Category: Dog News

Halloween revellers are being urged not to approach homeless people and their pets while wearing fancy dress costumes for fear it could make the homeless dogs stressed and anxious.

Michelle Southern, founder of Street Paws, a UK charity that supports pet owners who are homeless, says seeing people in spooky outfits is terrifying for dogs.

Michelle said, “It’s scary enough being homeless and not only being worried about your own safety but your pet as well.

“But at Halloween, it’s even more stressful for homeless people as there are so many revellers out in fancy dress costumes.

“For a dog living on the street, they have no idea why people are dressed up, and it can make them very stressed and anxious if people run up and shout and try to scare them.”

Street Paws support homeless dogs and have also helped several cats in 18 cities and towns across the UK with 150 vets and nurses who give health checks, flea and worming treatment and vaccinations to the dogs.

The charity was founded in Newcastle in 2016 by Michelle, 48, a former Vets4Pets practice manager after she recognised that while there were soup kitchens for homeless people, there wasn’t the same support for their pets.

Michelle added, “Winter is a difficult time for our clients and their animals with the cold weather, fireworks and Halloween and Christmas parties making many city centres intimidating places.

“We understand that people want to celebrate and have fun, we just ask that they are considerate to the animals and their owners and leave them alone and don’t set off fireworks near them.

“If they do want to help, ask if they would like a warm drink or some water or food for their dog. Sometimes showing a little kindness by simply stopping to say hello is enough to lift their spirits.”

New research has found that celebrities and social media may be driving once-popular breeds into extinction, as new owners demand ‘fashionable’ breeds, inspired by famous owners, according to Direct Line Pet Insurance.

Sadly, with celebrity ownership boosting the popularity of French Bulldogs and Pugs, several once-loved breeds have drastically fallen in numbers, with several facing the worrying possibility of becoming extinct in the UK in the next 50 to 100 years.

The breed that has faced the most drastic drop in numbers over the last ten years, and is therefore at greatest risk of dying out, is the Yorkshire Terrier.

Dog breeds at risk of extinction

In 2008, there were just under 4,000 Yorkshire Terriers bred in the UK, yet in 2017 there were only 876 – a radical fall of 78.1%. If the numbers continue to fall at this rate, Yorkshire Terriers would disappear altogether by 2060.

Bichon Frises are also at risk, as their numbers have dropped by almost three quarters (72%) in the last ten years, from 2757 to just 769. If these trends continue, Bichon Frises may only be around until 2070.

Similarly, in 2008, there were just over 7000 West Highland White Terriers bred, but by 2017, the number of Westies had reduced by 71%. Should this trend continue, the breed could disappear by 2080.

Top five breeds that have fallen in popularity

Yorkshire Terrier – fallen by 78%
Bichon Frise – fallen by 72%
West Highland White Terrier – fallen by 71%
Bull Mastiff – fallen by 70%
Siberian Husky – fallen by 65%

Other breeds that are also at risk of dying out include Bull Mastiffs, Siberian Huskies, Schnauzers and King Charles Spaniels.

While these breeds dwindle in numbers, others are rapidly growing, as is the case with French Bulldogs.

Ownership of French Bulldogs has increased more than thirtyfold in the last ten years, with 1,025 owned in 2008 in comparison to over 30,000 in 2017.

Most of this rise in popularity has occurred over the last three years, as their numbers grew by over 300% between 2014 and 2017.

More than half of dog shelters, according to dogsblog.com believe celebrities and social media are driving sales of ‘fashionable’ breeds such as Boston Terriers, Pugs and Miniature Dachshunds.

Top five breeds that have risen in popularity

French Bulldog – risen by 3,013%
Boston Terrier – risen by 400%
Pug – risen by 240%
Miniature Dachshund – risen by 223%
Bulldog – risen by 208%

Commenting on the research findings, Prit Powar, Head of Direct Line Pet Insurance, said, “It is sad to think that some of the dog breeds we are familiar with in the UK may not exist in the next 100 years, if the trends we are seeing continue. Celebrity ownership undoubtedly influences the desirability of breeds and those that are unfashionable appear to be paying the price.

Powar continued, “We would like to encourage prospective dog owners to consider one of these ‘at-risk’ breeds, in order to secure these loveable dogs’ futures. As always, owners should conduct thorough research into their preferred breed before committing, to ensure that the dog is compatible with their lifestyle and they can meet that breed’s needs.”

