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Livestock attack DNA project moves to next stage
The project is being run by Liverpool John Moores University.
DNA collection kits are being distributed as part of trial.

Canine DNA collecting kits are being distributed as part of a research project to tackle livestock worrying.

The Canine DNA Recovery Project, run by Liverpool John Moores University, is working with farmers, police forces, and the veterinary profession to improve the collection of dog DNA from livestock that has been attacked.

The kits are being distributed in 10 regions through participating police forces, NFU Mutual, the National Sheep Association, and Farmers Union Wales. They include swabs, scissors, tape, and detailed instructions on collecting DNA.

It is hoped that eventually the kits will be used to help prosecute the owners of dogs involved in livestock worrying.

A panel discussion on the project took place at the Royal Welsh Showground on Wednesday, 24 July.

Those attending heard from Nick Dawnay, the forensic scientist leading the project, as well as from Carmarthen MP Ann Davies, beef and sheep farmer Wyn Evans, and Rhys Evans of North Wales Police’s rural crime team.

FUW’s regional vice-president Anwen Hughes, who chaired the discussion, said: “I have been keeping my eye on the developments of this project since its inception and have been involved in many of the discussions regarding livestock worrying issues in Wales, on behalf of FUW members.

“It is difficult to unsee the horror left behind after dogs have attacked and disfigured sheep in a field. It impacts our own mental health and well-being, in addition to the cost implications it has on the business. It is a harrowing situation to be in.”

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.