Total Dog Magazine

Author: Jasmine Kleine

Chinese Embassy Refuses to Accept Petition With 11 Million Signatures to #StopYulin

On 7th June a petition made its way to the Chinese Embassy in London. The petition, which featured 11 million signatures urging the ban of the Yulin dog meat festival has gathered much support from celebrities and dog lovers alike online across the globe, all united in their disgust at the country’s tradition.

Mr Rob Flello, an Stoke-on-Trent MP, shared the news alongside a photograph of him on the doorstep of the embassy attempting delivery.

Alongside Mr Flello celebrities, including Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher and her dog Gary, dog behaviourist Victoria Stilwell, singer songwriter Sandi Thom, actress Jenny Seagrove and Made in Chelsea’s Lucy Watson and her dog Digby, all attended the protest arranged by the Humane Society International/UK to raise awareness to the cause.

Pictured above, Carrie Fisher and Gary

Pictured above, Jenny Seagrove and her Spaniel, alongside Lucy Watson and Digby

Most people in China don’t eat dogs, and as the Yulin festival approaches, protests and candlelit vigils are expected to take place across the country. On 14 May in China’s city of Dalian, 100,000 people protested against the Yulin festival. Dog lovers in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Dalian are increasingly angered by dog thieves who steal their pets for the meat trade and so it’s disappointing their embassy in the UK refused to accept.

June 8, 2016
The 7 Best Human Foods You Can Give to Dogs

We all know there are certain human foods that can be dangerous and in some cases, downright deadly for dogs. But what about the human foods that are not only safe for dogs, but are actually very, very healthy for them?

Here’s a list of some of the foods more commonly found on our plates that your dog can enjoy.

1. Rice. Rice is good for dogs. Rice is a very rich source of carbohydrates, phosphorous, calcium and iron. Rice diet is especially recommended for dogs who have allergies to several foods or dogs whose digestive systems are prone to fluctuations in response to more traditional canine diets.

2. Lean chicken and fish. Lean meat with no visible fat and no seasoning’s and preservatives is healthy for dogs and particularly so for dogs who need to shed a few pounds. Fish is very healthy for both humans and dogs.

3. Liver. Liver can be useful if used in some quantities in the form of a dog training treat. Most dogs seem to LOVE it and will work extra hard for a liver reward. However, dogs should be fed with liver sparingly as it can have a laxative effect.

4. Yoghurt and cottage cheese. Yoghurt and cottage cheese are a natural source of calcium. Yoghurt contains lactobacillus acidophilus that helps in the process of digestion small quantities of cottage cheese added to the dog’s normal food seem to be well received and is a healthy addition to their diet.

5. Eggs. Eggs when given in small quantities can be a good source of protein. A lot of owners will even include the shells. Many puppies are given eggs when they’re first being weaned on to normal food.

6. Peanut butter. Small quantities of peanut butter make for an interesting treat if added to chew toys (such as Kongs).

7. Vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, cucumber, celery, garlic, spinach, parsley, and green beans, squash and sweet potatoes are the top on the list. These veggies can be served raw or lightly steamed.

June 7, 2016
Cruel Puppy Farm Pair Guilty of Multiple Counts of Animal Welfare Abuse

A pair of animal traffickers have each pleaded guilty to 10 offences in relation to selling dogs and cats from their home in Manchester.

Laura Kiseliova (DoB: 14/06/79) and Raimondas Titas (DoB: 13/03/81) appeared at Manchester Crown Court this week for the start of a three-week trial. But, on Thursday (2 June), the pair pleaded guilty to a total of 10 offences each, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the Fraud Act 2006, the Pet Animals Act 1951 and the Companies Act 2006.

File photo

The RSPCA launched an investigation into the pair, who were trafficking dogs into England from eastern Europe and selling them to unsuspecting members of the public.

Kiseliova was released on conditional bail and Titas was remanded in custody by the court to establish his correct address.