The real impact of designer dogs: animal shelters fear worst

The reason behind certain breeds becoming more or less popular is debated amongst rescue shelters, as 77% have recorded a rise in abandoned dogs in their care over the last year, and 86.2% predict a rise of ‘designer dogs’ in particular in rescue over the next ten years, due to their current popularity.

Freddie is a Cockapoo who found himself in rescue after being bred and ‘unsold’

Ryan O’Meara, dogsblog.com co-founder, said: “Not every person who buys or adopts a popular breed or cross-breed will do so having been inspired by celebrities or social media. However, it is evident that changes in the popularity of certain breeds coincide with celebrity and influencer ownership which can be analysed to predict which dogs, for example, may fall completely off the radar.

“Sadly, dogs that have fallen in numbers are also some of the most common breeds in animal rescue shelters. Our research showed that the average age of a dog abandoned to a rescue shelter is just two years and two months old, which supports our research showing a correlation between the fast pace of ever-changing popularity and pet abandonment.”

New research has found that celebrities and social media may be driving these once-popular breeds into extinction, as new owners demand ‘fashionable’ breeds, inspired by famous owners, according to Direct Line Pet Insurance.

Sadly, with celebrity ownership boosting the popularity of French Bulldogs and Pugs, several once-loved breeds have drastically fallen in numbers, with several facing the worrying possibility of becoming extinct in the UK in the next 50 to 100 years.

Meet the three breeds most at risk of extinction

The Yorkshire Terrier

In 2008, there were just under 4,000 Yorkshire Terriers bred in the UK, yet in 2017 there were only 876 – a radical fall of 78.1%. If the numbers continue to fall at this rate, Yorkshire Terriers would disappear altogether by 2060.

The Bichon Frise

Bichon Frises have dropped by almost three quarters (72%) in the last ten years, from 2757 to just 769. If these trends continue, Bichon Frises may only be around until 2070.

Photo credit: dogsblog.com

The Westie

In 2008, there were just over 7000 West Highland White Terriers bred, but by 2017, the number of Westies had reduced by 71%. Should this trend continue, the breed could disappear by 2080.

Other breeds that are also at risk of dying out include Bull Mastiffs, Siberian Huskies, Schnauzers and King Charles Spaniels, with breeders opting to breed more ‘in fashion’ breeds, sparking enormous rises in breeds, such as French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs and Miniature Dachshunds.

According to dogsblog.com, more than half of dog shelters, believe celebrities and social media are driving sales of these ‘fashionable’ breeds.

Commenting on the research findings, Prit Powar, Head of Direct Line Pet Insurance, said, “It is sad to think that some of the dog breeds we are familiar with in the UK may not exist in the next 100 years, if the trends we are seeing continue. Celebrity ownership undoubtedly influences the desirability of breeds and those that are unfashionable appear to be paying the price.

Powar continued, “We would like to encourage prospective dog owners to consider one of these ‘at-risk’ breeds, in order to secure these loveable dogs’ futures. As always, owners should conduct thorough research into their preferred breed before committing, to ensure that the dog is compatible with their lifestyle and they can meet that breed’s needs.”

As of today, 1st October, dogs are welcomed back to almost all of the UK’s beaches until Springtime.

In the UK, owners can now take their dogs on coastal walks without worrying about dog ban fines which, during the summer months, average £393, with a maximum penalty of £1,000, according to new research by Direct Line Pet Insurance.

Dog owners in Wales will notice the biggest difference, as half of their beaches had summer restrictions on dogs in place. While Scotland’s beaches were the most welcoming to pets during the summer season, with only ten per cent having a seasonal ban in place.

Despite the easing of restrictions, owners still have responsibilities when taking their dogs to the beach. Owners must make sure they clean up after their dogs and be in control of the pet whilst on the beach.

Owners also have a duty to remain vigilant of other beach users and make sure that their dogs are not causing unwanted distress. Penalties for failing to comply vary between £50 – £80 but can rise up to £1,000.

Prit Powar, Head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line commented: “Even though owners can now bring their dogs back on most beaches, it’s important to be respectful of other visitors. Not all beach users are comfortable around dogs, so owners must ensure their pets are under control and well-behaved.

“It is also important to note that October is in the midst of autumn, which translates to tidal changes and rougher sea waters, so owners need to be extra mindful of their dogs’ whereabouts around the water. Many dogs love the beach, but safety must always be a priority and we advise owners to check if it is safe for their dog to go swimming before letting them off the lead.”

A new scheme has been launched to help animal rescue centres meet the costs of caring for dogs that have been injured in barbaric and illegal dog fights.

