Total Dog Magazine

Author: Jasmine Kleine

MPs Condemn Asia’s Animal Meat Trade After House of Commons Debate

Last week the backbencher debate in the British House of Commons on Asia’s dog meat trade highlighted the levels of cruelty to dogs involved in the industry, and the extreme human health risks associated with eating dog meat.

In recent months, a growing number of British celebrities have joined the swathe of animal rights campaigners lobbying governments and calling for an end to the trade. Ricky Gervais, Dame Judi Dench and actor and animal rights campaigner Peter Egan were amongst others who recently spearheaded a campaign and petition organised by Thailand’s Soi Dog Foundation. The petition (here) calls on the Thai government to stop illegal exports of dogs from Thailand to Laos and Vietnam, to satisfy dog meat demand in those countries.

China remains the largest consumer of dog meat in the Asian region, accounting for around 20 million dogs a year, according to animal rights campaigners. The now infamous Yulin Dog Meat Festival, which takes place very year in the southern province of Guangxi, neighbouring with Vietnam, sees over 10,000 dogs killed and eaten in just 48 hours. Campaigners claim the animals are treated inhumanely, trussed up and packed tightly into small cages, then skinned alive in some cases. There also remains a myth that the more adrenalin running through the dogs body as it is killed, the tastier the meat.

Vietnam is the second largest consumer of dog meat in the region, with around five million dogs meeting their fate every year in the thousands of primitive slaughterhouses across the country. Demand is so high in fact, there are estimates suggesting that up to 70% of dogs in the food supply chain are stolen family pets. Over the past two years there have been numerous incidents of dog thieves being lynched by angry villagers, and even villagers being killed by the dog thieves.

During the HoC debate Rob Flello MP told of dogs “housed and transported in disgusting conditions in which they can often barely move, and killed in the most excruciatingly cruel and painful ways”. He added “It is common for the animal to be bludgeoned, hanged or electrocuted, and, in some cases, for the animal to be thrown fully conscious into a drum of boiling water—anything that ensures maximum suffering”.

Inflicting maximum pain on a dog before it dies creates adrenalin that is thought by some in Asia to tenderise the meat.

Gavin Robinson MP weighed in by describing the Asian dog meat trade as “international barbarism”.

Aside from animal welfare issues, the debate also revealed serious human health hazards associated with eating dog meat. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, James Duddridge MP said “So unregulated is the dog meat trade industry, that there is a huge risk to human beings from diseases such as cholera and rabies, with the latter found to be present in slaughterhouses and markets in China, Vietnam and Indonesia”.

Alex Cunningham MP also referred to statistics stating evidence of a 20-fold increase in the incidence of rabies amongst people who had consumed dog meat across the Asian region.

Hanna Bardell MP also raised concerns about dog meat entering the UK food chain, asking “Do the Governments of our nations have a role to play in terms of the security of the supply chain and making sure that none of this dog meat enters our food chain and threatens our food supply?”

The British government however is wary of preaching western ideals to eastern countries. Robert Flello MP added: “I do not believe that it is generally this House’s role to tell societies abroad what they should or should not do based on western sensibilities, but we cannot allow tradition to be used as a smokescreen for practices that are barbaric, cruel, inhumane and disgusting”.

Steve Reed MP agreed, saying “There is a role to be played in seeking to secure global standards of animal welfare and in working with local campaign groups on the ground in the countries affected to help them strengthen their own cases”.

As a result of the debate, MP James Duddridge made two commitments on behalf of the government; to write to all British Ambassadors in the countries concerned to review what they are doing in relation to the dog meat trade, and to consider a review of how the government interacts on this issue with the various international organisations (for example, the World Health Organisation), specifically on the area of health.

November 18, 2015
7 Pictures of Rottweilers Twisting Their Heads

You know what you’re getting here don’t you?

No, it’s not a systematic break down of the pros and cons of modern cognitive learning theories in the field of canine psychology.

No. It’s not that. It’s 7 pictures of Rottweilers doing that twisty head thing. Nothing more, nothing less.

Ready?

Then we shall begin.

Let’s Twist Again

Like We Did Last Summer…

Let’s Twist Again…

Like We Did Last Year…

Come on Baby…

Let’s Do The Twist

It Goes Like This

Reckon there’s a better twisty head breed out there?

Well don’t just think it…LINK it (in the comments below).

November 18, 2015
If Dogs Were People This is What They’d do all Day

Let’s face it, most of us are guilty of humanising our dogs at some time or other. But why? This video gives a good example of why being a dog seems like a more exciting life than being a boring human…

November 17, 2015
WATCH: Otto the Bulldog Sets New Guinness World Record in Peru

Otto, a three-year old Bulldog from Lima, Peru broke the Guinness World Record yesterday skateboarding through a human tunnel of 30 people who all stood with their legs apart and facing in the same direction.

