to the farm once mares and foals are all ready. 

Jimmy Doherty, founder and owner of Jimmy's Farm, commented: “I’m delighted at the arrival of both foals. 

“When the Suffolk Horse Society asked if we would be able to contribute to this breeding project by hosting the two mares, we were over the moon and jumped at the chance. We are elated with these two beautiful foals; the result of two successful pregnancies. 

“The Suffolk Horse is an irreplaceable feature of our local heritage here in Suffolk and these foals will help strengthen the population.”

Annabelle's colt was born on 9 May, while Annie's filly was born on 14 May. The arrival of both has been cause for great celebration, particularly for the filly, as the birth of new females is deeply important for breed population. 

Tracey Pettitt, from the Suffolk Punch Trust, led the team, and said: “I feel privileged to see the foals be born and honoured that Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park trusted us to do the job. 

“The mares are both healthy and have taken to motherhood like ducks to the water. This is the first time we’ve had two mares foal side by side. 

“Annie and Annabelle were born on the same day and have spent every day together since, they’re practically sisters.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.