RSPCA special operations unit chief inspector Ian Briggs said: “When we attended the property in Prestwich on 18 November 2013 we found 41 dogs and puppies and eight cats in a variety of cages, crates and runs.

“Many of the dogs were French bulldogs, bulldogs, and pugs, while there were also pedigree cat breeds.

“It was obvious that this duo were dealing and trading in a large number of animals and that many of them were not receiving the appropriate care and veterinary attention they needed.

“Some of the animals were suffering from problems such as conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis or had sore and infected wounds.

“During our investigation, most of the animals were signed over into RSPCA care and later rehomed.”

Kiseliova pleaded guilty to:

Carrying on the business of Pets 313 Ltd for a fraudulent purpose, namely bringing dogs into the UK from Europe to sell them, misdescribed, at a profit – contrary to section 993(1) of the Companies Act 2006.

Keeping a pet shop without a licence – contrary to section 1 of the Pet Animals Act 1951.

Keeping a dog breeding establishment without a licence – contrary to section 1 of the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973.

Causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for conjunctivitis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Causing unnecessary suffering to one dog, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for infected wounds and painful limbs – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Causing unnecessary suffering to one dog, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for moist dermatitis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Failing to ensure the needs of 41 dogs and eight cats were met by failing to protect them from pain, suffering injury, or disease by failing to establish a formal biosecurity and disease control programme – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Failing to ensure the needs of all animals were met by failing to protect them from pain, suffering injury, or disease by failing to establish a formal biosecurity and disease control programme – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Failing to ensure the needs of 22 dogs and eight cats were met by failing to provide a suitable environment – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Titas pleaded guilty to:

Dishonestly and intending to make a gain for himself or another, made a representation to Petplan which was true or misleading, namely that he was the holder of a valid policy of insurance for a dog named Black Diamond and was entitled to make a claim – contrary to section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Carrying on the business of Pets 313 Ltd for a fraudulent purpose, namely bringing dogs into the UK from Europe to sell them, misdescribed, at a profit – contrary to section 993(1) of the Companies Act 2006.

Keeping a dog breeding establishment without a licence – contrary to section 1 of the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973.

Causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for conjunctivitis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Causing unnecessary suffering to one dog, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for infected wounds and painful limbs – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Causing unnecessary suffering to one dog, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for moist dermatitis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006..

Failing to ensure the needs of 41 dogs and eight cats were met by failing to protect them from pain, suffering injury, or disease by failing to establish a formal biosecurity and disease control programme – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Failing to ensure the needs of all animals, for which they were responsible between 12 April 2012 and 19 November 2013, were met by failing to protect them from pain, suffering injury, or disease by failing to establish a formal biosecurity and disease control programme – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Failing to ensure the needs of 22 dogs and eight cats were met by failing to provide a suitable environment – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Kiseliova and Titas are due back at Manchester Crown Court on 8 July for sentencing

June 7, 2016
How to Keep Children and Dogs Safe Together

The RSPCA is encouraging parents to teach their children how to behave – and more importantly, how not to behave – around dogs.

As Dog Bite Prevention Week (12 – 19 June) nears, the oldest and largest animal welfare organisation is urging parents to spend some time educating children on the best way to approach a dog, and how to act around dogs.

RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “As a mother and dog owner myself, it’s clear that children and dogs can be really great friends. Dogs can also help children develop kindness, understanding and respect for living things. Having a dog as a friend can improve a child’s social skills with people and caring for a pet can encourage responsibility.

“But, just as parents teach their children how to act around traffic and how to safely cross the road, it’s also their responsibility to show youngsters how to behave when they’re around their own or other dogs – either in public places, or in private homes and gardens.”

This is particularly important as the summer holidays approach and as the weather improves, meaning children and dogs are more likely to be sharing outside spaces and are likely to come into contact with each other.

According to data from the Health and Social Care Information Centre, the age group with the highest number of hospital admissions for dog bites was children aged under nine*. And hospital bite statistics also show that young children are more likely to be bitten by a family dog rather than one they don’t know.