The Bulldog’s world record attempt drew a crowd, not surprisingly, from passers by.

Otto’s owners, Luciana Viale and Robert Rickards told the Guinness World Record team that they were inspired to get a Bulldog after they saw videos of the world famous skateboarding Bulldog, Tillman, who sadly passed away recently.

Well done Otto, your place in history is sealed as the Bulldog who broke the record for ‘Longest human tunnel travelled through by a skateboarding dog’.

November 13, 2015
These Cross-Breed Dogs Will Test Your Dog Knowledge!

Have you ever wondered what a Dalmatian cross Bulldog would look like?

Recently launched by The Co-operative Insurance, the updated cross-breed tool gives you the chance to discover new cross breeds and find out what certain cross-breeds look like (the Basset Hound cross Labrador is not to be missed!)

Fred, pictured above, is a cross-breed – can you guess what he is?

Visit the the Crossbreed Generator Tool today and start discovering some of the most unique cross-breeds the UK has ever seen – https://hub.co-operativeinsurance.co.uk/crossbreeds/index.php

Promoted By
The Co-operative Insurance

November 10, 2015
How Does Your Dog Compare with Pets Around the World?

Have you ever wondered what traits your dog might have in common with others around the world? Well, now you can find out!

Recently launched by The Co-operative Insurance, their online ‘Pet Mapper’ reveals the most common dog breeds and their unusual quirks from around the globe.

You can also find out about other pets such as well before you share any of the facts you find – or you could even pass them off as your own, who’s to know!

Visit the Pet Mapper today and start discovering some of the world’s most quirky pets – https://hub.co-operativeinsurance.co.uk/pet-mapper/

Promoted By
The Co-operative Insurance

November 10, 2015
Dog Owners Need to Beware of this Autumn Danger – Acorns

An acorn poisoning warning has been issued to animal owners by the RSPCA who are urging farmers, smallholders, and dog owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of acorn poisoning.

Acorns fall from oak trees between September and November and are an important source of food for many birds and some mammals, such as squirrels, but for many animals – including our beloved pets and livestock – they are extremely poisonous, and because of climate change they are set to ripen 10-13 days earlier.

Why acorns are poisonous to dogs

Many animals are susceptible to Quercus – or oak bud/acorn – poisoning, but cattle and sheep are affected most often. However, horses and dogs can become very ill if they consume acorns or oak leaves.

Most species of oak are considered toxic. If animals eat young oak leaves, during the spring, or acorns, during the autumn, symptoms of poisoning can begin to display within hours or after several days. However, if you are concerned that your animal has eaten anything that could be poisonous, rather than waiting for any symptoms to appear, you should consult a veterinary surgeon immediately.

Symptoms of acorn poisoning may vary between species, but include vomiting and diarrhoea, abdominal tenderness, depression, rapid weight loss, loss of appetite, tiredness and dehydration.

Acorns appear to contain tannins (a type of biomolecule) which get converted to acids in the rumen, these then cause ulcerations in the digestive tract leading to bloody diarrhoea. These acids also damage the kidneys, causing them to stop working so toxins which are normally excreted in the urine build up in the body and cause problems in the brain and the rest of the body, and can ultimately result in death.

Dogs have also been known to fall ill if they have eaten acorns

Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals department, said: “It is difficult to watch your dog’s every movement but if owners are concerned that their dog will show interest in, or eat, acorns then it would be best to find a different place to exercise their dog away from where oak trees are present or take along something really tasty like a toy or treat so that their pet can be easily distracted and recalled.”

Although rarely reported, according to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), there have been some cases of severe acorn poisoning in horses. They can suffer from a range of symptoms, including colic, haemorrhagic diarrhoea, weakness, head pressing, and incoordination.

If you are concerned your animal may have been poisoned, contact the vet and tell them when, where and how the poisoning occurred.

Follow the vet’s advice and never attempt to treat or medicate your pet yourself. Never attempt to make your dog vomit on your own and do not use salt water.

November 7, 2015
British Pet Food Company Win Three Prestigious Awards

British pet food manufacturer, Nutriment, recently announched it’s nomination for three prestigious awards as the company took another step forward for premium pet food.

Nutriment founder, Suzanne Brock, was short-listed as one of three finalists for The Artemis Award for this December’s prestigious ‘NatWest everywoman awards’, a high profile accolade with Prime Minister approval that seeks to showcase the very best female founder talent that Great Britain has to offer.

As a single mother, Suzanne is only too aware of the significant challenges associated with juggling the needs of young children and launching a ground-breaking business. The awards were first launched 13 years ago with the very specific role of challenging out-moded mindsets and providing a credible back catalogue of inspirational and accessible role models for future female founders to liaise with and aspire to.

If this wasn’t exciting enough Nutriment also reached the final stages of November’s ‘UK Start-Ups & Pet Industry Federation’ (PIF) awards.

