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Inquiry launched into dangerous dog proposals
Press conference held today by ERFRACom.

A press conference is being held at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home today to outline the details of an inquiry launched by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee into Government plans to tackle irresponsible dog ownership and breeding.

EFRACom has launched the investigation following the announcement of Government plans in April to extend dangerous dogs law to cover private property and to launch a consultation on microchipping.

On 15th May, the Sentencing Council for England and Wales published updated guidance on factors that should influence the punishment for a dog attack conviction, which are expected to be implemented towards the end of August.

A council spokesperson commented: "The new guidelines will mean more offenders will face jail sentences, more will get community orders and fewer will receive discharges."

These guidelines came as a result of a consultation launched last year, which focused on whether minimum sentencing for dog attacks should be increased - as well as covering possession of animals banned under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act and cases where a potentially dangerous dog is brought into a private place. 

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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.