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Rescue centre seeks homes for almost 100 guinea pigs
Local people donated bedding and food to help look after the guinea pigs.
The animals have been given a clean bill of health after ringworm infection.

An animal rescue centre in Kent is looking to find new owners for almost 100 guinea pigs in its care.

The RSPCA’s Leybourne Animal Centre took in 63 guinea pigs in November last year after they were removed from a farm in the East Midlands. Many of the animals were pregnant and the total number in the group has since risen to 93.

Although the charity planned to rehome them quickly, efforts to find them new owners had to be delayed after they were found to have a contagious ringworm infection. The guinea pigs were quarantined and nursed by staff wearing PPE.

Darren Parrish, manager of the centre, said: “They were medicated daily and we followed a strict cleaning regime which has meant throwing everything away and stripping out all their bedding.

“But we had had a huge response from the local community in Kent, who have helped us make life comfortable for the guinea pigs. There were generous donations of hay and newspapers for bedding as well as feed and veg. It’s amazing what we can achieve together for animal welfare.”

Following the guinea pigs being given a clean bill of health, the rescue centre has started actively looking to find new homes for them. They are prioritising applications from people who want to adopt mixed male and female pairs and prospective owners will need to show that they can provide suitable accommodation.

Mr Parrish added: “Rehoming is such an important part of our work to create a better world for every animal.

“The RSPCA turns 200 years old this year - and finding all these guinea pigs loving new homes would be an amazing way to celebrate.”

Images © RSPCA

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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.