According to Suzanne, ‘As a premium pet food provider PIF unquestionably sits at the very pinnacle of award recognition. This said, as an ambitious fledgling business we’re over the moon that our promising arrival within Britain’s blossoming premium pet food fraternity has been recognized by such prestigious awards as Start Ups and everywoman because the UK’s growing band of successful, independently-owned pet food providers is a phenomenal story just waiting to be told.’

UPDATE

Congratulations to Suzanne and the Nutriment team from all at K9 Magazine on winning both awards! They are two accolades that really resonate with single mum Suzanne, because it was only back in 2013 that she and her mother had no alternative but to remortgage their respective houses in order to get their ‘pet’ Nutriment project off the ground when her local bank lost its nerve at the 11th hour.

Suzanne, pictured here winning her NatWest everywoman award

As hard as the bank’s heavy-handed actions were to stomach at the time, a reflective Suzanne remains adamant that their reticence was integral to Nutriment’s subsequent success.

‘I learned early on to be very careful about who I trusted, which has led to me being blessed with a close-knit team, whose never-say-die mindset and infectious energy have been at the very heart of Nutriment’s ongoing success.’
Nutriment is certainly no flash-in-the-pan operation with three successful range launches bedded down in 2015 and more ground-breaking initiatives ready to roll in 2016.

‘Yes there have certainly been times when I craved a bigger war chest to participate in such a competitive UK pet food marketplace, but in truth, it’s made me more disciplined with regards to which projects I prioritize and which I put on the backburner for a little longer.’

November 5, 2015
Kennel Club Shamelessly Ignores Cavalier King Spaniel Health Crisis

A year ago Margaret Carter, an owner of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for over 40 years, started an online petition asking the Kennel Club to tackle a health crisis affecting her favourite breed. She anticipated a couple of thousand signatures but 12 months later Margaret’s petition has been signed by over 20,000 and is being championed by the RSPCA and a host of celebrities.“Cavaliers suffer in huge numbers from two horrific hereditary health problems: a heart disease called MVD and a distressingly painful neurological disorder called SM caused by dogs now being bred with skulls that are too small for their brain,” explains Margaret. “Despite this, the KC refuses to insist breeders test for the conditions. Somewhat ironic given that its National Canine Health Testing Week starts 17th November.”

“The fact so many have signed the petition asking that the KC only registers puppies whose parents have been screened for these diseases shows the depth of feeling. I’ve been bowled over by the response, which illustrates in the most heart-wrenching way how many loved family pets are suffering, too often dying tragically young,” she says.

Margaret is frustrated by the KC’s refusal to acknowledge evidence proving that breeding from unaffected parents means healthier puppies, not least figures coming from other countries where health testing for Cavaliers is mandatory: “Schemes in Denmark, Sweden and Holland are working. Only a few months ago Belgium announced it too would make screening for Cavaliers compulsory, so why not here?”

Campaigners believe the answer is money. Despite describing itself as “The UK’s largest organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare of all dogs”, the KC turns over millions of pounds each year. “It’s not a welfare organisation but a commercial business that wants to protect the interests of its biggest clients: breeders. Even puppy farmers can and do register litters,” says Margaret Carter.

The depth of Cavalier health problems was revealed to the public in the 2008 documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed, which showed that top winning Cavaliers with inherited disease were being used for breeding against veterinary advice. The BBC screened the show and later ditched its coverage of Crufts, the KC’s most prestigious event, because of the outcry.

“A screening programme for SM was set up in 2012 but it has been boycotted by the majority of breeders. A heart programme was promised in 2008. It’s never materialised. The ineffectual Cavalier Club and Kennel Club both continue to issue reassuring-sounding statements that are completely misleading,” maintains Margaret. “How many Cavaliers have died because of irresponsible breeding since the petition was launched? How many thousands of puppies have been born destined to die prematurely from painful disease.”

One such dog was Kookie, a young Cavalier belonging to Catherine Farnsworth from Fife. “To see your beloved pet in pain to the point where they are screaming is heart-breaking. Kookie was on the strongest possible medication but it wasn’t enough. Just before his third birthday in May we released him from the suffering that had blighted his life. It’s madness testing isn’t mandatory.”

Ronnie Bowen from Stourport lost her Cavalier, Archie, to heart disease over the summer. He was five. “He was the most loving dog,” she says. “It is very hard to come to terms with him dying so young but I’m also furious at the Kennel Club. It talks a lot of rubbish but is doing nothing meaningful to save Cavaliers. In my mind, it is animal cruelty to breed them without health testing first.”

Numerous famous faces are backing the campaign, including Tony Parsons, Binky Felstead, Linda Robson, Fern Britten, TV vet Mark Evans and many others:

“Please can I ask you to sign and retweet this petition to save dogs’ lives”, Pixie Lott has urged her Twitter followers.

