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XL bully neutering scheme extended
The scheme will continue until all current funding has been allocated.

The fund supports owners with neutering costs.

A financial assistance scheme, organised to support owners of XL bully type dogs with neutering costs, has been extended.

The extension comes as the scheme, launched by the RSPCA, Blue Cross and Battersea, receives more applications for support ahead of the neutering deadline on 30 June.

From 30 June 2024, XL bully type dogs which were over the age of one on 31 January 2024 must be neutered.

Dogs which were less than one-year-old, but over seven months old, should be neutered by 31 December 2024. A recent extension means that dogs which were under the age of seven months on 31 January 2023 must be neutered by 30 June 2025.

Owners must then send confirmation of neutering, signed by their veterinary surgeon, to Defra.

To meet the demand for financial support, the scheme has now been extended. It will now continue to run until all the current funding has been allocated.

The XL bully neutering scheme is designed to support owners of XL bully type dogs who have applied for exemption for their dog, but for whom financial hardship makes it difficult for them to meet the neutering requirements.

Veterinary practices must apply for the fund on their client’s behalf. Clients may be eligible for up to £250, dependent on the dog’s gender and the procedure.

The exemption scheme is on track to support 1,000 owners with their neutering costs. There are over 450 veterinary practices currently registered to the scheme.

The charities say that owners of XL bully type dogs should not delay in getting their pet neutered, and should speak to their veterinary practice about financial support if needed.

Cassie Newman, RSPCA assistant director of animal services, said: “The ban on XL bullies left a lot of dog-owners worried about the future of their beloved pet.

“We know that there are many much-loved XL bullies out there but whose owners couldn’t afford to pay for the neutering requirement, and we are really pleased that this scheme has been popular.

“We hope the scheme will help avoid some situations where owners might otherwise choose euthanasia because of cost concerns.”

Image © Shutterstock

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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.