On Wednesday 8^th May 2019, there’s a two part programme called Saving Britain’s Hedgehogs at 8pm on Channel 5. 

The programmes are on Wednesday 8 May 2019 and Wednesday 15 May 2019.

Steve Backshall and Queen’s Brian May are teaming up to save the hedgehog.

Hedgehogs were recently voted Britain’s favourite wild animal – but their numbers are decreasing fast.  In fact, they could be extinct in the UK within a decade.

There’s a determined effort to save them. 

Three years ago, Brian May teamed up with Anne Brummer, a wildlife expert, to set up Amazing Grace.   It’s a hedgehog rescue centre in Surrey.

Only Fools and Horses star, John “Boycie” Challis is also on the programme.

There’s a lot we can all do to help hedgehogs, so please lend a paw and watch the programme.

Hedgehog charities include the British Hedgehog Preservation Society which has a huge network of hedgehog carers around the UK

If the 16 million UK farm animals kept in cages could speak, what might they say?

There’s a short video featuring famous people such as Deborah Meaden, Joanna Lumley and Peter Egan, Kate Ford, Evanna Lynch and Mike Beckingham asking that very question

The You Tube video has some seriously adorable farm animals in it – it’s called Dear Humans, and it the famous faces are speaking up for the millions of UK farm animals suffering in cages.  And here it is:

Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) say that around 16 million hens are still locked up in cages – that’s over one third of all hens nationwide.   Because of overcrowding and restricted height, they have not much more than a sheet of A4 paper for space.

Over 50% of all UK sows also suffer.   Many are forced to give birth in farrowing crates;  they can’t turn round and have to suckle their piglets through bars.

Cages are cruel, outdated and wrong. 

Please add your signature  to call for a debate in Parliament and a ban on cage cruelty.

CIWF needs less than 31,000 more signatures before a ban on cage farming will be considered for debate in parliament.  Once you’ve signed, you’ll get a verification email in your inbox which you must click if your signature is to count.

#EndTheCage today!

The world is a far smaller place than it used to be, so the saying goes.   And one of the developments that’s really striking in the world of animal welfare is that of charities working across borders.

I was catching up with some reading the other day and had my nose in the Donkey Sanctuary’s excellent newsletter.

And one of the things the newsletter highlighted was donkey owners becoming welfare champions in South Africa.

The Donkey Sanctuary collaborates with a network of partners across Africa.   This is really important because they are working to change mindsets there and win the hearts of people.  They are not giving a hand-out, but a vital hand-up as a way forward for better animal welfare.

This comes through initiating steps such as animal welfare education for children, veterinary training for adults, harness-making workshops and tackling the crisis of donkeys being poached for the skin trade.

There’s an increasing demand for ejiao, a traditional Chinese remedy made using the gelatin found in donkey hides. The Donkey Sanctuary’s partner conducted 55 skin trade investigations which led to 9 court cases and saved 50 donkeys from slaughter.  They also intercepted a stolen herd of donkeys near Lesotho, and two of those saved – Gypsy & Hippie – are now doing well in a new home!

Last year, the Donkey Sanctuary’s funding of the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) in South Africa improved the lives of 1,400 donkeys and upskilled nearly 700 donkey owners and handlers. 

Education is so important and can really make a difference. Skills and knowledge can be passed on and down through generations, and have a lasting impact on animal welfare.

You can find out more and support the Donkey Sanctuary’s efforts by donating through their website. 

Find out about volunteering here

You can see their webcams here