Total Dog Magazine

Category: Dog News

The latest dog news from around the world

  • Celebrities Show Support at Animal Charity Fundraising Event in London

    Celebrities including The Vamps musician James McVey and actors Neil Morrissey and Peter Egan showed their love for all things animal welfare attending The Mayhew Animal Home’s fundraising event ‘Tinsel and Tails’ in London to help raise valuable funds.

    Speaking at the event James McVey said: ‘’I’ve always loved animals. I grew up in Dorset with horses, cows and donkeys so it’s awesome to attend an event like this with incredible TheraPaws dogs.

    “I eventually want to adopt an older cat from The Mayhew as it’s so important to give pets a loving home. When I buy a house I’m heading to the rescue centre.

    ‘’Millions of animals need homes. It’s really important for me to tell people my age of the amazing work the Mayhew does and spread the word.’’

    Neil Morrissey, who has previously adopted from The Mayhew, said: ‘’I got Tiggy when she was three-years-old. She’s everything to me, she’s my screensaver, my four-legged friend, my child, my princess. She was found as a puppy abandoned in the streets. She wasn’t microchipped so the owner couldn’t be traced.

    “The Mayhew is a fantastic place which does fantastic work. I would urge people to get down there today to rescue a pet. ”


    Photo Credit: Graham Hilling

    A record-breaking £14,500 was raised on the night. Speaking of the success the charity’s Chief Executive, Caroline Yates, said: “It was a great night for The Mayhew. I’d like to thank everyone who came along and put their hands in the pockets for the pets. All the money raised will go towards rescuing and rehoming them.”

    Find out more about The Mayhew Animal Home online at www.themayhew.org and keep up to date with the latest dogs in their care looking for loving new homes online here.

  • The Vamps James McVey Attends Star Studded Animal Fundraising Bash in London

    The Vamps James McVey Attends Star Studded Animal Fundraising Bash in London

    The Vamps musician James McVey showed his animal loving side when he attended The Mayhew Animal Home’s fundraising event ‘Tinsel and Tails’ in London to raise valuable funds.

    Alongside other stars including Neil Morrissey, who has previously adopted from The Mayhew, and well known animal advocate all round superstar Peter Egan, the canine star of the show was Gordon, the deaf Staffie, who stayed with the animal charity for almost a year before he was finally adopted.


    Photo Credit: Graham Hilling

    More than 200 people attended the Christmas fundraiser in the Connaught rooms in Central London. The event helped to highlight work of the charity’s campaigns such as TheraPaws, which is a much loved community project where dogs are taken into care homes to visit people with dementia.

    A record-breaking £14,500 was raised as guests were wined and dined and treated to festive-filled entertainment including a luxury auction and raffle.

     

    Speaking at the event James McVey said: ‘’I’ve always loved animals. I grew up in Dorset with horses, cows and donkeys so it’s awesome to attend an event like this with incredible TheraPaws dogs.

    “I eventually want to adopt an older cat from The Mayhew as it’s so important to give pets a loving home. When I buy a house I’m heading to the rescue centre.

    ‘’Millions of animals need homes. It’s really important for me to tell people my age of the amazing work the Mayhew does and spread the word.’’

    Chief Executive, Caroline Yates, said: “It was a great night for The Mayhew. It’s fantastic to have Neil Morrissey and his wife Emma Killick here. I did the home visit when they adopted from us 11 years ago and now they’re back with a 14-year-old Tiggy to support us.

    ”I’d like to thank everyone who came along and put their hands in the pockets for the pets. All the money raised will go towards rescuing and rehoming them.

    The Vamps are back with a bang with new single and album Wake Up and you can win two tickets to one of their UK tours and a chance to meet the band afterwards. Keep an eye on The Mayhew website (www.themayhew.org).

  • Kardashians Star Kylie Jenner Cleared of Dog Neglect Allegations

    Kardashians Star Kylie Jenner Cleared of Dog Neglect Allegations

    Keeping up With The Kardashians star Kylie Jenner has been on the receving end of an animal cruelty investigation carried out by The Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control following a complaint made by a member of the public who was worried about the health of the celebrity’s pet dog.

    The complaint centred around the weight of Jenner’s Italian Greyhound pups, Norman and Bambi.