As well as dog owners ensuring their pets are trained and socialised properly, it is also important for children to understand dog behaviour and how to interact with them safely.

In 2014, the RSPCA partnered up with vet and animal behaviourist Dr Sophia Yin to develop a series of educational material to teach children how they should and shouldn’t interact with dogs, and with certified clinical animal behaviourist Julie Bedford to produce a leaflet for parents highlighting different behaviours dogs use depending on how they feel.

Giving this advice to children and vital information to parents should help avoid situations where children could get bitten by dogs..

Children and Dog Safety: Six Golden Rules

The RSPCA has six golden rules for keeping kids safe and dogs happy:

Never leave your child alone in a room with a dog, even your own dog.

Teach kids not to approach dogs if they are eating or have food; if they have a toy or something else they really like; if they are sleeping or on their bed; or are sick, sleeping, in pain or tired.

Remind your child to be kind, gentle and polite to their pets.

Teach your child to play nicely with their dog, by encouraging them to teach fun tricks like paw, play dead and roll over.

Always supervise your child when they are with a dog, and look for signs that the dog might be feeling uncomfortable such as yawning, lip licking or avoiding eye contact.

Teach children not to approach an unfamiliar dog or one which you, as parents, don’t know to be friendly towards children.

“We also recommend providing your dog with a cosy spot in a quiet room where they can retreat to if they need or want their own space,” Dr Gaines adds. “It’s good to teach your children to leave the dog alone when he/she is in this area.

“It’s also a nice idea for children to strengthen their bond with the family dog by playing fun and safe games such as hiding treats in the garden for the dog to find, playing fetch, and trying simple training.”

June 6, 2016
Can Dogs Swallow Tennis Balls? This Labrador Served up a Surprising Answer

Vets in Margate carried out lifesaving surgery on a dog struck down by a mystery illness – and discovered a tennis ball in his stomach.

One-year-old Labrador, Henry, was taken to PDSA’s Pet Clinic in Margate, The Frank and Ethel Fright Centre, by owners Howard and Dawn Elvy when he stopped eating and began crying with pain.

File photo

“Henry usually enjoys his food, so when he went off it we were worried,” says Howard. “He was crying loudly and was clearly in a lot of pain, so we took him straight to PDSA.”

Henry underwent emergency tests to find the cause of his illness. His worried owners were shocked when an x-ray revealed a tennis ball was blocking his stomach.

Howard said: “We were worried sick. It must have been really nasty for him and it’s terrible to think the blockage could have killed him.”

PDSA Vet Nurse, Christopher Russell, said: “Henry was seriously ill when he was brought to see us. The ball was causing a blockage which, if not removed, would have eventually killed him. He had to undergo major surgery to remove the ball, but thankfully it went well and he’s since made a full recovery.”

Once removed, relieved owners Howard and Dawn recognised the ball as one of Henry’s they had last seen several weeks earlier while playing at the beach.

Howard added: “We treat Henry as one of the family and he means the world to us both. As pensioners, we couldn’t possibly have afforded his treatment, so we’re both very grateful to the vets and nurses at PDSA for helping Henry.”

Two out of every three pets that receive free veterinary treatment from PDSA are funded from gifts in wills and for a limited time PDSA is offering a Free Will-writing service to over 50’s.

Vet Nurse Christopher adds: “Donations such as gifts in wills fund our operations, so we hope local residents will continue to support our work caring for local sick and injured pets by considering leaving a gift in their will.”

June 6, 2016
Actor Eric McCormack Shows Support for Animal Welfare Joining Celebrities Urging US & Canadian Governments to Protect Stray & Shelter Dogs

Actor Eric McCormack, perhaps best known for playing lawyer Will Truman in the hit TV show ‘Will & Grace’, and a team of celebrities have joined Cruelty Free International in urging the U.S and Canadian governments to protect stray and shelter dogs being used in experiments and education, as part of a global campaign to end the use of dogs in research.

