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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th August 2010
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Brooke’s Responsible Tourism Campaign Gains Support
Not all equine animals used in the tourist trade are kept in the best welfare conditions. Photo courtesy of Martin Usbourne.
The Brooke’s Responsible Tourism for Animals campaign has gained the support of Thomas Cook UK & Ireland. The campaign, now in its second year, calls on all tourists to take action by pledging support and following the Brooke’s Happy Horses Holiday Code.

The Responsible Tourism for Animals campaign urges tourists to think and act responsibly, especially in regard to equine animals employed in the tourist trade. To support the campaign Thomas Cook UK & Ireland has included the Happy Horses Holiday Code in its resort information provided to holidaymakers, in destinations where donkeys and horses are used.

Here are some simple questions taken from the Brooke’ Happy Horses Holiday Code which every tourist should ask before riding on one of the many equine animals promoted to tourists:
 
  • Is the animal happy and healthy?
  • Can it carry/ pull my weight?
  • Am I paying a fair price?
 
Andy Cooper, Director of Government & External Affairs at Thomas Cook Group, said, “Thomas Cook UK & Ireland has been actively addressing sustainability issues for many years. We take responsible tourism very seriously, so we are delighted to support the Brooke’s campaign.”

Some equine animals in the tourist trade are forced to carry more weight than they should. Photo courtesy of Martin Usbourne.
Kimberly Wells from Brooke’s Animal Welfare team adds: “When people travel overseas their excitement of being on holiday can often overshadow consideration for the welfare of horses and donkeys they use.  Whilst a carriage or donkey ride can be fun and also provide a vital income for animal owners, not every horse and donkey is fit for the journey.
 
 “We are urging tourists to do their bit and work with us to reduce animal suffering across the world. It’s simple: think before you ride! By following the Brooke’s Happy Horses Holiday Code when on holiday, all tourists can help make a huge difference to the lives of working horses and donkeys overseas.”

The Brooke is a UK charity dedicated to alleviating the suffering of horses, donkeys and mules across the developing world. Read more about their work here.

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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.