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Falcon rescued by traffic warden
Bird of prey given second chance.

A peregrine falcon was released from the RSPCA Stapely Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire on New Year's Day after being brought in by a traffic warden.

Lee Gallagher, 40, was patrolling his patch in Birkenhead, Merseyside, during torrential rain when he noticed the falcon sitting in the middle of the road and showing signs of distress. It is believed that attempting to fly in the extreme conditions led to exhaustion.

Mr Gallagher approached the falcon with caution and quickly realised that it needed help. Mr Gallagher said “I am used to handling birds so knew how to approach with my jacket as a shield, but I was very surprised the falcon didn’t try to peck me or attack in any way. It was as if he knew I was there to save him and just stayed in my arms until I got him to the car and then let me stroke the back of his head.”

The falcon was then taken to an RSPCA Wildlife Centre, where it was inspected by a vet and fed up until it had made a full recovery. Mr Gallagher was present when the falcon was released back into the wild on New Year's Day.

Commenting, Andrew Smith of RSPCA Stapely Grange said “It is fantastic that Lee didn’t get into a flap when he found this bird and had the calm of mind to pick it up and bring it to us. It was in quite a bad state and would have struggled had he left it where he was.”

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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.