The League Against Cruel Sports will provide up to £500 for any dogs that are being cared for after being exploited in this sickening practice.

Suzanne Heaney, Dog Fighting Programme Manager at the League Against Cruel Sports, said:

“Over the last 20 years there have been around 150 prosecutions for dog fighting in the UK. At the League Against Cruel Sports we receive hundreds of reports each year from the public about their suspicions that dog fighting is taking place in their communities, and we believe the RSPCA receive a similar number of reports. It’s clear from these simple statistics that dog fighting remains a significant animal welfare issue in the UK. The public are concerned about what’s happening on the ground and want more to be done to tackle this horrendous abuse.

“Given the level of abuse these dogs endure, those lucky enough to make it to a local rescue centre face a long haul to reach good health, often needing significant veterinary treatment to deal with physical injuries, as well as behavioural support to deal with psychological trauma. Intensive support of this kind is expensive and yet many wonderful rescue centres go the extra mile to help these dogs. That’s why the League is launching a scheme to provide funding to help meet the costs of caring for each dog.”

The League is in touch with several animal rescue centres to help potential dog fighting victims. Other rescue centres who wish to apply for a grant can do so by contacting the charity through its website or by emailing reportdogfighting@league.org.uk. All the details on the scheme and how to apply can be found here.

The League is also reaching out to rescue centres to ask them to share key intelligence in strict confidence about the people and places involved in dog fighting in the UK.

The League’s professional investigators will follow up on the information you provide to ensure it’s properly looked into, while maintaining your confidentiality and letting you know how our investigation is progressing.

If members of the public want to report their suspicions about dog fighting (without applying for funding) please contact the League’s confidential Online Animal Crimewatch reporting service. Or call in confidence on 01483 361 108 or email crimewatch@league.org.uk.

Heaney concluded, “Dogs caught up in dog fighting are naturally loyal friends who’ve been abused by dog fighters and made to behave in an unnatural way. They’re the true victims of this appalling crime and need support so that they can go on to live good lives with people who care about them. The funding the League provides will help rescue centres provide that dedicated support.”

As the British Government reveals it is planning for a ‘no deal’ exit from the European Union, vets are warning that a no-deal Brexit could add up to a logistical nightmare for areas of the workforce and lead to serious shortfalls in capacity for vets certifying animals and animal products entering and exiting the UK.

New technical notices released on 24th September 2018 offer guidance to businesses and citizens in the event of a no-deal Brexit across areas including pet travel and the import and export of animals and animal products coming to and from the UK.

Essentially, pets would continue to be able to travel from the UK to the EU, but the level of documentation and health checks, and subsequently costs involve to pet owners preparing to travel, will rise.

Why Brexit Will Cost More

If the UK has “unlisted” third country status following withdrawal from the EU, then dogs, cats and ferrets would need to prove they have been effectively vaccinated against rabies by undergoing a rabies antibody titration test at least thirty days after vaccination and no fewer than three months before their travel date.

Pets would need to travel with an animal health certificate issued by an Official Veterinarian, which would then be valid for ten days from the date of issue until entry into EU member states.

RSPCA Head of Public Affairs David Bowles echoed concerns saying, “Travelling with your pet will become more difficult, with dogs and cats being delayed or even turned back at borders in a no-deal scenario.

“The new process and restrictions will depend how fast and on what level the UK is finally listed but it is certain that with no deal, travelling with your dog or cat will radically change and may prevent some people from travelling.”

The latest Government notices also advise that a new domestic version of TRACES (Trade Control and Expert System) – the web-based veterinarian certification tool used by the European Union for controlling the import and export of live animals and animal products within and without its borders – will be introduced at the beginning of 2019, with the aim of it being fully embedded by the EU withdrawal date in March.

Brexit Will Reduce the Number of Vets in the UK

Nearly half of vets registering to work in the UK every year come from the EU, and 95 per cent of Official Veterinarians working in abattoirs come from overseas, mainly the EU.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warned that Brexit could exacerbate existing shortages and recruitment problems in the workforce and is calling for vets to be reinstated on the Shortage Occupation List to safeguard against shortfalls in capacity.

Simon Doherty, BVA President, said: “We’ve been exploring the impact of Brexit for a long time, and today’s technical notices really underline how a no-deal situation could put a strain on large and crucial sections of the veterinary workforce.

“The risk of shortages of OVs working in abattoirs or carrying out certification is well documented, but the impacts could also be keenly felt in the small animal sector if new pet transport requirements lead to a surge in demand for vets to carry out rabies vaccination and testing prior to travel. It’s highly likely that owners will not only be affected by veterinary capacity shortfalls, but also face long waits and additional costs for giving an animal the all clear to leave the UK.

