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WSPA boost Police Wildlife Crime Unit
Charity directly funds MPS unit expansion

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has directly funded the expansion of a specialist unit of the Metropolitan Police Service. The current strength of the Wildlife Crime Unit (WCU) is one Sergeant, one Constable and one member of police auxiliary staff. The WSPA's generosity has allowed for the assignment of an additional Constable and an additional staff member.

This unusual involvement of a charity in directly funding a Police unit came after the WSPA's UK arm grew concerned at the effect UK-wide Austerity reforms would have on tackling wildlife crime. DEFRA Minister Richard Benyon has attempted to secure the WCU's future in Parliament at the national level, but the London unit has been hit particularly hard by increased strain on resources and the impending retirement of current officers. In light of the economic climate and budget cuts, additional centralised funding was not deemed feasible.

Welcoming the news, Head of the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit Sergeant Ian Knox said "I am delighted that the World Society for the Protection of Animals has decided to contribute a significant amount of money to the Wildlife Crime Unit. The extra funding will pay for more staff so we can be more proactive in targeting criminals who seek to exploit animals for financial gain. We will also be able to provide additional support and training to Wildlife Crime Officers across London which will ensure that the Met has the capability to tackle crimes against animals in the future."

WSPA UK Head of External Affairs Simon Pope added "WSPA believes that the knowledge contained in the WCU is an irreplaceable asset to London, national and international enforcement communities. We know that our supporters and Londoners want to see wildlife criminals bought to justice, so it seemed vital now more than ever to safeguard the future of this specialist unit."

The Metropolitan Police have seized in excess of 30,000 endangered species items since 1995, including thousands of pounds worth of raw ivory products that included 24 whole elephant tusks. They were also responsible for the world's largest ever seizure of rhino horn in Kensington last year in which 129 individual horns were confiscated.

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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.