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New qualifications for pet behaviourists
New programme announced by COAPE

The Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) has announced a new programme of Ofqual-regulated qualifications for pet behaviourists and trainers. The new diploma in companion animal behaviour and training is being offered by COAPE, in association with the Open College Network Yorkshire and Humber Region.

The new qualification is a three-year programme, after which students will reach degree level and can pursue an academic career in the field.

There has been a long-standing debate among those involved with pet behaviour therapy and within the veterinary and animal welfare professions about the level of education and practice standards of the individuals who offer their services as pet behaviourists and trainers. Now, COAPE hopes the new qualification will help introduce defined accountability and standardisation across the profession.

Registrations for the qualification are now being invited, with courses set to begin in September 2012. For more information, click here.

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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

Click here for more...
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.