“We are also concerned that BVA, the representative organisation for vets, has not been approached yet to get involved in the testing and training process for the new version of TRACES. As vets will be the primary users of the new system going forward, it is important to involve us early on to address any teething problems and ensure a smooth transition ahead of March.

“These technical notices are an important step in putting some of the issues that a no-deal Brexit could present out in the open and helping businesses to prepare accordingly. Going forward, it is critical that the government fully engages with the veterinary profession on matters which may have a bearing on their vital work supporting animal welfare, public health and standards in the supply chain.”

A new study into dog bite prevention is underway at the University of Liverpool’s Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC), putting virtual reality front and centre.

Alongside the Dogs Trust and University of Liverpool animal behaviour researchers, the VEC has created a virtual dog (pictured below) which will display real signs of canine aggression inside a safe and controlled virtual reality (VR) experience.

Photo Credit: Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC)

The team behind the creation say that ‘the experience aims to help adults and children recognise specific behaviours displayed by dogs, which could potentially lead to an attack or incident if not correctly identified.’

It works like this – when approached in a virtual reality world, the virtual dog will change behaviour and begin to display signs of aggression, including licking its lips, lowering its head and body, front paw lifting, growling and showing teeth (as referenced in the ‘Canine Ladder of Aggression’ which shows how a dog may behave when it does not want to be approached), therefore allowing children and adults to learn what a dog is saying when they show similar signs of aggression in the real world to help avoid being bitten.

This month, a petition to spark a debate about pet theft was delivered to 10 Downing Street after gaining more than 100,000 signatures from pet lovers who want pet theft to be recognised as a crime.

Jayne Hayes, founder of DogLost said, “It is momentous achievement to be able to knock on the door of 10 Downing Street and raise awareness about pet theft, but we need more. In the past 12 years, we have assisted more than 70,000 owners and helped reunite nearly 55,000 dogs. Very few pet thieves went to prison.”

Earlier this summer, Ross Thomson MP  introduced the Pets (Theft) Bill in Parliament, but despite cross-party support, George Eustice MP concluded the government was “not convinced for change.”

So, what happens next?

A second reading of the bill is scheduled to be discussed in Parliament on Friday 26 October 2018.

During the first Pet Theft Debate, the Rt Hon George Eustice MP stressed: “that the Government interpret the latest guidance from the Sentencing Council that the theft of a pet should generally be treated as a category two or three offence.”

At present, pet theft is generally treated as a category three or four offence in magistrates courts.

Debbie Matthews of Vets Get Scanning spoke about the Government’s position saying, “The interpretation is positive, but that is not happening in the courts. We continue to ask for clarification within the Theft Act and wonder why a simple amendment in the Sentencing Guidelines is not forthcoming.

On why the law needs to be changed, Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance (Sampa) legal advisor, Professor John Cooper QC, explained:

“The law is simply not geared up to recognise the importance of pets in the nations life. They are treated like property, and the invaluable contribution they make to millions of peoples of lives both practically and emotionally really needs to be acknowledged through a harsher sentencing regime.”

Gareth Johnson MP (Dartford), who has been campaigning for pet theft reform for over five years, said, “Like most dog owners, I see my dog as a member of my family and the sentencing of people who steal dogs should reflect this. The criminal justice system should not treat dog theft in the same way as the theft of property. This petition really highlights the strength of feeling on this issue and the widespread disgust people feel about this crime.”

Dr Daniel Allen, who started the petition, concluded, “Five dogs are reported stolen in England and Wales every day, yet less than 5% of dog theft cases lead to a custodial sentence. Criminals see pet theft as a low-risk high-reward crime. Pet Theft Reform is the only way to change this.”

“By 2021 there will be no dog meat restaurants in the city centre” is the message from the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi barely 24 hours after urging citizens to stop eating dogs and cats.

The director of the city’s Department of Animal Health, Nguyen Ngoc Son, told Lao Dong Newspaper on Wednesday (September 12), “Following a direction from the city’s People’s Committee that called on residents to ease off eating dog meat, we are building a plan to gradually phase out the slaughtering and trading of dog meat. By 2021 there will be no dog meat restaurants in the city centre”

Photo Credit: Soi Dog Foundation

The People’s Committee had asked city residents the previous day to stop eating dog and cat meat, and urged local district authorities to launch campaigns to warn people about the risks of contracting diseases, including potentially deadly rabies and leptospirosis, from eating dog and cat meat.

