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RSPCA - 'serious concerns' over footage
Footage of pigs being struck released by Animal Equality

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) have expressed 'serious concerns' after the international animal rights organisation Animal Equality released footage taken at two Norfolk pig farms by undercover investigators. The footage, which has been distributed  online, was stated by Animal Equality to have been taken at The Piggery at Didlington and the Little Thorns Weaner Unit near Swaffham, both of which are owned by the East Anglian Pig (EAP) Company.

The footage, which was been seen by MRCVS.co.uk, has been alleged by the RSPCA to show 'poor handling of sows and younger pigs, inappropriate methods of culling and poor implementation of culling practices, using methods not in line with Pig Veterinary Society guidelines.' Urgent inspections have been conducted at both farms by the charity.

EAP, which has been approved by the Red Tractor Assurance Scheme and the RSPCA's Freedom Food scheme, has announced a full internal investigation. Commenting, a spokesperson said “We totally condemn and do not tolerate any animal mistreatment or malpractice and operate in accordance with Freedom Food, Red Tractor Assurance Scheme and the Pig Veterinary Society policies and guidelines,” and added that “The RSPCA has confirmed there are no grounds for prosecution and are engaged in further meetings with the company during this week."

Front page image: www.edp24.co.uk

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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.