Musician Katy B, who has a Cavalier called Ruby, said while adding her support: “I love my Cavalier. They are wonderful”.

“We need to make sure all Cavaliers are health tested before breeding,” believes Craig Revel Horwood, who has a Cavalier called Sophie with hereditary heart disease.

“We should be breeding for health, not creating problems for our loved pets,” says Deborah Meadon, who has been a staunch supporter of the Cavalier health campaign.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PHOTOGRAPHS AND DETAILS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDIES INTO CAVALIER HEALTH, PLEASE CONTACT:
Charlotte Mackaness charlotte or 07808 725124
Margaret Carter at mareve047 or call 01707 262035.

View the petition at https://www.change.org/p/the-uk-kennel-club-stop-registerin-g-cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-puppies-unless-their-parents-are-mri-scanned-and-heart-tested

Follow the campaign on Twitter @healthycavalier and on the Cavaliers Are Special Facebook page

View a short clip from the documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed about the Cavalier health crisis
https://vimeopro.com/user1878122/pde/video/97599998

November 5, 2015
Too Many Sausages Nearly Fatal For This Lucky Dog

A dog was given life-saving surgery by vet charity PDSA after a sausage binge caused a potentially fatal stomach condition.

Seven-year-old Weimaraner Jake wolfed down the tasty treats whole (perhaps he’d heard it’s British Sausage Week!) but began feeling ‘offal’ soon after.

Worried owner Lucy, from Gateshead, said: “Jake is a big, energetic dog with a huge appetite – he will eat anything although he particularly loves sausages, which he’s allowed as a treat now and then. One day I noticed he was unusually quiet, then he was sick and had diarrhoea. His chest and stomach became massively swollen – he was like a puffer fish. So I called PDSA straight away for advice.”

Lucy was advised it was an emergency and to bring him straight in. Vets at Gateshead PDSA Pet Hospital confirmed Jake was suffering from a potentially deadly condition called Gastric Dilation, which happens when the stomach twists causing a dangerous build up of gasses. Without treatment, it can be fatal within hours.

Jake needed emergency surgery. After a few tense hours, the family were relieved to hear the operation had been a success: “I was convinced we were going to lose him, so to hear he had pulled through was amazing – although I knew he wasn’t out of the woods yet,” said Lucy.

“The vets found four whole sausages in his stomach, which they think was the likely cause of his problem. We knew he loved sausages but had no idea he was literally swallowing them whole! We’ll definitely be cutting his food into smaller pieces from now on, to help him eat more slowly. It’s fantastic that PDSA is here to help, I’m very grateful for everything they’ve done for Jake – they saved his life.”

Jake went home the next day and, after plenty of rest, he thankfully made a full recovery following his bangers binge.

PDSA Vet Nurse Cheryl Nash explained: “Jake’s condition was incredibly serious – just another few hours and its likely he wouldn’t have made it. Gastric dilation, also known as a twisted stomach, can occur when dogs eat so fast that they take in air with their food, particularly if they exercise vigorously straight afterwards.

“Deep-chested dogs, such as Weimaraners and Great Danes, are more at risk of the condition. If you have a deep-chested breed, or your dog has a tendency to wolf down food in seconds, there are bowls specially designed to help slow them down a bit at meal times.”

Gateshead Pet Hospital is one of 51 PDSA Pet Hospitals across the UK treating the sick and injured pets of people in need. The charity performs more than 10,000 treatments every single day and helping more than 470,000 pets every year. The charitable veterinary service is funded entirely by generous public support, as PDSA receives no Government or National Lottery funding for this. For more information visit www.pdsa.org.uk

November 5, 2015
How Excited Does Your Dog Get Welcoming You Home?

We’ve all experienced that welcome home feeling that makes whatever kind of day you’ve had disappear in the wag of a dog’s tail, but how excited does your dog get compared to these dogs in the video below?

Share your own home videos with SunLife and be in with a chance to win a year’s supply of pet food. To enter all you have to do is visit them at Facebook.com/SunLife, add a comment alongside your video telling them what makes your dog so awesome and wait to find out if you’ve won!

Once you’ve done that, please come back and share your dog’s photos with us in the comments section below, we’d love to see their awesomeness for ourselves!

Go on, share your dog’s awesomeness with the world…you know he’s worth it 🙂

Promoted By
SunLife

November 5, 2015
World Animal Day Makes Animal Welfare Global Event

With the help and support of our Ambassadors, currently 89 in 76 countries, involvement in celebrating World Animal Day (4 October) continues to grow at an astonishing rate.

From Australia to Zimbabwe, and all countries in-between, this special day was celebrated in a huge variety of ways, irrespective of nationality, religion, faith or political ideology. World Animal Day unites the animal welfare movement, mobilising it into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals.

