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Dogs Make You Happy!
Ben Fogle says his relationship with his dog has brought him many happy moments, including an introduction to his now wife, Marina.
Findings from a recent poll of 1,000 of the UK's seven million dog owners, reveal that simply by spending time with the family dog, dog owners feel more relaxed and less stressed (55%), happier and more optimistic (44%), and less occupied with every day worries and problems (44%).

The findings also reveal two thirds (67%) claim walking the dog is the best quality time they spend with their family – more than watching TV, eating dinner or even going on holiday together.

The research is supported by a study conducted by Mindlab International. Using monitoring equipment and stressor tests to compare the effect different relaxation techniques have on family members, the study proves the simple act of petting the family dog is the most effective method of lowering stress within families – beating other popular methods of relaxation such as reading and listening to music.

Those polled also identified many other benefits associated with owning a dog, including the sense of responsibility (54%) and care (41%) that owning a dog instills in young family members, as well as the role dogs play in getting families off the couch and outside being active (54%).

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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.