    Following up the complaint officials found Jenner had no case to answer and the dogs were in perfectly good health.

    Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, Derek Brown, deputy director of L.A. County animal control cleared the situation up:

    "We did an animal welfare check yesterday. Miss Jenner was very cooperative. "Her animals are actually under medical care, so there’s no neglect whatsoever. The breed of dog tend to be very lean anyway."

    He went to add that the department ”investigates all complaints”.

    Read what Kim Kardashian has to say about her own dogs.

  • Woman Who Posted Photo of Dog With Mouth Taped on Facebook Charged With Cruelty

    Woman Who Posted Photo of Dog With Mouth Taped on Facebook Charged With Cruelty

    Katharine Lemansky thought it would be a good idea to tape her dog’s mouth shut and post the evidence to Facebook. She has now been charged with cruelty.

    The 45-year old will be allowed to keep her chocolate Labrador cross, called Brown, until she appears in court.

    "Taping the dog’s muzzle shut was a terrible decision on Ms Lemansky’s part," said Cary, North Carolina police captain Randall Rhyne.

    "At the same time, it’s important to also note that our animal control officers who physically examined both Brown and her littermate found the dogs to be very well cared for, which is why we did not and could not remove them from the owner."

    Social media users who saw the photo of Brown spread their concern quickly.

    The photo was captioned, "This is what happens when you don’t shut up!!!"

    According to officials, police officers in South Daytona in Florida tracked Ms Lemansky to North Carolina, where she admitted taping up the dog’s mouth.

    She faces a fine and up to 150 days in jail over the charge – called a misdemeanour in America.

  • More Brits Admit to Preferring Dogs to Cats – What’s Your View?

    According to new research out today almost half (45%) of British adults admit they prefer dogs in a battle between dogs vs cats.

    The research conducted by Churchill Pet Insurance is said to relaunch the battle between the two beloved British pets as the insurer asks pet lovers to take to social media using the hashtag #ChurchillCatsVSDogs to share thoughts on the findings.

    dog photo

    When asked which personality traits they associate most with dogs and cats, almost three quarters of pet lovers respondents to the survey claimed dogs are seen as loyal. Almost 7 in 10 said they were protective while giving unconditional love. Over half also claimed they saw dogs as intelligent, while cats are not only intelligent but independent thinkers and cunning.

    Dan Streets, Churchill Pet Insurance manager commented: “We are officially a nation of dog lovers – a preference which transcends age, gender and location. Our friendly pooches give us unconditional love and protection, so have earned the top spot as our loyal companion. It’s not all doom and gloom for cats though, as our research clearly shows that many see them as the pet of choice, as their independent thinking and intelligence in looking after themselves means they are often the perfect pet.”

    So, what do you think? Share your views with us by commenting below or take part in the social study by sharing your thoughts with us on Twitter @K9Magazine using the hashtag #ChurchillCatsVSDogs!

  • RSPCA Bristol Seeking Information About Dog Abandoned Roadside in ‘Appalling Condition’

    Staff at Bristol Dogs and Cats Home are appealing for information after a German Shepherd was found straying in an appalling condition in Bristol on November 6th.

    The dog, named ‘Zen’ by staff at the Dogs and Cats Home, was found by kind passers-by, who took him to the RSPCA Bristol Branch on Albert Road, having immediately realised that the dog was in an astonishingly poor state of health and suffering terribly from his obvious injuries.

    Staff at the centre said that Zen was in an “inexcusable condition”, he had been neglected to the extent that he had open sores all over his body, his nails had completely overgrown; shockingly some of his nails had even grown right around and back up through the pads on his feet. The skin between every single toe on each paw was infected, he had sores to his mouth, and he also had scarring and infected wounds as a result of not having received treatment for a skin condition. Zen was in a very poor health, suffering terribly and in a lot of pain.

    The veterinary surgeon who attended to Zen at the RSPCA Bristol Clinic said, “Zen was probably one of the worst skin cases I’ve ever seen. He had ulceration of the skin to his face, hind legs & all four paws, with a large ulcer over his hip. His feet were swollen, and obviously painful to walk on – he only moved if he had to. The ulcerated skin was deeply infected and the dog was also extremely thin”.