The committee also said that the slaughter and sale of dogs and cats for their meat had damaged the image of Hanoi.

Mr Son told Lao Dong Newspaper that Hanoi now has 1,013 restaurants selling dog and cat meat. The exact number of dogs and cats eaten throughout Vietnam is not known precisely but is estimated to be around five million animals a year.

The Thailand-based Soi Dog Foundation, which has been working with the Hanoi People’s Committee to steer them towards ending the dog meat trade, was surprised and delighted by the announcement.

The charity’s founder, John Dalley, said, “This is wonderful news. We sincerely hope that, step by step, this planned ban will be spread out across the entire city and will be emulated by other cities in Vietnam.

“There is no place for cruelty in culture. Hanoi is growing into a 21st century city, and practises that belong in the dark ages should be cleared away.”

Soi Dog’s representative in Vietnam, Bao Tran, said, “This is huge news here. It was the biggest story on all news outlets in Vietnam, and seems to be widely supported by people.

“The vital component now is for Hanoi to discuss and create the legal framework for banning the dog and cat meat trade. Soi Dog will be happy to help and guide in any way we can.”

The Soi Dog Foundation was instrumental in tackling the organised smuggling of dogs out of Thailand via Laos to Vietnam. Today that trade has dwindled to a trickle.

Mr Dalley was also a member of the Thai government committee that drafted an anti-cruelty law that came into force in 2014. The law made the eating of dogs and cats in Thailand illegal.

A Beagle named Scarlett has been crowned the most ‘Inspirational Animal’ at the Animal Hero awards.

The ex-laboratory Beagle, who was the canine cover star of K9 Magazine’s ‘Welfare Special’ earlier this year alongside celebrities Ricky Gervais and Peter Egan, is receiving this award because she is turning a terrifying past into a bright future for millions of laboratory animals, in her new role as Beagle Ambassador for the science-based campaign For Life On Earth (FLOE).

Photo Credit: Joseph Sinclair for K9 Magazine

Now running free, Scarlett’s two years imprisoned in a cruel and frightening toxicology laboratory (where dogs are typically force-fed chemicals for up to 90 days with no pain relief or anaesthetic) left her with terrible PTSD, including symptoms where she displays a terror of noises, fear of being covered and serious issues with eating.

Scarlett’s owner, Jane Bailes Green previously gave K9 Magazine some examples, “Scarlett gets excited when we get ready to take her on a walk, but the moment the harness and lead appears she goes into ‘compliance mode’, crouching down with her head and paws all flat on the floor. When picked up she goes all limp.

“These are indications of the training she would have endured to get her used to a laboratory environment, having learned – often through physical abuse – that ‘the less I move, the less I hurt.’ Even when mummy or daddy come home, she is initially excited and runs to greet us but quickly crouches down in compliance, waiting for permission to move and fearful of doing the wrong thing.”

On her new role as an ambassador, she said, “Living with Scarlett has confirmed our beliefs and her little ways and behaviours are a daily reminder of a life traumatised.

“Scarlett comes to life on her forest walks and a lot of people take an interest in her – she is small, cute and loves children and other animals – which gives us the opportunity to talk to people and educate them.”

Photo Credit: Joseph Sinclair for K9 Magazine

At the start of this year, K9 Magazine introduced comedian and well-known animal advocate Ricky Gervais and Peter Egan to Scarlett.

Alongside Paul O’Grady, Chris Packham, Dr. Jane Goodall and over 100 MPs, Ricky Gervais and Peter Egan are calling for a rigorous public scientific debate which would be judged by independent experts from the relevant fields of science about claims that animal experiments can predict the responses of human patients.

The Beagle’s latest achievement of being crowned this year’s ‘Inspirational Animal of the Year’ will undoubtedly help to raise awareness about the subject of animal testing.

We hope it leads to a revoke of the outdated law with medical research funding then able to be re-directed towards viable non-invasive human-based research, which has a track record of success without the need to harm animals.

Two dogs from Greater Manchester Fire and Service are to receive recognition for their years of outstanding devotion with the animal equivalent of the OBE because of their service to society.

Echo, a 14 year old Labrador, served with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service as a Search and Rescue dog from 2004 to 2013 and Cracker, a 13 year old Labrador Cracker was a Fire Service Investigation Dog with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service between January 2007 and February 2017.

During his time in service, Echo was deployed as part of the UK Fire Service Overseas Response Team, to assist in the aftermath of an earthquake in Haiti, which completely devastated large parts of the country in January 2010.