The initiative, which has also received support from actors Seth Gilliam (‘The Walking Dead’), Lou Diamond Phillips (‘La Bamba’) and Danny Trejo (‘Breaking Bad’), and Cruelty Free International Global Ambassador and international superstar violinist Vanessa-Mae, will bring the issue to the attention of governments and educational bodies globally.

Stray and shelter dogs are suffering in laboratories and educational facilities worldwide, including in the U.S and Canada, where they can still be used in experiments and for harmful teaching practices at veterinary schools.

According to new opinion polls carried on behalf of Cruelty Free International, the issue raises strong public concern. 68% of American adults and 73% of Canadian adults agree that dogs found or given to animal shelters should not be sold to laboratories for experiments.

Canadian Eric McCormack said: “Shelter dogs should be adopted into loving homes not used in cruel experiments. That’s why I support the Cruelty Free International global dog campaign.”

Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International who are behind the campaign says: “Treating dogs as disposable research commodities or teaching tools with no regard for their lives is wrong. We urge the US and Canadian governments to protect all shelter dogs by implementing legislation to finally put an end to this practice.”

June 3, 2016
Dog Owners: Don’t Walk Past This Product Next Time You’re at the Supermarket

Canine arthritis and dog mobility conditions can be painful to observe. A nagging reminder of our once sprightly dogs feeling the effects of age. While there are many pharmaceutical drugs used to help dogs with arthritis, there are also popular natural remedies that are widely used and subject to many positive comments from the dog owners who swear by them. One product in particular, which is widely available in most supermarkets has got lots of owners talking about its health benefits.

Turmeric is a popular natural remedy for dog arthritis. Canine arthritis is characterized by joint inflammation and pain. It is believed to result from years of repeated movements, which causes injuries and degeneration in various areas of the joints.

The cartilage, on the other hand, is that soft tissue covering bones that degrades and exposes bones to inflammation. Joint stiffness, discomfort in getting up, limping, and hesitations in engaging in activities such as jumping are some of the symptoms of the condition.

There are factors believed to contribute to the development of canine arthritis such as inheritance, ageing, obesity, immune system problems, joint infections, and inheritance.

There are treatment options available such as surgeries or non-surgical treatments such as the use of painkillers and steroids. While these medications are helpful, their use has been associated with side effects. These side effects include gastrointestinal problems, kidney disorders, and bleeding.

The natural remedies for canine arthritis are exercise, weight management, and the use of natural alternatives such as turmeric. This medicinal spice has long been used for a range of conditions. Its therapeutic benefits are thought to come from its phytochemical called curcumin.

Curcumin is also a popular natural alternative to humans who suffer from arthritis and do not want to experience any side effects. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis properties that regulate inflammation and inhibit the production of inflammatory chemicals.

“Curcumin supplements can be purchased at local health stores or in just a matter of clicks online,” said VitaBreeze Supplements spokesperson, Michelle O’Sullivan.

This phytochemical is even believed to be effective in preventing the spread of rheumatoid arthritis. Curcumin can also act as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are popular pain medications.

Curcumin just like NSAIDs is believed to inhibit COX enzymes. Regulating these enzymes is believed to help curb inflammation as well as prevent the spread of many diseases. It is also thought to be a lot better than pain relief medications as it can selectively inhibit COX-2.

June 2, 2016
What Happens if a Dog Eats Chocolate, Buns & 36 Dental Chews in One Sitting?

A greedy Dalmatian was left needing emergency vet treatment after gorging on buns, chocolate and 36 dog chews while her owner was out.

Mischievous Molly (8), from Middlesbrough, sniffed a bag of food shopping that owner Kerry Buck had put away safely – or so she thought. Molly gobbled up 36 Dentastix, eight sultana buns and a packet of mini eggs. When Kerry (28) returned home she was horrified to find her beloved Dalmatian seriously ill with sickness and diarrhoea.

