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NI introduces compulsory microchipping
New law on microchipping comes into force

Northern Ireland has become the first region of the United Kingdom to bring in legislation making it compulsory for a dog to be microchipped. The Dogs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 also mandates measures to deal with dangerous dogs, Dog Control Notices, and more powers for Dog Wardens. It is hoped that the new legislation will assist with the identification of stray dogs and thus allow for a more rapid return to their rightful owners.

The new legislation also extends the jurisdiction of legislation to private property, thus closing a loophole in previous legislation that includes the Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1983, the Dangerous Dogs (Northern Ireland) Order 1991, and the Dogs (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2001.

Commenting, Dog Warden Nicola Poole said "I think it'll make a big difference to dog wardens. It's another method of trying to track dogs' owners and get them home. Dogs' collars and tags can be lost and can be removed. The microchip is permanent, so it can be pretty helpful."

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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.