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A rise in new 'it' dogs
Malamutes and Huskies are new 'status' dogs

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has reported a 40 per cent increase in the number of Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies being abandoned at its doors, leading to concern that these breeds are becoming the next must-have "status" dogs in inner city areas.

Huskies and Malamutes are known for their ability to ran vast distances, and it is believed that they are being bought by people with little understanding of their needs or welfare.

Already this year, the charity has taken in over 60 Huskies and Malamutes, and is urging would-be dog owners not to buy dogs on impulse and to choose a breed based not on looks, but what best suits their lifestyle.

Liz McWalter, Head of Intake at Battersea, said: "Huskies and Malamutes are very intelligent working breeds and need lots of space and exercise. Because they are working dogs, bred for a specific purpose, they have a very strong instinct to run. They should only be let off the lead in controlled environments and in cities like London this poses a serious dog control problem if they are in the wrong hands."

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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.