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Call for compulsory microchipping
The BVA renews its call for compulsory microchipping of all dogs.

In light of two reports on dogs revealed yesterday, the British Veterinary Association has renewed its call for compulsory microchipping.

Dogs Trust revealed the number of stray dogs in the UK is the highest in eleven years, with over 126,176 dogs picked up by local authorities in the last 12 months, and around 20 dogs a day being put to sleep.

New research from Guide Dogs shows seven attacks per month on guide dogs by other dogs, whose owners are unable to control and manage their dogs properly in public.

Harvey Locke, the President of the BVA, said: "These hard hitting reports expose the heartache and financial costs that arise when dog owners fail to take their responsibilities seriously."

The BVA is a member of the Microchipping Alliance, which is urging the Government to introduce compulsory microchipping of dogs to save taxpayers' money and promote better welfare.

Locke added: "Although compulsory microchipping is not a magic wand, it would prove enormously helpful in increasing the number of dogs that can be reunited with their owners, reducing the number of dogs that are in kennels or euthanised, and making it easier to identify irresponsible owners."

He ended on a call to the Government: "We hope these reports from the Dogs Trust and Guide Dogs will encourage Ministers to take action."

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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.