Current Affairs

Jan- 2018 -

18 January

Bird flu prevention zone extended across the whole of England

A bird flu prevention zone has been declared across the whole of England, following cases of influenza found in two different locations. This applies to everyone who keeps poultry or captive birds, meaning they must follow increased biosecurity requirements. It comes as 13 dead wild birds were confirmed to have…

17 January

Inflation drops for the first time in 6 months

The inflation rate saw a slight dip in December, falling to 3%, according to figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The level of inflation, according to Consumer Price Index (CPI), was less than November’s rate of 3.1%, which was at its highest for six years. The high…

17 January

41 animal charities urge government to ‘put words into action’ on post-Brexit welfare

The UK Centre for Animal Law and Wildlife and Countryside Link have released a report ‘Brexit – getting the best deal for animals’ calling on the UK Government to “turn words into action” for animals. The report is supported by 41 animal welfare charities in the UK, who have joined…

17 January

Supermarket takes aim at the hypoallergenic pet food market

Sainsbury’s is set to take on the healthy and hypoallergenic pet food market with the launch of its Hypoallergenic Range. The range, part of a wider investment in the pet aisles, has been created to cater for UK cats and dogs with food allergies or intolerances. The supermarket states that “owners [have…

16 January

‘Air gun licensing needed to protect cats’, claims charity

Air guns should be licensed to protect cats from being shot, claims Cats Protection. Three cats are killed or injured by an air gun every week, according to the charity. The Government is currently holding a public consultation into air weapon regulation, including licensing, due to close on 6 February…

15 January

Bird flu found in Dorset

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) have confirmed cases of avian influenza in South Dorset. Some 17 wild birds in Weymouth have been found to be carrying a virus closely related to the H5N6 strain. DEFRA has advised all bird…

15 January

WWII dog gets posthumous award

A US Army dog who protected the lives of his platoon during the invasion of Sicily in 1943, has been posthumously awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal – widely known as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. Chips, a German Shepherd-Husky-cross, has been recognised for his key role during the…

15 January

Pet food manufacturer sees growth despite £2.4m loss

Despite profit being down by £2.4 million to 31st March 2017, Lily’s Kitchen has reported year-on-year sales growth. The pet food producer recorded a 36 percent sales growth to 31st March 2017. Lily’s Kitchen stated that losses were due to “investing heavily in the business, particularly in its people, systems and marketing in order…

12 January

PFMA responds to raw food study

The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) has responded to claims feeding animals raw food could be dangerous. A team of researchers in the Netherlands have said that the foods could be contaminated with bacteria and parasites. The association responded by stating: “PFMA members produce a wide range of products including…

12 January

Feeding raw meat to pets could be dangerous, say scientists

The raw meat diet for pets has been criticised by scientists, who say it could potentially be harmful to both animals and humans. A team of researchers in the Netherlands have said that the foods could be contaminated with bacteria and parasites. The raw meat diet has grown in popularity,…