Total Dog Magazine

Category: Dog News

The latest dog news from around the world

RIP Ghost: Police Dog Killed in Pursuit of Intruders

A police dog has been killed after being run over pursuing intruders in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside.

The German Shepherd named Ghost was only three years old and was found shortly afterwards on the M6 nearby with traumatic injuries after being hit by a vehicle.

Local police have confirmed no vehicles stopped at the scene where Ghost was found.

Photo Credit: Twitter.com/MerseyPolice

His handler, pictured above with Ghost is said to be “extremely upset” according to police colleagues. The pair had formed a bond and on recent shifts together had helped recover a stolen cash box.

Speaking to the BBC, Inspector Tony Byrne said, “Ghost and his handler were a prolific team and he was a much valued member of our team and will be sorely missed.”

This tragic news comes shortly after a police dog, Finn, was stabbed on duty. In his name a petition to honour police dogs was launched and with more than 100,000 signatures is due to be debated in parliament soon.

November 9, 2016
MP Calls for Changes in Attitude to Animal Abuse as Link Between Animal Cruelty and Domestic Abuse Found

MP Anna Turley is calling for changes in attitude towards animal cruelty and will today (Tuesday 8 November) highlight research in Parliament uncovered by a team at Teesside University which has discovered links between animal abuse and domestic violence.

The Redcar MP plans to highlight the research in a debate in favour of her Private Members Bill which seeks to toughen sentencing on animal cruelty perpetrators in order to quell the progression to violence against fellow humans.

The study, which is the first of its kind in Europe, is titled ‘It’s a Dog’s Life’ and was led by Malcolm Plant, founder of the Making the Link study project and an Associate Researcher at Teesside University, along with Professor Paul van Schaik, Professor of Psychology at Teesside University.

Research into animal abuse has often centred on Western cultures where such behaviour is socially unacceptable. This study looks at Eastern European communities, particularly those where animal abuse is endemic and socially acceptable.

A number of communities examined had a large population of stray and neglected animals regularly facing violent attacks. This has created a vicious cycle of “endorsed aggression” in which witnesses of this unchallenged abuse adopt it as the norm.

Professor van Schaik said: “An important factor in animal abuse is empathy. We found that adolescents who possessed less empathy were more likely to abuse animals.”

Malcolm Plant said: “We discovered young people in Eastern Europe who had experienced domestic violence enacted aggression towards animals and went on to commit violence against individuals and society.”

“Management of stray street animals in some Eastern European communities had diminished their social status and encouraged and exacerbated aggression against them, with children witnessing this unaddressed violence accepting it as normative behaviour, creating a cycle of abuse.”

The research found violence breeds violence, with individuals who have been exposed to domestic abuse having also committed cruelty against animals. In rural areas where violence against animals is seen as more socially acceptable, adolescent males were more likely to abuse animals and had higher exposure to domestic violence.

These adolescent males either showed displaced aggression against the stray animals or progressed to commit violence against family members.

The Teesside University study acknowledges that while links between domestic violence as the catalyst to animal abuse are more challenging to address, cultural change is needed in societies which are accepting of animal abuse.

November 8, 2016
If You Like Rugby (Players) + You Like Dogs, You’ll Love This – Local Team Puts Spotlight on Animals in Need

Local rugby players have visited an RSPCA centre in Kent to spend time with the animals there who are looking for new homes.

Cliffe Crusaders RFC visited Leybourne Animal Centre to meet its residents and also to help raise awareness of the dozens of animals currently waiting for homes.

One of those who was pleased to spend the day – on Sunday 16 October – lapping up the attention was American bulldog, Bella who is fast approaching a year at the RSPCA centre.

She’s been patiently waiting for a new home for 353 days (as of 28 October) but has been overlooked by potential adopters time and time again.

RSPCA Leybourne deputy manager, Angelina Allingham, said: “Bella is such a sociable girl so she loved having the rugby team to visit.

“She really enjoyed getting lots of cuddles and tummy rubs from the players.

“You could say the guys fell for her hook, line and winger!”

The four-year-old loves playing with her toys and has lots of energy so needs an active home with owners who are experienced dog owners.

She could live with older children and, for the time being, would like to be the only pet in the house but we hope that in the future, with continued socialisation, she will be happy making more doggy friends.

Angelina added: “We just don’t understand why someone hasn’t snapped up Bella as she’s such a wonderful dog.

“She has made a big impression on staff and volunteers at Leybourne with her playful personality and we really hope she’ll find the loving home she deserves.”

Bella ended up in RSPCA care as her owner could no longer provide her with the care she needed and she had terribly infected ears when she arrived. But she’s now in good health and ready for a new start.

For more information on how to offer Bella – or any of the other animals at Leybourne – a home, please call 0300 123 0751.

