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Police horses settle in at Horse Trust
Charity rehomes horses from disbanded police unit

Two of Essex's last police horses will see out their days in peaceful retirement at the Horse Trust's Chiltern Hills sanctuary, following the disbandment of Essex Police's mounted section.

Patrick, 12-year-old Czech warmblood, and Trojan, 14-year-old a Shire-thoroughbred cross, have both retired after a "busy and varied" career with the police. Their work has included policing the London 2012 Olympics, Premiership and Championship football matches, the Southend air show and V Festival.

It was announced that Essex Police's mounted section would be disbanded in October 2012, in order to save about £600,000 a year – part of an effort to make funding cutbacks throughout the constabulary.

The majority of the police horses are to be rehomed by other constabularies or to private homes throughout the UK and their riders are to remain within the force. As Patrick and Trojan can no longer be ridden due to health issues, they have been rehomed by the Horse Trust.

Currently closed to visitors until the spring, the Horse Trust houses 100 retired and rescued horses, ponies and donkeys. It is currently undergoing renovation work to provide those in its care with the very best facilities.

Jeanette Allen, the Horse Trust's chief executive, said: "We are proud to be able to offer Patrick and Trojan the dignified retirement they deserve after years of brave and loyal service with the Essex Police. It is wonderful to bring a little bit of Essex to the Buckinghamshire countryside.

"They are both gorgeous horses with great characters and are very welcome additions to our herd."

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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.