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World Horse Welfare marks Groom Appreciation Day
The messages of gratitude were collected in secret, so that they would be a surprise.
Grooms received messages of thanks from supporters.

World Horse Welfare has celebrated the work of its grooms with its Groom Appreciation Day on Friday, 15 November.

The equine rescue charity asked its supporters to submit messages of thanks, which were then read to its team.

World Horse Welfare has 46 grooms, who work 365 days a year to care for horses, ponies and donkeys. The grooms are out in all weathers and are often working with animals which have been sick, neglected or abused.

Tony Tyler, deputy chief executive, said: “Anyone who has worked or works with horses will understand the daily challenges they face, especially during the winter months. And, for our grooms it can be particularly hard work with horses and ponies that have been neglected, mistreated and poorly handled.
 
“We felt their investment in the welfare of these horses, ponies, donkeys and the occasional mule is something to be celebrated.”

To celebrate the grooms’ work, World Horse Welfare asked its supporters to send in messages expressing their gratitude. This was done in secret so that it would be a surprise when they were presented on the charity’s Groom Appreciation Day.

It soon received over 1,000 messages of thanks from across the UK. These were presented to the grooms and a video has been released of the grooms reading their favourite messages.

One such groom is Kathryn Coombes, who works at Hall Farm Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Ms Coombes said: “One of the most challenging day-to-day experiences as a groom at World Horse Welfare is having to accept that there will be some ongoing long-term effects of neglect on horses no matter how well cared for [...] after arrival.
 
“But it is very rewarding to know you are having a positive impact on the horses’ lives.”

Abi Tuckwell, who has worked as a groom at Belwade Farm in Aberdeenshire since 2015, said: “All of us love the horses we care for and when things go wrong, we really feel it, as this isn't just a job for us. If we didn't love them all, we wouldn't be working here to try and make a difference.”

The video can be viewed here.

Image © World Horse Welfare

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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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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.