October 28, 2016
Actresses Sarah Hyland & Beth Behrs Honoured for Commitment to Animal Welfare

Last night in Los Angeles, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) honored actresses Beth Behrs (“2 Broke Girls”) and Sarah Hyland (“Modern Family”).

Sarah Hyland and Behrs pictured with their awards / Photo Credit: Getty Images

Behrs was presented with the 2016 ASPCA® Compassion Award for her extraordinary commitment of time and effort she has dedicated to directly impact the lives of vulnerable and victimized animals. Hyland received the ASPCA® Voice for Animals Award recognizing her work in increasing awareness and inspiring action on behalf of animals in crisis. Proceeds from the event supported the launch of the organization’s new Los Angeles Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic.

Sarah Hyland pictured with Marnie the Dog / Photo Credit: Getty Images

The event, hosted by Kathy Taggares featured music by DJ Saint Clair.

Nina Dobrev and Sarah Hyland / Photo Credit: Getty Images

Nina Dobrev and Jennifer Coolidge presented to a packed crowd including ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker, Rudy Dobrev, Dean Geyer, Michael Gladis, Brad Go, Greer Grammer, Lizzy Greene, Chandler Kinney, Marnie the Dog, Kayla Maisonet, Matthew Moy, Jillian Murray, Michael Nardelli, Michael Patrick King, Hugh Sheridan, Sophie Simmons, Harely Quinn Smith, Keith Stanfield, Katie Stevens and more.

October 21, 2016
East Anglian Pets Likely to Be Most Unhealthy in the UK, According to New Research
New research out this week has highlighted the UK’s top 10 most unhealthy areas to live if you’re a pet revealing that East Anglia has more pets suffering from ailments than anywhere else in the UK.

The study which gathered insights from Co-op Pet Insurance claims data for both dogs and cats discovered that East Anglian pets suffered most from gastrointestinal and digestive disorders, often caused by eating something other than pet food. Respiratory issues and skin masses such as tumours, warts, growths and abscesses were also found to be common problems the region’s pets suffered from.

Across the UK, the most common reason pets visit their vet include: road traffic accidents, the biggest threat for both cats and dogs, digestive problems and concerns over mobility and joints.

UK’s top 10 unhealthiest pet regions
1. East Anglia
2. North East England
3. South East England
4. The Midlands
5. North West England
6. South Central England
7. South West England
8. Scotland
9. Wales
10. London
Speaking about the findings on behalf of the pet insurer, Matt Brash, star of long-running series ‘Zoo Vet at Large’ said:

“It is so important to keep your pets healthy and, unsurprisingly, a big part of this is diet. The Co-op’s findings show that digestive tract problems are prevalent across the UK for both dogs and cats with stomach upsets and resulting gastrointestinal inflammation commonplace.

“Much of this is probably to do with the food that owners are feeding their pets. Whilst ‘human food’ may be seen as an innocent treat, this can be dangerous, especially for pets with sensitive stomachs, or pets with dietary allergies and intolerances. It causes them a great deal of discomfort and pain and of course the owners a big emotional and financial cost should the problem be severe.

“Likewise not feeding your pet the foods which are suitable for both their age and exercise levels can also cause issues. For example, older pets do not need as much protein, as they are no longer building muscles and growing, and of course less carbohydrate as they are often less active. Over feeding them leads to obesity and all the problems that comes with that. Over feeding protein in older cats is particularly bad, as it can predispose to kidney failure. All pets, as they get older should be fed on a senior pet food.

“Interestingly on a national level, it does look as if pets in the north may be out exercising more on rugged terrain than their southern counterparts based on the number of joint related problems in that part of the country. Although there may be other factors involved, such as breed variations and obesity. Of course it could also be related to the colder damper weather we seem to get up north.”
October 13, 2016
New Study Says Dogs Make Neighbourhoods Feel Safer

A study carried out in Australia has revealed that almost 6 in 10 dog walkers feel safer in their neighbourhoods when accompanied by their dogs, with more women than men admitting their dog helps them to feel safe.

The study, which was carried out by The University of Western Australia (UWA) gathered insights from dog owners in Perth, Australia and three US cities (San Diego, Nashville and Portland), and was the first international study of its kind to consistently examine the relationship between dog walking, physical activity and people’s perception of safety in their community.

Speaking about the findings, lead researcher for the study Dr Hayley Christian said “Particularly in US study sites, dog walkers had a greater feeling of security and perceived higher levels of neighborhood surveillance from dog walking than those studied in Perth. This may be due to social and cultural differences in dog-keeping and exercise practices between the two countries”.

Unsurprisingly, the study also found that people who walked their dog achieved at least 30 minutes of physical activity on more days per week than non-dog walkers, helping them to meet the World Health Organisation recommendation of at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, however perhaps this just reinforces what dog owners already know to be true about the health and social benefits of owning a dog.