Campaign Manager Caroline Ruane said: “On behalf of the animals, I sincerely thank everyone who got involved this year and helped make World Animal Day such a huge success. Together we made animal issues front page news around the globe! Through increased awareness and education we can create a world where animals are always recognised as sentient beings and full regard is always paid to their welfare. Once again, thank you so much for your support of the global World Animal Day movement to raise the status of animals.”

Here are just a few links to give you a taste of some of the wonderfully inspiring events that happened around the world:

In Egypt, an end to the barbaric killing of stray animals was achieved by SPARE led by its founder Amina Abaza. This amazing accomplishment marks historical progress in the society’s ongoing fight to protect the country’s animals.

In Nairobi, Kenya, the KVA organised a march to raise awareness of World Animal Day and its Mission.

World Animal Day’s Poet in Residence, Susan Richardson, wrote a special poem for World Animal Day 2015.

In Latchington, UK, volunteers of Angel Watch Rescue & Rehome participated in a 24 hour Kennel Lock-in – no luxuries, they lived exactly as the dogs do while they wait for a new home.

In Sri Lanka, The Otara Foundation, supported by other animal welfare oranisations, used World Animal Day to encourage policymakers, parliamentarians and the President to pass a long overdue Animal Welfare Bill.

In Funda Nenga, South Africa, people marched with their dogs through the township of Mpophomeni to raise awareness of World Animal Day.

In Taipei, Taiwan, a number of events were organised by the ‘Help Save a Pet Fund ‘including a TV programme to raise awareness of World Animal Day and its mission and talks about animal welfare were presented to schoolchildren.

Also in Taipei, the team at Pet Friends Alliance celebrated this important day by hosting a responsible pet ownership workshop. A World Animal Day fair was held during which government officials and animal welfare groups signed a pledge calling for a zero euthanasia policy for abandoned animals. Hundreds of people attended the event and activities included music, performances, and a photo gallery of animals seeking new homes.

In Nairobi, Kenya, the Africa Network for Animal Welfare celebrated the day by holding free animal health clinics to provide rabies vaccinations, deworming, grooming and humane education in two venues within the suburbs of Nairobi. A total of 126 dogs and 48 cats were treated.

In Jordan, SPANA welcomed HRH Sana Asem to their World Animal Day event which included a concert by local schoolchildren, display of projects undertaken by schools and other groups to promote improved standards of animal welfare, police dog and horse displays, and free treatment of animals.

In Kharkov, Ukraine, ‘Together SPA’ held an event in the city’s central park to raise public awareness of animal issues such as the benefits of microchipping your pet and being a responsible pet owner. They also sold books about animals, held a dog training workshop and a painting workshop for kids. All the people who stopped by were able to meet a selection of dogs and cats that are available for rehoming at the society’s shelter. Also in Ukraine, a country where microchipping has yet to be introduced, a seminar was held for vets to educate them about the benefits of encouraging owners to microchip their pets.

In Budapest, Hungary, the Rex Foundation organised a full range of entertainment suitable for the entire family including including concerts, competitions, a photo contest and a presentation ceremony to recognise the work of organisations and individuals who strive to protect animals.

In Atlanta, USA, Carter and Olivia Ries, founders of ‘One More Generation’, asked students of JC Booth Middle School to sign a pledge to show they care about animals. Each student wrote their own pledge which featured on the World Animal Day Facebook page, along with pledges made by people from throughout the world who are standing up for the rights of animals.

Carter and Olivia Ries also participated in an Animal Blessing Service, organised by Father Mike Fry at the All Saints Anglican Church in Peachtree City GA. During a Skype call with the students at Hartly Elementary School in Dover DE to discuss how they could raise more awareness to the fact that so many animals need our help, the students agreed to cover Elvis, a life-size paper mache rhino, with all their World Animal Day pledges. Elvis was then used in the community’s annual parade to raise awareness of World Animal Day is needed.

In Washington, USA, an annual Animal Blessing Service is held at the National Cathedral.

In Hong Kong, &Dear invited 10 local artists to create a set of postcards to raise funds for local animal conservation and environmental organisations.

In Uganda, The Big Fix conducted a five-day free veterinary field clinic in the remote villages of Gulu District.
The organisation also organised a parade though Gulu town to raise awareness of animal issues.

In Lukla, Nepal, The local community asked HART to make the difficult journey to their village to carry out the first ever vaccination, spaying/neutering and treatment clinic. Lukla is located at an altitude of 9,383 ft and is the gateway to the famous Mount Everest trekking route. It was a huge success and HART is delighted the organisation was able to stop the community from killing the dogs by providing a practical solution.
HART also conducted a number of free veterinary outreach clinics where they provided free vaccination, neutering and treatment to dogs and cats. This link takes you to one such clinic held at Lecknath in the outskirts of Pokhara.

