Despite consumers nearly doubling their ethical household spending in the last five years, most of 17 million turkeys farmed in the UK are reared to what the RSPCA deem to be ‘unacceptable’ animal welfare standards.

The RSPCA’s own ‘Freedom Food’ scheme has launched a campaign this Christmas to highlight the plight of farm animals, and to urge people to look for their logo when shopping this year.

For more information visit Freedom Food

Wildlife Extra report that one of the 15 white tailed eagles recently released has been deliberately killed in Angus.

Tayside Police are investigating.

Full report here

Most of us will suffer from furry teeth, a bloated gut and/or a massive hangover at some point over Christmas, but for a dog overdoing it could be fatal. Chocolate contains a bitter alkaline called Theobromine which is harmless to humans, but a potential killer to dogs.

The Guardian report:

The RSPCA has long campaigned against feeding dogs chocolate – especially at Christmas, when tree decorations, chocolate boxes and unsuspecting owners provide lots of opportunities for theobromine poisoning. Last year the Veterinary Poisons Information Service received 790 calls about chocolate poisoning; this year the figure is already at 844. Steve Cheetham, RSPCA head of veterinary services, says: “Special chocolate drops are available from pet shops if you want to give your dog a chocolate treat.” These are made of carob and so contain no theobromine.

Full story here