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Escaped elephant in County Cork
Image - EBU
Incident prompts comment from RSPCA

Footage of an incident in which 'Baby', a 2.5 tonne forty-year-old Asian elephant, escaped from Courtney's Circus in Blackpool, County Cork has achieved considerable popularity online and has also prompted a comment from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

The elephant escaped from the circus workers assigned to his care and charged through a junction, a shopping centre, a barrier and approximately 200 metres of the nearby road towards the Blackpool Retail Park before being recaptured. Fortunately, no-one was hurt.

Commenting on the incident and its ramifications, the RSPCA's Head of Wildlife Dr Andrew Kelly said “This disturbing piece of footage highlights our concerns that wild animals such as elephants are totally unsuited to travelling circus life. If Baby has been allowed to escape, it seems likely that her environment is simply not meeting her needs. The footage shows her welfare is clearly at risk and we are particularly concerned about the use of bull hooks to try and move her. This story is a timely reminder of the plight of wild animals in circuses and the need for a proper ban.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.