World News Roundup: Circus Tiger Shot Near Eiffel Tower

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This week in veterinary news from around the world: one of the world’s rarest amphibians has been bred successfully in England, an Irish animal charity extends its program to help house pets of abuse victims, and a circus tiger is shot near the Eiffel Tower after escaping from his enclosure.

US Farmers Use Twice as Many Antibiotics as UK Farmers (Huffington Post)

“Fears about post-Brexit food safety resurfaced after it emerged US farmers could be using more than twice the antibiotic-per-animal of their UK counterparts.” Sale of antibiotics intended for farm animals increased by 27% in the United States since 2009 but fell by 26% in Britain. Antibiotics, chlorine rinses, and irradiation are being used too routinely, according to new research by a London-based food and farming alliance.

Rarest European Amphibian Bred at Chester Zoo (The Chester Chronicle)

In a conservation first, Chester Zoo in Upton, England, has successfully bred one of the world’s rarest amphibians and one of the most endangered species in Europe—the Montseny newt. Last week, 12 Montseny newts hatched at the zoo ahead of a future release into the wild. “Recent estimates indicate no more than 1500 [Montseny newts] remain in an area less than 8 km2.”

Canadians Have Dog-Dumping Problem (The Globe and Mail)

Recent headlines have revealed that citizens throughout Canada are throwing away dogs as if they were trash. “As a culture, Canadians lack respect for the duties of dog ownership, and throwing away animals like garbage is just par for the cruel course.” But could this problem stem from bigger issues? “The problem of unregulated dog breeding, the effect it has on Canada's pet overpopulation problem, and on the positioning of animals within our society” could be the underlying reason for these news headlines, says a Winnepeg veterinarian.

Ireland Animal Charity Helps House Abuse Victims’ Pets (BBC)

“An animal charity has stepped in to help victims of domestic abuse who may be trapped in a violent relationship because of fears about their pets.” The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) announced that it will expand a project across Northern Ireland to help find temporary homes for these pets. This same project has been active in some southern areas for the past 2 years. “Women’s Aid and the USPCA will meet soon to firm up plans on the temporary re-homing of domestic animals.”

Saskatchewan Strengthens Animal Protection Laws (Global News)

Animal rights groups are applauding several proposed amendments to Saskatchewan’s Animal Protection Act . “The government said the changes will include broadening the definition of distress, give animal protection officers the ability to issue corrective action orders, and expand the locations they can inspect to include boarding kennels.” Veterinarians will also be required to report suspected animal neglect or abuse to the appropriate animal protection agencies.

Owner Shoots Escaped Circus Tiger in Paris (The Telegraph)

“An escaped circus tiger was shot dead by its owner as it roamed the streets of Paris near the Eiffel Tower.” Paris residents reportedly called firefighters after spotting the tiger wandering around, but the tiger was already dead when firefighters arrived on the scene. According to the circus manager who killed the tiger, he shot it “for the safety of the public” after failing to capture it alive. The tiger escaped after the door of its enclosure had been left open in what the owner called an “act of malice.”

Ban Petition to Ban Dog Walking Circulating in Wales (BBC)

After a rugby player from Wales got an infection thought to be caused by dog feces left on the grounds at his playing field, one councilor is calling for harsher rules for dog walkers. The petition calls for banning dog walking from all schools, children’s play areas, and marked sports fields; forcing dog owners to keep a leash their dog at all times at council-maintained cemeteries; making dog owners carry doggy bags at all times; and instituting fines for dog owners who break the rules.

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