Kerry said: “I’d only popped out for 25 minutes. When I got home, it was absolute chaos – Molly had been sick everywhere. I rushed over to her, she was frothing at the mouth and very lethargic. I could see what food she had been eating so I rang PDSA straight away.”

Not only did the stolen food stash make Molly unwell, but her very life hung in the balance as sultanas and chocolate are highly toxic to dogs.”

Molly was given immediate treatment at PDSA’s Middlesbrough Pet Hospital to stabilise her condition.

Steph Williams, Head Nurse at PDSA Middlesbrough, said: “Molly ate a potentially lethal cocktail of ingredients. Sultanas affect kidney function and can lead to organ failure, while chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which attacks the central nervous system and can be life threatening.

“It never ceases to amaze me how pets can get themselves into trouble and get their paws on food – even when it’s supposedly out of reach. Thankfully for Molly, seem to be no lasting effects and she has made a great recovery.”

Molly’s treatment was funded by PDSA, which provides free vet care for sick and injured pets belonging to people in need. The charity only exists thanks to the support from animal lovers around the country.

Kerry added: “I’m really grateful to PDSA. Molly means everything to me and without them I wouldn’t be able to keep her. I’ll certainly be keeping a very close eye on her in the future and will make sure any food is locked away!”

June 1, 2016
Enormous Dog Does Cute Little Double Take

You might see the image and think there’s a trick of the camera at play. Well, erm, no. This really is a very sizeable dog we’re looking at. The real pay off here though is the cute little double take the dog gives the camera.

View post on imgur.com

May 27, 2016
See The Joy as Beagles Freed From Testing Facility Taste Freedom for the First Time

Witness the amazing scenes when these 156 Beagles were freed from an animal testing facility. See their joy as they experience real sunlight and the freedom to run around for the first time in their lives.

The beagles, aged between two and five years old, were captured and caged for testing purposes for a Bangalore-based pharmaceutical laboratory. The directive to release the animals came from the Committee for the Purpose Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals, which is tasked to monitor any activity relating to animal lab testing and experiments.

May 27, 2016
Have You Heard About the Bat Dogs Upstaging Baseball Giants, Like A-Rod?

Trenton, New Jersey is home to the minor baseball league team, Trenton Thunder. This team is not only known for its affiliation to the giants of the sport, the New York Yankees, but it’s also known for its family of ‘bat dogs’ who work alongside the team retrieving bats and balls before returning them to the Thunder dugout at home games.

Here’s A-Rod having fun with one of the team’s mascots during his 2013 rehab assignment with the club.

And again this week:

Photo Credit: Twitter.com/E_Lipsman

The dynasty of bat dogs began with a special boy named Chase, also known as ‘That Golden Thunder’ who served with the team for around 13 years before retiring in July 2013.

Chase, pictured above, at his retirement ceremony three days before he passed away

His successor was his son named ‘Home Run Derby’, or Derby for short, and named by the fans, showing just how much affection fans have for their four-legged team members.

Derby is now joined by his son, Rookie, on the field at home games.

Watch Derby and the latest recruit, Rookie in action:

How cool! This team and its fans really do go all out to celebrate their canine teammates – and we love it!

May 26, 2016
Scrap Breed Specific Legislation & Reform Dangerous Dogs Act – Hard Hitting New Report
MPs and stars back call for tough penalties and ‘national register’ to tackle offence ‘which is gateway to drug and gun crime’

Dogs slammed into walls to toughen them up for fighting, cats and dogs used as ‘bait’ to train fighting dogs, dead dogs dumped in the countryside – these are among the disturbing findings of a ground-breaking investigation into dog fighting in the UK today.

Developed and instigated by the League Against Cruel Sports as part of its campaign to end dog fighting in the UK, Project Bloodline was a six month investigation designed to understand why, when and where dog fighting takes place – and how we can stop it.

