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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th August 2010
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Scottish Hot Branding Ban Welcomed
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) are delighted at the announcement from the Scottish Government that the hot branding of horses and ponies will be banned in Scotland.

New regulations will be laid in the Scottish Parliament in September to remove the exemption which allows the hot branding of equine animals to take place.

The announcement follows a consultation by the Scottish Government driven by BVA and BEVA policies calling for a full ban last year.
 
Commenting, Professor Bill Reilly, President of the BVA, said: “This is a very important decision for the welfare of horses and ponies. Hot branding is undoubtedly painful and causes unnecessary suffering. We are delighted that the Scottish Government has made this decision and hope that the rest of the UK follows.”
 
Dr Madeleine Campbell, President of BEVA, added: “Hot branding requires the efficient destruction by burning of the superficial skin layers leaving a distinct scar. This technique is clearly no longer justifiable on welfare grounds and we are very pleased that the Scottish Government has listened to our concerns.”
 
 
Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: "There is no place for hot branding in a country which prides itself on its high animal welfare credentials. The main function of branding is to identify horses and ponies but the legal requirement to microchip all equines now means that it is no longer required.”
 

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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.