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MSP visits North-East animal charity amid avian flu crisis


By David Porter

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Keith and Pauline Marley of the New Arc with MSP Gillian Martin
Keith and Pauline Marley of the New Arc with MSP Gillian Martin

Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has visited a north-east animal rescue charity to find out more about the work they do to rescue local wildlife.

Ms Martin visited New Arc in Ellon which has been inundated with calls from concerned residents about sick birds found washed up on the local coastline.

While at the centre, the MSP met with Keith and Pauline Marley who run the New Arc facility.

Birds including Guillemots, Gannets and Gulls have all been killed as a result of the flu or left seriously ill.

Ms Martin, who has previously written to Aberdeenshire Council about the issue - which affects the coastline along her constituency - has praised the work of the organisation.

MSP Gillian Martin saw the work being done to help injured and sick animals
MSP Gillian Martin saw the work being done to help injured and sick animals

Commenting, Gillian Martin MSP said: “I would like to commend and thank Keith and Pauline for the incredible work they do.

“The love and time they put in to looking after the animals who come in to their care is second to none and this has been a particularly challenging time as they have been inundated with calls about sick birds.

“I would like to encourage anyone who is out and about and comes across an injured or visibly unwell bird to report their findings to Defra and please keep your dogs on leads when walking along coastal paths to ensure they don’t touch or pick up dead birds.

“As we enter the summer holiday period, our beaches and coastlines will become very busy, meaning more people and their pets will come in to contact with these ill or deceased birds.

“I would like to thank New Arc for having me along to discuss the Avian Flu outbreak and to show me the vast array or work they do to support other local injured animals too.”

Anyone who finds three dead wild swans, geese or ducks, a single dead bird of prey, or five or more dead wild birds of any species (including gulls) should report their findings to Defra on 03459 33 55 77.

Dogs should be kept on a lead in coastal areas to avoid them touching or picking up dead birds.


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