Working collaboratively with 60 partners in a ‘typical’ UK urban area, the League Against Cruel Sports unearthed intelligence which included:
- Prohibited dogs bred and sold in a clandestine market in order to supply the high demand for status and fighting dogs with Pitbull ‘type’ puppies being sold for £1,000
- Before a fight has even taken place animals are left severely injured or are even killed having been subjected to brutal training methods including body or head slamming
- A feral cat colony being kept to supply ‘bait’ for dog fighting
- A Staffordshire Bull Terrier which had been used for ‘bait’ had its teeth crudely pulled and broken with pliers so that it could not defend itself
- The bodies of dead dogs, which had been used for fighting, dumped near farmland
Eduardo Gonçalves, CEO of the League Against Cruel Sports, who will be launching the report of Project Bloodline in Parliament on Tuesday, 24th May, said:

“If anyone thinks dog fighting is a thing of the past, then sadly they are wrong. Last year we commissioned a ground-breaking academic report which said that a dog fight was taking place every day in the UK. This year we’ve taken to the streets to find out exactly what was happening, and the results are frightening.

“Dogs are being bred and sold specifically for fighting, pet animals are being used to provide a steady supply of torture victims for cruel training exercises where they are tethered down or used as dangling ‘bait’ for dogs being trained to fight for ‘fun’ – the cruelty behind this underground world is endless and it’s happening right under our noses.

“We want appropriate penalties to be introduced, and for appropriate action to be taken against perpetrators. Dog fighting is barbaric and we cannot allow it to be part of a modern Britain.”

Ricky Gervais in response to the League’s findings said:

“I am deeply saddened to hear that illegal dog fighting is apparently on the rise in the UK. Anyone who likes the spectacle of two terrified animals fighting is a psychopath. Dogs are naturally loyal friends, who have to be abused and mistreated to act in this way. They don’t want to be part of this. They are literally fighting for survival. Please never attend anything like this and if you suspect such a disgusting event may be taking place somewhere, then please report it immediately. This has to stop.”

A ‘gateway’ crime

Dog fighting is not purely a matter of animal welfare. Evidence from the UK and abroad points to the activity being a ‘gateway’ crime to serious and organised offences, such as drug and gun crime. In the United States dog fighting is recognised as a Grade A felony by the FBI and the practice of tackling dog fighting to prevent other crimes is well established.

The League Against Cruel Sports worked closely with Michelle Welch, Virginia’s Assistant Attorney General, who has vast experience of tackling dog fighting in the USA. She said:

“Dog fighting is a major crime that here in the States is closely linked with a wide range of other law-breaking. Statistics show that more than half of those connected with dog fighting are gang members, and seven out of ten have previously been arrested for felonies and/or drug offences. Where there is dog fighting, there are drugs.

“Dog fighting is hidden, so the work being done in the UK by the League Against Cruel Sports is exactly what needs to happen. Collaboration between agencies, strong penalties and a greater understanding of the level of this activity is vital. The League Against Cruel Sports should be commended for Project Bloodline as without this kind of work, dog fighting will grow and have an ever-increasing negative impact on individuals, communities, and of course on the dogs.”

The Way Forward – PUP

Based on the intelligence and experience gathered from Project Bloodline, the League Against Cruel Sports is calling for the implementation of a national dog fighting action plan which can be rolled out in any area where dog fighting is prevalent.

Based around three areas of Prevention, Understanding and Prosecution (PUP), recommendations include:
- The formation of a National Task Force, led by a senior figure in Government, to ensure sufficient collaboration and action takes place to tackle dog fighting across the country.
- Details of individuals banned from keeping dogs should be held on a national register by statutory agencies, helping to prevent further offences being committed whilst increasing opportunities for enforcement action.
- Legislation and penalties for offenders must be clarified and strengthened; the League is calling for a minimum three year custodial sentence for convicted dog fighters. Sentencing should reflect the spectrum of offending in relation to dog fighting (from street level dog fighting to organised crime). Rehabilitation programmes should be offered as part of the sentencing mix.
- The Dangerous Dog Act should be reviewed as a matter of urgency as we believe breed specific legislation is fundamentally flawed.
Celebrity and political support for campaign