The capital, Port-au-Prince, was buried under tonnes of collapsed buildings and structures.

In the heat and humidity and accompanied by a UN Police convoy, Echo’s skills were deployed to help speed up the search process. He conducted 46 separate searches over a two week period. Sadly, due to the magnitude of the quake, everyone that Echo found had already died.

Echo’s handler, Mike Dewer (pictured below together), said, “I can honestly say that Haiti was hell on earth. The city’s infrastructure had been decimated. There were no hospitals – survivors were relying solely on aid from outside the country to help them. For Echo, the smell of death surrounded him. As a puppy, he was taught to search for the living, but as the situation was so bleak and desperate, his searches for survivors were fruitless.

“He helped us find victims buried deep within collapsed buildings – libraries and shopping centres. I will always remember his whining as he struggled to fathom why he was surrounded by that one scent – a scent that he had been taught to ignore, but under those circumstances, that was impossible.

“Echo and I shared a tent and I think we were both glad of each other to cuddle up to after each of those gruelling days. Those sights will stay with me forever and I will always be grateful to Echo for the strength and determination he showed while we were deployed.”

Despite the intensely challenging conditions, Echo worked tirelessly and without hesitation for almost two weeks before he and Mike returned home to the UK.

Cracker’s time in service was spent helping forensic teams determine the cause of fires to help secure convictions of suspected arsonists. She was trained to detect 20 different types of accelerants, using her powerful sense of smell.

During her 10-year service, she was involved in a number of high-profile cases, including a double murder and serious assaults. She attended over 650 incidents, resulting in over 200 years of custodial sentences for arson-related crimes.

On 12 March 2013 a major explosion occurred at a large two-storey detached building on War Office Road, Rochdale. A strong smell of petrol was detected and Cracker was deployed to investigate. After an unproductive ground search, Cracker was instructed to climb what remained of the staircase, to search the upper floor. This meant negotiating a large hole in the floor, as well as making her way through fallen wooden beams and roofing materials.

Cracker tracked along the skirting board to a place outside where the bathroom had once been and gave a positive indication. As a result of her efforts, the Fire Investigation Team was able to determine that the explosion was a result of an arson attack.

On 5 March 2014 Cracker attended a ‘halfway house’ property in Ashton, Greater Manchester, where a man had been murdered and his body set on fire. Cracker, dressed in a forensic dog suit to preserve any evidence, undertook a search of the property and, as a result of her efforts, the culprit received a 30-year jail sentence.

On Cracker’s actions, Mike said, “Cracker – or Lucy to her friends – was a constant source of excellent skill and drive whenever she was deployed to assist with an investigation. She was just as driven and determined on her last day as she was when she first started. An absolute class act. I am thrilled to see her recognised with the PDSA Order of Merit – it is a true honour.”

As well as attending crime scenes, Cracker also visited schools to help educate young people in fire and home safety.

Both dogs will receive their animal OBE, the PDSA Order of Merit, at a ceremony next month.

After making a u-turn and announcing that in a post-Brexit world animals will be recognised as sentient beings with feelings in the UK, the government is being reminded that with only eight months to go before Britain withdraws from the EU and its laws no longer apply, it must make good on its commitment to Britain’s animals.

This week the government department DEFRA has pledged to introduce tougher sentences for animal cruelty, with those who commit the most serious offences facing up to five years in prison, compared to the current six-month maximum.

DEFRA has also said they are committed to working with welfare organisations to ensure that animal sentience is properly recognised in legislation after the UK has withdrawn from the EU.

On the news, RSPCA Head of Public Affairs David Bowles said, “We are pleased that Defra has agreed with the RSPCA that the Bills relating to sentencing for animal cruelty and animal sentience should be separate.

“We welcome the proposed Bill to increase sentencing for animal cruelty and neglect from six months to five years by amending Section 32 of the Animal Welfare Act, as well as the introduction of a separate sentience Bill.

“However, as there are less than eight months to go before we leave the EU, we are concerned that time is running out for the Sentience Bill to be introduced and agreed before Brexit.”

John Fishwick, President of the British Veterinary Association, who speak on behalf of thousands of vets and vet professionals, said, “With time running out the government must ensure that these words are translated into decisive action.

“Recognising animals as sentient beings sends a strong signal to the global community that the UK continues to be a world leader when it comes to animal welfare. It’s imperative that the government earmarks enough time in an increasingly crowded legislative agenda to bring it into law.”