October 13, 2016
What Are Cornwall’s Dog Owners Doing Wrong? County Has More Dog Control Orders Than Anywhere Else in England & Wales

Did you know that dog owners in Cornwall have had more dog control orders issued against them in the last three years than any other county in England or Wales?

New research out today from Direct Line Pet Insurance has revealed the depth of Fixed Penalty Notices served to dog owners for a breach of dog control orders.

According to the pet insurer, there were at least 892 Dog Control Orders instituted by local authorities across England and Wales last year and as of 1st June this year, 866 orders had already been handed out with Cornwall Council issuing 120 in since 2013.

Local authorities in England and Wales with the highest number of active Dog Control Orders to date:

1. Cornwall Council – 120 issued.

2. Allerdale Borough Council – 84 issued.

3. North Somerset Council – 65 issued.

4. Wyre Forest District Council – 30 issued.

5. London Borough of Hounslow – 8 issued.

There are five offences which if breached allow local councils to issue Dog Control Orders. They are:

1. Failing to clean up behind a dog after he/she has been to the toilet

2. Failure to keep a dog on a lead

3. Not putting, and keeping, a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer

4. Permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded

5. Taking more than a specified number of dogs onto land

Currently, dog protection orders are included within sections 55- 58 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, which state that a Dog Control Order can be made in respect of any land which is open to the air and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access. These orders which limit the access of dogs in public areas will soon fall under the Anti-Social Crime and Behaviour Act 2014 and will be rebranded in Autumn 2017.

Speaking of the findings, Prit Powar, head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line said: “To avoid the risk of a fine, owners should ensure they abide by the control orders put in place by their local authority, or anywhere they are visiting with their pets. If unsure, check your local council website, pop into the office or give them a call and ask for a list of the control orders in place that relate to your local area.

“It is worth checking if there are restrictions on where you can take your dog within your area as they change depending on local authority and time of year. Cornwall, for example, has a number of controls in place across its beaches and public areas in summer months which are then relaxed in winter months.

“The orders themselves can vary significantly too; some say no dogs, others say dogs on a lead while others will specify the number of dogs which can be walked by one person at one time, so are especially relevant for dog walkers.”

October 12, 2016
Dog Fines in the UK Raised More Than £160,000 for Local Authorities

Last year local authorities in the UK generated in excess of £160,485 in fixed penalty notices for breached Dog Control Orders (DCOs) with Liverpool, Torbay and Scarborough generating the highest individual revenues.

The findings, released today by Direct Line Pet Insurance highlight an increase in fixed notice penalties (FNP) being issued across the country and this is set to rise again this year as the pet insurer has revealed that in 2015 there were at least 892 Dog Control Orders instituted by local authorities and as of 1st June 2016 with six months left of the year to go, 866 orders had already been given out.

There are five offences which if breached give local councils the power to issue Dog Control Orders and they are:

1. Failing to clean up behind a dog after he/she has been to the toilet

2. Failure to keep a dog on a lead

3. Not putting, and keeping, a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer

4. Permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded

5. Taking more than a specified number of dogs onto land

Currently dog protection orders are included within sections 55- 58 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, which state that a Dog Control Order can be made in respect of any land which is open to the air and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access. These orders which limit the access of dogs in public areas will soon fall under the Anti-Social Crime and Behaviour Act 2014 and will be rebranded in Autumn 2017.

Speaking of the findings, Prit Powar, head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line said: “To avoid the risk of a fine, owners should ensure they abide by the control orders put in place by their local authority, or anywhere they are visiting with their pets. If unsure, check your local council website, pop into the office or give them a call and ask for a list of the control orders in place that relate to your local area.

“It is worth checking if there are restrictions on where you can take your dog within your area as they change depending on local authority and time of year. Cornwall, for example, has a number of controls in place across its beaches and public areas in summer months which are then relaxed in winter months.

“The orders themselves can vary significantly too; some say no dogs, others say dogs on a lead while others will specify the number of dogs which can be walked by one person at one time, so are especially relevant for dog walkers.”

October 12, 2016
These Dogs Looking for New Homes Want to Wish You a Happy #WorldSmileDay

Dogs bring so much joy to our lives. Think about it, whether you’re a dog owner or not you can guarantee at some point in the day you’ll see a video or post on social media with a dog you’re guaranteed to laugh at.

To mark World Smile Day 2016 we’re taking the opportunity to share some photographs of dogs who would love to make you smile, says Kim O’Meara, co-founder of dog adoption site dogsblog.com, which is sponsored by Direct Line Pet Insurance.

These dogs are all currently sitting in a rescue centre or foster home waiting for a family to call their own to find them and give them a second chance.

Pretty Polly

Beautiful Polly has found herself in rescue after being found wandering the streets. She has lots of affection and love to give and is looking for a home to call her own where she can have a mum and dad all to herself.