The League’s campaign to end dog fighting in the UK has been backed by a list of celebrities and cross party MPs including: Ricky Gervais, Amanda Holden, Paul O’Grady, Russell Tovey, Nicky Campbell, Peter Egan, Tony Robinson, Bill Oddie, Dave Spikey, Marc Abraham, Alison Steadman, Ben Fogle, Gemma Atkinson, Carol Royle, Henry Smith MP for Crawley and Co-Chair of the All-Party Group for Animal Welfare, Kelvin Hopkins MP for Luton North, John Pugh MP for Southport, Margaret Ritchie MP for South Down, member of the Commons Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs Committee and Lisa Cameron, MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow.

Commenting on the issue and the League’s campaign, Henry Smith MP, Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare said:

“Dog fighting is an abhorrent pastime belonging to the past. Convicted perpetrators need to face appropriate punishments, however currently our courts lack the vital power to impose these – this needs to change if we have any chance of stopping dog fighting for good.

“I support the League Against Cruel Sports with their campaign to both increase the available custodial sentences to at least three years and their call for a national register of animal abusers.”

Britain’s Got Talent judge, Amanda Holden said: “I can’t think of many things worse than making two dogs fight each other. Dogs are loving animals, to abuse them like this is horrific.”

Eduardo Gonçalves concluded:

“Dog fighting is one of the most serious animal welfare issues in Britain today and it is also a serious issue of crime and community safety. Animal abuse has consistently been shown to be a reliable predictor of some of the most serious and most violent crimes in the community, including child abuse, domestic violence and abuse of the elderly.”

The League Against Cruel Sports believes there has been a resurgence in dog fighting in urban areas in the UK. A range of different factors have led to this conclusion, including the results of Project Bloodline, increases in UK hospital admissions due to dog bites, increases in the number of muscly dogs on the streets and the apparent growth in the number of stolen dogs, possibly used for bait. Dog fighting might not be easy to see, but we ignore this evidence at our peril.

“The League will now be stepping up its ongoing investigation into dog fighting in Britain. We will be stepping up engagement with local communities to prevent those at risk from being drawn in. We will be doing further research to help policy-makers and law enforcement agencies better understand the causes, and the potential solutions. We will be partnering with a range of agencies to support the rehabilitation of rescued dogs.”

The League Against Cruel Sports has started a petition calling for the government to more effectively tackle dog fighting, including increasing sentences for convicted dog fighters. The petition can be signed at www.league.org.uk/dogfighting.

Anyone with information about dog fighting taking place in their community can confidentially contact the League Against Cruel Sports Animal Crimewatch service on 01483 361108 or at www.league.org.uk/crimewatch.
May 24, 2016
WATCH: Meet the Service Dog Who Is Teaching Disabled Children to Surf

We all know how great dogs can be and the role they can play in our lives giving support and comfort whenever needed. They’re always there for us, and some dogs go above and beyond learning skills that set them on the path to become a service dog helping many along the way.

Meet Surf Dog Ricochet whose journey began as a service dog before becoming one of the world’s most famous, award winning surf dogs who surfs for fun, wins dog surfing competitions and most importantly, surfs with purpose helping those she meets along the way.

As the Canine Ambassador for Surfers with Disabilities℠, she’s the only SURFice dog® on the planet who provides therapeutic assistance while creating unique surfing experiences that empower kids with special needs, people with disabilities, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD.

Watch the Video:

Judy Fridono, who trained puppy prodigy Ricochet, told us: “This service dog to SURFice dog story is about what we all want – to be encouraged to discover who we really are…to find our life purpose…and to be celebrated for being different.”

This surf-loving dog, Ricochet, gives us some serious life goals.

May 24, 2016
The Dog Breeding Reform Group Supports Vets in Call for Brachycephalic Breed Action

The Dog Breeding Reform Group (DBRG) has welcomed moves by the veterinary community calling for action to tackle the serious health issues facing brachycephalic breeds. An online petition launched on Monday has already attracted hundreds of signatures.