In Dubai, UAE, Zabeel Veterinary Hospital participated in the official Global Wave for World Animal Day by holding its own Selfie Contest to help promote responsible pet ownership and draw attention to the plight of strays and abandoned animals in the region.

In Sydney, Australia, our Korean Ambassador Gina Moon attended a lunch at which the most senior political leaders were present. This was the perfect setting to highlight the plight of animals in both Korea and Australia. While in Sydney, Gina also attended a dinner at Parliament House where she had a second opportunity to speak about World Animal Day.

In Fremantle, Australia, a human chain of 900 animal advocates spanned the Stirling bridge for one hour on 4 October to highlight World Animal Day and the work of the organisation ‘Stop Live Exports’ to bring an end to the export of live animals to over 40 countries.

In Malaga, Australia, an 80 year old lady skydived on World Animal Day to raise money for the RSPCA and to draw attention to the huge number of animals that are mistreated.

In Chennai, India, Chinny Krishna, World Animal Day Ambassador, organised a number of Animal Blessing Services and this link takes you to one that took place at the National Shrine of St Thomas.

In Coimbatore, India, another series of special prayers for animals were organised by Animal Rescuers.

In New Delhi, India Friendicoes NGO held a stall in a school to raise awareness and funds. Leaflets about World Animal Day were distributed and posters were displayed around the school.

In Jalpaiguri, India, the Nature and Animal Lover Organisation held an event to help street animals.

In Mumbai, India, members of Navi AP and members of the public held a candlelit rally on World Animal Day to draw attention to an horrendous act of animal cruelty that had taken place locally,

In Cochabamba, Bolivia, the third annual Animal Blessing Service took place at the Cathedral followed by a march from the Cathedral to the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi to raise awareness of the plight of suffering animals, not only in Bolivia but throughout the world. A selfie contest was also held in support of the official Global Wave for World Animal Day.

In Borneo, Malaysia, 2,600 people took part in a 10km wild run and 3km pet run at the Likas Sports Complex which was one of the activities organised by Valiant Events and Wildlife Alliance, with the support of other animal welfare organisations, to commemorate World Animal Day.

In Bucharest, Romania, a family event was held which included a number of activities designed to teach the basic rules of caring for a pet in an interesting way.

In New Zealand, SPCA Auckland held a Great Animal Walk followed by a Blessing of the Animals.

In Manila, Philippines, children and animals participated in a colourful catwalk fashion show which was followed by an animal blessing service.

In Cyprus, Argos organised a Family Fun Day at its sanctuary to fundraise and draw attention to the organisation’s animal welfare work. There were stalls, a huge raffle and activities for all. The event attracted a wonderful turnout and many people brought along pets they’d adopted from the Argos shelter.

In Kurdistan, Iraq, our Ambassador Sulaiman Tamer organised a number of events including conducting media interviews, and holding educational workshops in schools.

In Liberia, Africa, World Animal Day is used by LAWCS to highlight the plight of the country’s animals. The organisation, led by Morris Darbo, World Animal Day Ambassador, organised a teacher training programme, provided free veterinary services for companion animals and conducted a Children-Animal Interaction Programme.

In Colombo, Sri Lanka, a public talk was organised by Dharma Voices for Animals on the importance of introducing animal protection education into the school curriculum. Children are the future which makes it vital to teach them to care for and respect animals from a young age.

The Animal Protection Network of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA, used World Animal Day to call upon supporters of Chimpanzee’s to unite and provided five ways for them to take action.

In Louisiana, USA, World Animal Day was used to highlight the fact that the fight continues to free Tony the Tiger who has lived all of his 15 years as a roadside attraction at a truck stop.

In George Town, Cayman Islands, a Fun Doggy Beach Day was organised with the opportunity to take a shelter dog for some swimming and fun if you didn’t have a dog of your own.

In Matamoros, Mexico, an animal health day was organised by Animalista Amor.

In Kragujevac, Serbia, a rehoming event was held which included fundraising and the collection of donated items for the benefit of a local animal shelter. A World Animal Day celebration was also held in a local park with a similar event taking place in Nis, Serbia.

In Pancevo, Serbia, a Dog Fest was held at the largest shopping mall in the country. Celebrity guests talked to visitors about the animals in their lives and abandoned animals were rehomed. Also, the Nature TV channel broadcast a number of shows about animal protection and conservation.

Also in Pancevo, The SPA Ljubimci published a virtual map of the city showing pet and animal friendly locations. The society also hosted a Vegan Dish tasting evening and visitors were asked to make a donation of food for abandoned animals or pay for a sterilization operation. A School Art Competition was organised dedicated to a dog called Leo who saved a little girl from being attacked in the city. The best entries were displayed in a local gallery before the winners were announced. The competition was also used to promote responsible pet ownership. Ambassador for World Animal Day in Serbia, Ivan Kurajov, presented animal welfare awards to two national companies who have made extraordinary efforts to promote animal welfare in the past year.