    Unsurprisingly no one came forward to claim Zen, and he was not microchipped, so an owner could not be traced. Very sadly, the vet advised that the severe nature of his disease condition and the extent of the pain and distress meant there was no option but to put Zen to sleep on humane grounds, to alleviate his suffering.

    Jodie Hayward, Manager of the Bristol Dogs and Cats Home, said “This has been a very traumatic experience for everyone involved. The misery and suffering this poor dog went through would have been horrific”

    “The smell of rotting flesh, infection, and bad skin, was so terrible that it made our eyes water. It is hard to think that somebody may have had this dog living with them in a house”.

    Staff at the Bristol rescue and rehoming centre are now appealing to the public to come forward with information.
    Jodie continued, “This poor dog did not deserve to be neglected in this way, the injuries he had meant that he can’t have travelled far. He could barely walk. He was found in the Sheldon Road/Romney Avenue area of Lockleaze, Bristol on November 6th 2015”

    “Someone out there must know something, we please ask that if you have any information at all, no matter how small that you report it so that we may find justice for Zen. Maybe we will never know, but we will do our best to find out so that no other animal is allowed to come to harm at the hands of this person or people again”. Staff at the centre have also shared the appeal on their social media pages, with the hashtag #?justiceforzen.

    If you think you may have any information about Zen, where he came from, who may have owned him – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please contact the main RSPCA control centre on 0300 1234 999, quoting ref: 476/26/11/15. 

  • Pair Sentenced for Leaving Injured Dogs in Pain

    Two Hertfordshire men who admitted leaving their injured dogs to suffer have been disqualified from keeping animals for life, following an investigation by the RSPCA’s special operations unit.

    Samuel Lyas and Valentine Baldock were sentenced at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday, 23 November), after they both admitted causing unnecessary suffering to terriers, some of which were left with the skin ripped from their lower jaws.

    As well as the ban, Lyas (dob 27.3.90) was given a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for two years, 280 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £3,600 in costs after he admitted causing an animal fight between a dog and a fox.

    Baldock (dob 26.5.84) was also ordered to do 225 hours unpaid work, and pay £3025 costs after also pleading guilty.

    The RSPCA began investigating Lyas, from Brent Pelham, near Buntingford, after being made aware of allegations that he has used his dogs to attack wild animals.

    A warrant was carried out by Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Rural Operations Team at Lyas’s home address in April this year, where RSPCA officers in attendance found six terriers, including a red male called Max (above) and a black longhair called Bronson who both needed treatment for their injuries.

    Max was suffering de-gloving injuries, which is where the dog had no skin on his lower jaw, leaving the flesh exposed after it had been ripped off.

    A separate warrant the same day at Baldock’s address, also in Brent Pelham, found more dogs, including black terriers called Gravel and Todd, showed they had several head, facial and jaw injuries which had not received proper treatment.

    The vet also discovered a number of staples in the corner of Gravel’s mouth, some of which had become partially detached from the skin. These had been administered by Baldock

    RSPCA special operations unit inspector Cliff Harrison said: “This is a depressingly familiar type of case that myself and colleagues have had to deal with on a regular basis.

    “The injuries to these poor terriers were exactly those that we expect to find on dogs that are put underground to pin foxes and badgers at the back of their earth until dug down to.

    “These dogs are so friendly to humans, but show no fear underground and the inevitable result of them being put underground time after time are these horrible injuries that we found on that day.

    “These are the result of countless encounters and to add insult to their injuries these dogs were not treated by a vet for either pain relief or reparation, which meant that their unnecessary suffering was prolonged.”

    DC Amanda Matthews, an officer on the Rural Operational Support Team, said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of this sentencing. Lyas and Baldock treated these animals abhorrently and caused them considerable pain and distress. They do not deserve to be in the presence of animals and I am reassured that they will not be able to for a good few years to come.

    “I hope that today’s sentencing serves as a warning to anyone who mistreats animals that this behaviour won’t be tolerated and, in partnership with the RSPCA, the police will do all they can to bring offenders to justice.”

  • Greyhound Racing Industry Cannot Police Itself, Campaigners Warn

    Trusting the greyhound racing industry to police itself would be naive, warn animal welfare campaigners

    The greyhound racing industry cannot be trusted to police its own behaviour, so an independent watchdog with teeth is essential if the government is serious about stamping out neglect, cruel training practices and widespread injury insists the League Against Cruel Sports.

