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NFU to underwrite badger cull trapping costs
Pledge to help farmers with expense of pilot programme

The National Farmer's Union (NFU) has announced that it will underwrite costs incurred by farmers due to the requirements of cage trapping badgers in the pilot areas for the proposed culls in West Somerset and West Gloucestershire should controlled shooting not be chosen as the primary control method.

The NFU has estimated that the expense of the cages could as much as double the cost of the programme, therefore placing additional strain on farmers and landowners which is likely to be 'prohibitive' in the current economic climate. An exact figure for the total expenditure required of the NFU should this course of action become necessary has not been stated, but observers have speculated that it would likely be considerable.

Commenting, President of the NFU Peter Kendall said “The NFU Governance board has agreed to cover the costs if [Professor] Christopher Wathes’ panel rules against the continuation of controlled shooting and we have to resort to cage trapping and shooting. We feel it would be unjust for the 450 or so farmers in the pilot areas to have to pay this when they are demonstrating free shooting on behalf of future areas from hereon after.”

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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.