In Chisinau, Moldova, a wonderful concert was held in the city’s Philharmonic Hall with the very best Moldovan singers coming together to stand united for stray animals.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, school pupils in Velika Kladusa participated in a series of activities to show their love for animals including a drawing competition, film shows and dancing.

In Indonesia, a World Animal Day parade was held followed by a Festival to draw attention to animal issues.

In Stockholm, Sweden, animal rights take centre stage!

In Canada, an event was held to raise funds to help save dogs from the meat trade.

In Melbourne, Australia, a march took place against the illegal ivory trade. In Atlanta, USA, a similar march was organised.
And in London, UK.

In Los Angeles, USA, a peaceful march and protest took place to Stop Yulin Forever.

In Gothenburg, Sweden, the Animal Rights Alliance organised a demonstration against the fur industry.

In Honduras, AHPRA organised a World Animal Day festival to raise awareness of animal issues and to promote World Animal Day.

These events held in celebration of World Animal Day 2015 are but a handful! More can be found on www.worldanimalday.org.uk in countries such as Venezuela, Costa Rica, Portugal, Bulgaria, Croatia, Australia, Malta, Finland, Pakistan, Brazil, USA, South Africa, Australia, India, Hong Kong, Sweden, Singapore, France, Nepal, Serbia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Mexico, Honduras, Uganda, Cyprus, Tanzania, Egypt, Malaysia and Panama. In addition, simply hundreds of Animal Blessing Services were held around the globe and even more World Animal Day events can be found via a Google search.

November 5, 2015
Pit Bull ‘Expert’ Who Wrongly Identified Death Row Dog is Overruled in ‘Minutes’

A key witness who described a friendly, family dog as a pit bull type has been overruled by a judge.

Magistrates ordered the death of the pet dog, named Ice, in March of this year. She was kept in police kennels – at tax payer’s expense – pending an appeal to the court.

Barrister Ian Graham, resisting the appeal in Plymouth Crown Court, said that the temperament of the dog was not in question.

So-called pit bull expert Peter Tallack accepted that Ice was not a purebred dog but wrongly claimed she was a pit bull terrier type.

He said: “The physical characteristics of these dogs make them enormously powerful, far more powerful than a normal dog. In the wrong circumstances it is that potential which causes the problem.”

Just for your visual reference, here is a picture of the ‘abnormally strong’ and ‘enormously powerful’ Ice.

A judge, sitting with two magistrates, disagreed with Tallack and ruled that Ice is not a pit bull type.

The appeal against the destruction order was upheld and Ice is all set to be returned to her family following a lengthy stay at a police kennels.

Ice is one of the lucky ones, that is assuming she hasn’t suffered long term psychological trauma as a result of being snatched from her family and kept in police kennels (where dogs often die waiting for their trial date and where they can not be seen or comforted by their family). How many dogs have been killed as a result of erroneous testimony from so-called ‘expert’ witnesses who dedicate their time trying to have dogs put to sleep on the basis of what they look like rather than what they’ve done?

Mr Barton, Ice’s owner, speaking after the case, said: “We are really happy. It has been a very long time. She has a lovely nature, she is a real family dog.

“She grew up with my daughter, Hope, who is now aged three. We have had to tell her that she has been in hospital with a sore leg.

Defence expert Kendal Shepherd listed 68 characteristics of the pit bull type. She said that Ice only conformed to 45 per cent of the traits.

Dr Shepherd said she believed that dog more closely conformed to an English and Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross.

Judge Paul Darlow, sitting with two magistrates, took only minutes to grant the appeal following hours of complex technical and legal argument, again at tax payer’s expense.

UK: Do You Know What a Pit Bull Is?

One of the more misunderstood breed types in the United Kingdom, the Pit Bull is on the banned breeds list in accordance with the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act. But the question is, do you know what one is, what they look like or anything about them other than the media hype?

What Is a Pit bull in the UK?

The use of the term “pit bull” is one that over the last 18 months has become increasingly commonplace yet many people will freely use the term without knowing exactly what it is that they are referring too. So what exactly is a “pit bull” in the United Kingdom in 2008?

Breed or type?

First and foremost in the UK it is illegal to own any dog that is a type of dog known as a”pit bull type”. The breed American Pit Bull Terrier has never been recognised here so by the Government so, instead of banning a breed that they didn’t believe existed, they banned all dogs that looked like them. They attempted to ban a type of dog.