    As the racing industry’s treatment of greyhounds comes under close scrutiny with a government-led review, animal welfare campaigners League Against Cruel Sports believe that Defra’s recommendations are woefully inadequate and will do little to protect the welfare of racing dogs.

    Dr Toni Shephard, League Against Cruel Sports’ Head of Policy & Research said: “For too long, the tail has wagged the dog, with the government allowing the demands of the greyhound racing industry to take precedence over the animals’ welfare.

    “While it is good that Defra recognises the widespread concern about how the industry treats its racing dogs, the recommendations in its review are naïve and wholly inadequate.

    “Based on the greyhound racing industry’s dismal record in policing itself over the past 5 years and contrary to Defra’s position, we strongly believe that there is indeed a robust and compelling case for strengthened and independently enforced legislation.”

    The League believes that the inherent secrecy of the greyhound industry, its lack of accountability and inadequate legislation has allowed cruelty to flourish unchecked

    Dr Shephard added: ““It’s clear that the greyhound is only useful to its trainer as long as it can turn a profit. Isolated and neglected, these racing dogs are subjected to malnutrition, dangerous training practices and injury, often leading to an early death.

    “We strongly support the option to extend regulations to trainers’ kennels, but at the same time we need an effective and independent regulatory body which will ensure complete transparency, with publicly accessible injury records and retirement/euthanasia data a priority.

    The League’s research has uncovered a catalogue of cruelty to greyhounds and malpractice, including:

    Dogs are often housed alone in a small kennel with limited opportunity for exercise, no enrichment, outdoor access or contact with other dogs and clear signs of boredom and stress are apparent
    A commonplace cruel training practice includes greyhounds being tied to a moving treadmill and forcibly exercised. If the dog stops running, it can choke to death.
    Misuse of microchips including taking the chip out and swapping it to another dog, rendering the tracking of the greyhound’s fate impossible
    A high levels of track injuries, which go unreported because there is no requirement for the industry to publish injury statistics
    Trainers discarding greyhounds when they outlive their usefulness. Some of these unwanted dogs are sold to foreign tracks or euthanised, and a few are rehomed

    The League Against Cruel Sports is calling on the government to implement the following recommendations:

    An independent greyhound welfare regulatory body: to oversee all greyhound racing: The regulations must include trainers’ kennels
    Welfare and regulatory transparency: a law for the industry to disclose information on greyhound welfare, both nationally and at track level.
    Greyhound passports: thousands of dogs currently just disappear without trace. Mandatory microchipping will not be sufficient to track every dog from birth to death.
    Rehoming requirements: Healthy greyhounds should never be euthanised
    Breeding controls: Overbreeding and trade in greyhounds is rife, and a licensing regime is overdue

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

    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.

  • Children and Dogs Alike Join Together Paying Respects at Animals in War Memorial Event

    Today (Friday 13th November) local school children joined representatives from the UK’s most renowned animal welfare charities and advocacy organisations to pay their respects at the annual Animals in War Memorial event.

    One-hundred-and-one years on from the start of the First World War and eleven years since the unveiling of the monument on London’s Park Lane, guests, both human and animal paused to remember, and pay their respects to all the animals who have served in conflicts over the years.

    The Animals in War Memorial was unveiled in 2004 by HRH the Princess Royal. Trustees of the Animals in War Memorial Fund raised the £2 million needed to build the monument through a national appeal and the consequent generosity of many individual donors, charities and companies.

    Representing the next generation, two local school children were also present after winning the Animals in War Poetry competition. Pupils from Warren Mead Junior School, Banstead were also at the service. They presented a collection of poems and drawings, inspired by Animals in War, at the memorial.

  • WATCH: Otto the Bulldog Sets New Guinness World Record in Peru

    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’.

  • Dog Owners Need to Beware of this Autumn Danger – Acorns

    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.

  • British Pet Food Company Win Three Prestigious Awards

    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.

    Nutriment Images - awards news

     

    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.’

  • Too Many Sausages Nearly Fatal For This Lucky Dog

    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

  • World Animal Day Makes Animal Welfare Global Event

    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.