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Kennel Club launches 'Crufts Factor'
Talented dogs sought for new feature

Hot on the heels of the Golden Collar awards the Kennel Club is searching for the next generation of canine stars. Dogs with talent are being sought for the first ever Crufts Factor, to take place at the world’s greatest dog show this March.

Similar to Britain’s Got Talent, but with dogs, Crufts Factor is open to dogs with a talent that is fun for both the dog and the public. Pippa Langhorne and her dog Buddy, who won the hearts of the nation in last year’s Britain’s Got Talent will be opening the competition with an operatic duet in the NEC Arena at Crufts in Birmingham on Saturday 10th March.

People who think their dog has what it takes are asked to post their videos on YouTube and send their links into the Kennel Club. People are encouraged to share their videos, as only those with the highest rating will go on to be shortlisted. The four shortlisted videos that best meet the judging criteria will then go on to compete in front of a judging panel, in the final in the Main Arena at Crufts.

The Kennel Club often hears about dogs that sing along to music, play keyboard or even skateboard and so decided it was time to recognise these special talents.

Commenting, Kennel Club Communications Director Caroline Kisko said “Crufts celebrates dogs through a number of competitions including Friends for Life, Heelwork to Music and Agility. This year we decided to add this new fun dog talent show where dogs can show off their special skills. Crufts is all about celebrating dogs and what better way to do that than by showcasing some of their unique gifts in a fun way. Dogs love to be the centre of attention and they certainly will be in this competition.”

The talent should be both safe and enjoyable for your dog, and finalists will need to be able to come to Crufts on 10th March at the NEC in Birmingham. For further information, please visit www.crufts.org.uk/cruftsfactor.

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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.