Definition

When the first cases of dogs charged with being illegal pit bull terriers went before the courts a huge problem became apparent. The courts had to decide, beyond reasonable doubt, that a dog was indeed a dog that fitted the “type”. Several Home Office Circulars followed issuing advice but it was decided by the High court in 1993 that a dog was a “type known as a pit bull terrier” if it had a substantial number of characteristics of an American Pit Bull Terrier. In order to decide this they need to know what an American Pit bull Terrier should look like. It was then decided in 1993 to use the breed standard as drawn up by the American Dog Breeders Association at that time. In recent years the ADBA have changed the standard a number of times however the first standard is the one referred to in UK courts today. The High Court also stated that a dog could be of the “type known as the pit bull terrier” regardless of its parentage and that behaviour was relevant but not conclusive.

Identification

Under Section One of the DDA a dog becomes a pit bull type if it has a substantial number or most of the characteristics of an American Pit Bull Terrier as described by the ADBA standard. Substantial or most is normally a dog that scores more than 60 percent. Once an accusation has been made it is up to the defence to prove otherwise, not the prosecution to prove the dog is a pit bull type. The standard sets out 100 points to consider when looking at the perfect APBT. Out of those 100 points only 10 points can be given in respect of the dogs attitude/behaviour. The way a dog is scored falls down to interpretation. For example a number of points can be given for a dog with a muscular build.

Any dog is capable of having a muscular build of varying degrees and each person will have a different idea on how well muscled a dog is therefore leaving several people giving different scores on the same dog. The standard also suggests the tail should rest at the hock however some will give points for a tail that rests just above or below. There is also a lot of debate over various points of the standard and how it is to be interpreted.

As all dogs, even litter mates are never identical one dog may score more or less than its sibling. This often leads to dogs with the same parentage being split into “pit bull type” and not “pit bull type” Sometimes simply by being a little taller, having a slightly shorter muzzle and a tail being a little too long can make the distinction between illegal or legal.

Other breeds or cross breeds can and have been, deemed pit bull type. When looking at any dog stated as being another breed, it often falls to which standard scores the most points. If a Stafford for example doesn’t fit the Kennel Club breed standard for a Stafford quite as well as it does the ADBA standard for an APBT then its quite possible a court will find the dog to be pit bull type.

In the court.

Court is often a bizarre experience for an onlooker. Expert witness’s will take the stand in hearings that often take two or more days to hear fully and discuss each point in turn. The very serious topic of dangerous dogs is stripped down to the bare bones, quite literally. The experts will state whether in their opinion the shape of the eyes is correct, whether the coat is a single coat or not. They will argue over whether a tail is pump handled when relaxed.

They will all produce pictures to try and prove their point. Interpretation of each point will be argued. The dog will be weighed and measured and all will be noted and scored. The Judge will then have to decide if the defence have proved beyond reasonable doubt that the dog isn’t a prohibited type. It is not up to the prosecution in Section One cases, to prove the dog is a pit bull type to obtain a guilty verdict.

So there we have it. That’s what a pit bull type aka “dangerous dog” is in the UK legal system today. Its any dog that a judge believes scores enough points, mainly in conformation, on a breed standard that is no longer used in that exact form as a standard for that breed.

November 4, 2015
Dogs Reduce Asthma Risk in Children [New Study]

A family dog can reduce a child’s asthma risk by as much as 15% according to a comprehensive new study.

The results support the so-called “hygiene hypothesis” that supposes people who live in ‘too clean’ conditions are more likely to have a higher risk of allergies.

The data of 1 million children born in Sweden between 2001 and 2010 was analysed. Sweden is important for this study as it’s a country where both dog and farm animals must be registered by law

The findings reveal that children’s exposure to dogs in the first year of their life was associated with a 15% lower incidence of childhood asthma. Farm animal exposure produced even greater results, lowering the asthma risk by as much as a staggering 52%.

Dr Tove Fall, the study’s lead scientist from Uppsala University in Sweden, said: “Earlier studies have shown that growing up on a farm reduces a child’s risk of asthma to about half.

“We wanted to see if this relationship was true also for children growing up with dogs in their homes. Our results confirmed the farming effect and we also saw that children who grew up with dogs had about 15% less asthma than children without dogs.

“Because we had access to such a large and detailed data set, we could account for confounding factors such as asthma in parents, area of residence and socio-economic status.”

Profess Catarina Almqvist Malmros who co-authored the study said: “These kind of epidemiological studies look for associations in large populations but do not provide answers on whether and how animals could protect children from developing asthma.

“We know that children with established allergy to cats or dogs should avoid them, but our results also indicate that children who grow up with dogs have reduced risks of asthma later in life.

“Thanks to the population-based design, our results are generalisable to the Swedish population and probably also to other European populations with similar culture regarding pet ownership and farming.”

November 3, 2015
What This Puppy Does Next Might Shock You – Can You Guess?

This adorable sleeping pup is about to do something that is quite shocking. Certainly shocking to him. Reckon you can guess what’s about to cause him such a fright?

October 30, 2015