Chris Laurence MBE, DBRG Trustee and former veterinary director of the Dogs Trust who has signed the petition, says: “Vets in companion animal practice see dogs with inherited breathing difficulty almost every day and are frustrated that there seems to be no end to the daily suffering of these breeds. The DBRG is delighted that vets are now getting together to highlight the issue and to plead with breeders to stop producing puppies with such malformed heads that they are unable to breathe easily.“

Olive the Pug

Dr Rowena Packer from the Royal Veterinary College and also a DBRG member, whose main area of research interest is brachycephalic health, believes the petition is good news. “There is clear evidence that short muzzles are linked with several problems of major welfare concern, including not only breathing but also eye, skin and dental disorders,” she says.

“We now need to put this evidence into action and move away from these extreme body shapes for the sake of many thousands of brachycephalic dogs internationally who suffer as a result of their look,” she continues.

DBRG’s founder Carol Fowler says. “In 2008 Professor Steve Jones, of University College London, talked of a ‘universe of suffering’ for many dog breeds. Brachycephalic breeds have the additional burden of a conformation that can lead to a lifetime of suffering.”

The petition’s launch comes days after long-time canine health campaigner Jemima Harrison wrote an open letter to UK vets urging them to put their heads “above the parapet” and make a stand, describing brachycephalic health issues as an “epidemic”.

Brachycephalic breeds have experienced a huge surge in popularity. The Kennel Club has seen a five-fold increase in registrations of pugs since 2005 and a whopping 4000 per cent increase in the numbers of French bulldogs.

The PDSA PAW Report, 2015, states that health issues related to pedigree breeding was the third highest concern of owners relating to pet welfare. “Ordinary pet owners and dog lovers can protest as much as they like but few people listen, especially those with the power to instigate change such as breed clubs and the Kennel Club. Now that vets are daring to speak out, I sincerely hope we will start to see real and meaningful change,” says DBRG’s Carol Fowler.

May 21, 2016
Animal Welfare Charity Calls on Govt to Consider Firework Restrictions

The UK’s largest dog welfare charity is appealing to MPs to support a call for the use of fireworks to be restricted in the interests of animal welfare.

The subject is to be debated by Members of Parliament on Monday (23 May) after a petition by the Firework Abatement Campaign attracted more than 100,000 signatures. The petition is calling for fireworks use by the general public to only be permitted on Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year. However, Dogs Trust is supportive of introducing further restrictions around the sale of fireworks, limiting them to licensed, public occasions at certain times of the year.

Dogs Trust Veterinary Director, Paula Boyden, said: “For many dogs and their owners, firework season is always one they dread. A Dogs Trust survey of 3,750 pet owners found that two-thirds of dogs are worried by fireworks and that 93% of their owners alter their routine, such as walking their dogs only in daylight hours, to try to minimise the trauma on their pets.”

Currently fireworks can be set off by any adult between 7am and 11pm every day of the year on private land, such as in a garden, or on land where the owner’s permission has been given. On Bonfire Night the cut off time is extended until midnight and on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, it is extended until 1am.

The charity is also asking local authorities to give more consideration to the location of public fireworks displays when granting licences and to ensure they are well publicised in the local area so dog owners can avoid them.

Boyden continued, “The current law offers no support to dogs and their owners, with fireworks legally set off often unexpectedly all through the year. We sincerely hope Members of Parliament take this opportunity to extend restrictions on firework sale and use and help protect the welfare of many scared dogs.”

Dogs Trust urges all dog owners to take preventative measures to prepare their dogs for the noise of fireworks and offers advice and support to dog owners to help keep their dog as stress-free as possible. The charity has worked with vets Sarah Heath and Jon Bowen to offer a free sound based treatment programme, The Sounds Scary Audio Therapy Programme. The Programme prepares dogs for distressing noises, such as fireworks, by playing specific noises to enable dogs to get used to the sounds and cope better.

May 21, 2016