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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 24th May 2013
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Pet travel laws to be relaxed
New legislation approved by European parliament

Proposals to introduce new legislation for the non-commercial transport of pets was approved by European parliament on May 23.

The changes will reportedly make it easier to travel abroad with pets, whilst tightening pet health requirements. Online information will also be made clearer for pet owners.

The new law will relax the five-pet limit for travelling across borders, allowing owners to cross borders with more than five pets if they can prove they are taking part in a competition, exhibition or sporting event.

The legislation will also clarify rules regarding pet passports and anti-rabies vaccinations. A veterinary surgeon must issue the identification documents, which should specify the transponder code, details of the anti-rabies vaccination and information on the pet's state of health.

This announcement has largely been welcomed by the RSPCA, though the charity has reiterated concerns that puppies can still be traded illegally through the pet passport system.

In a statement, the RSPCA pledged to work with the commission to end puppy trafficking, praising its proposed commitment to investigate the illegal puppy trade.

The legislation is expected to come into force 18 months after it is published in the EU Official Journal.

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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.