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Horse Tax Bill Opposition
Over 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing the proposals to introduce a tax on horse owners.
 The draft Animal Health Bill has drawn criticism from the horse sector regarding the introduction of a new tax on horse owners.

Over 10,000 people have signed a petition opposing the proposals to introduce a tax on horse owners. Campaigners have been logging on to the 10 Downing Street website since September to have their say on the proposals.

The British Horse Industry Confederation has explicitly expressed their concern. One spokesperson, Tim Morris said: “The horse sector has said it will work with the government to achieve the benefits of reduced risk of disease and enhanced animal welfare. The horse sector has a long history of already sharing responsibly and costs for disease with Defra, and unlike farmers the horse sector was only notified of these radical changes less than a year ago. But all we are seeing is the extra cost and complexity of an expensive new quango, which will be an unnecessary burden to both the taxpayer and horse owner, with none of these benefits.”

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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.