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World Horse Welfare reacts to transport recommendations
World Horse Welfare's founding campaign seeks to prevent needless long journeys to slaughter in Europe.
European Commission report outlines new welfare protections.

World Horse Welfare, the UK's largest equine charity, has reacted to the European Commission's (EC) recommendations to improve the conditions during the transport of horses.

The EC's scientific advisors presented a report on animal transport in Europe, and World Horse Welfare has welcomed its recommendations regarding shorter journeys, allowing more space and better training for people involved in the transport of horses.

Chief executive of World Horse Welfare, Roly Owers, commented on the recommendations: “We welcome this report which acknowledges what we have been saying for years: the longer the journey, the more horses can suffer, especially when conditions are not right. 

'These recommendations echo many of our own, including the need for shorter journeys, increased space allowance and better training for everyone involved in transporting horses.

'The report is an irrefutable case for change, and I very much hope that their recommendations will be taken on board, alongside a specified maximum journey time limit.

“In the shadow of Brexit there is a real danger that animal transport requirements in GB and EU will significantly differ. World Horse Welfare is working to seek as close alignment as possible with animal welfare and health rules, including disease control. 

'This will hopefully ensure the welfare of equines as they are transported between the EU and Great Britain, but also allow for ease of compliance for transporters.”

In the recommendations, the scientific advisors stated that horses should not be transported in temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius inside the vehicle. 

They also stipulate that each animal should have a minimum of 40cm space in excess of both width and length, and that overall journey times should be reduced, with stationary rest, feed and watering provided for a minimum of 30 minutes every four hours.

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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.