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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th April 2023
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Dog show cancelled again over cropped ears concerns
Ear cropping is illegal in the UK.
The event had previously been cancelled in February after BBC investigation.

A dog show due to be held over the Easter weekend was cancelled at the last minute following concerns about the promotion of dogs with cropped ears.

Organised by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) UK, Bully Festival 9 was due to be held on Saturday, 8 April at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester. However, the venue decided on Thursday not to go ahead with the event.

A spokesperson for the Bowlers Exhibition Centre said: ”After careful consideration and extensive consultation with local authorities, police and the RSPCA we have come to a mutual decision to cancel this weekend's ABKC dog show due to take place at the centre on Saturday.”

It is the second time the show has been cancelled this year. In February, the Coventry Building Society Arena cancelled the event following an investigation into ear cropping by BBC Panorama and BBC Disclosure.

The documentary revealed that dogs with cropped ears were being awarded prizes at events run by ABKC UK. Ear cropping is illegal in England, but dogs with cropped ears can still be imported legally.

The Government has announced plans to ban imports of dogs with cropped ears as part of the Kept Animals Bill. However, the legislation is yet to be passed.

The RSPCA’s Dr Samantha Gaines said: “We are really pleased to hear that the American Bully Kennel Club’s Bully Festival 9 event has been cancelled by Bowlers Exhibition Centre. We raised our concerns with the centre and, after considering the impact of holding this event, they have listened and done the right thing. Cruel practices such as ear cropping should not be applauded.

“The BBC’s recent Panorama and Disclosure documentaries raised some really concerning questions about the welfare of many dogs being shown at these events - with the prominence of dogs with cropped ears a real worry for the RSPCA.

“The cropping of dogs’ ears should never be celebrated. It is a painful, unnecessary procedure that has been illegal in England since 2007. Sadly, despite this, too many people still think this is a desirable cosmetic trait and inflict this on dogs for no other reason than for the look.”

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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.