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Welfare breach for sheep shipment
Photo: Jennifer MacKenzie
AHVLA and RSPCA inspected conditions at Ramsgate docks

The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the RSPCA found a welfare breach while inspecting lorry loads of sheep at Ramsgate docks on 6th June, when it emerged that a faulty pump had resulted in hundreds of sheep having no access to drinking water.

It is a legal requirement that all lorries be fixed with a water supply so the animals can be provided with water instantly if so required. The AHVLA issued a warning note and the pump was repaired at the port before the lorry continued its journey.

Dr Julia Wrathall, head of the RSPCA's farm animals science team, said: "Drinking water is one of the essential basics that sheep, or any animals, need during a journey which can potentially be long and hot. It's very concerning that a lorry transporting live animals abroad had a faulty water pump but it's a relief that this was rectified so quickly."

The welfare breach follows the European Commission's rejection of a petition signed by over 400 MEPs and a million supporters calling for a maximum eight hour journey time. 

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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.