Find out more: http://www.dogsblog.com/polly-76/

Jesse-for You

Jesse’s love is all for you. She finds herself in rescue after her owners were no longer able to keep her. She is a really wonderful girl with a great spirit and lots of energy.

Find out more: http://www.dogsblog.com/jesse-7/

Dexter Doesn’t Want to Disappoint

A lovely boy with a beautiful smile, we can’t help but think this boy looks older than his 2 years. He’s a fabulous little man who is looking for someone to take a chance on him.

Pretty please…

Find out more: http://www.dogsblog.com/dexter-105/

Spread a Little Joy

This cheeky girl has had a turbulent time in recent months. After being involved in an accident 16 months ago (she was hit by a car), she had a damaged leg. Now fully recovered, she has been waiting ever since for a family to fall in love with her. Could that be you?

Find out more: http://www.dogsblog.com/joy-14/

To see more dogs looking for new homes, visit dogsblog.com today and bring joy, adopt a dog.

October 7, 2016
7 in 10 Dogs Bitten by Ticks Each Year, Warm Weather Set to Extend Tick Season
As dog owners we know the perils of the seasons. Summer is too hot, and we have to vary our dog walking times in line with how hot it is, and Autumn and Winter often mean cold and wet mornings.

But as Autumn gets underway, something else dog owners have to look out for are seasonal canine illnesses and tick season and with The Met Office predicting that temperatures will rise above 20C during the first few weeks of October, making for one of the warmest autumns in recent years, according to experts, this also means that the tick season will be longer than usual with the tiny parasites more likely to continue breeding and feeding in the UK’s grassland and wooded areas.

With vets reporting than nearly 70% of dogs are bitten each year by ticks at least once, new research conducted by Direct Line Pet Insurance has revealed just how many dogs, and even owners, are being affected by the parasite and the diseases it carries.

According to the pet insurer, British vets see on average 53 tick-related cases every year and almost one in five British vets say they see more than 100 cases involving ticks each year, with some treating upwards of 250 bitten dogs, some with severe consequences.

Ticks can also be carriers for Lyme disease, which pose a risk for owners if their pets are left untreated causing flu-like symptoms or even paralysis of facial muscles and even heart failure.

Tick bites can lead to anything from localised irritation in dogs to paralysis and even death. While nearly half of the vets surveyed named localised infection as the most serious complication treated as a result of tick bites, a further six per cent described serious conditions such as nasty infections, blood clotting and even some bites requiring surgical intervention – all possible threats a tiny tick bite can bring to four legged friends.

Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, said “Frequent walks outside are great for both you and your pet. However, with tick season upon us, extra precautions should be taken by owners to keep their dogs tick-free. Ticks are not only a nuisance, but can spread disease to pets and humans, such as localised infections and in more serious cases, Lyme disease.”

Top Tips for Protecting Your Dog from Tick-Related Diseases
- Use tick repellents, such as sprays or special collars to protect your dog from bites
- Keep an eye on your dog’s behaviour as lethargy is a common symptom of a tick bite
- Feel for ticks on your dog’s body by checking for unusual lumps, including under the collar, inside the ears and between the paws
- If you find a tick, keep calm and make sure you remove it the correct way (see an example here)
Offering some final words of advice, Alice Mayne, Head of Recreation at the Forestry Commission has also spoken out about the dangers of ticks, “The forests look stunning at this time of the year and we have our highest number of visitors enjoying walks. While we want dog owners to enjoy the forests, we encourage a responsible approach. This means not only keeping control of your dog, respecting other visitors but also being vigilant for pests like ticks. Do a thorough check on yourself and your dog before leaving.”
October 6, 2016
City of Montreal Lawyer Compares Identifying Pit Bulls to Pornography ‘You Know It When You See It’

A judge has put a temporary hold on the city of Montreal’s plans to introduce a new breed-specific bylaw following Montreal SPCA’s lawsuit against the city, announced last week.

Quebec Superior Court Justice Louis Gouin listened to the petition in the Superior Court yesterday (3rd October) and after raising questions about issues terminology decided to suspend the breed specific legislation bill with plans to make a further decision on 5th October.

UPDATE: Decision reached on 5th October by the judge is to suspend indefinitely inviting clarity on the bill’s wording about how to identify the breed/s which will be affected.

At this stage and until a further decision is reached, the new bylaw which was due to come into effect is on hold and Pit Bulls and Pit Bull types can continue to live with their families as they were before the bylaw was announced last week.

During the hearing, at which lawyers were present on behalf of both Montreal SPCA and the city of Montreal, both parties made arguments in front of the judge.

According to local CBC news, the judge admitted to the city’s legal representative René Cadieux “I won’t hide from you that in my reading of the bylaw … I had several questions,” echoing concerns raised by Montreal SPCA.

The judge paid particular attention to wording around muzzling, and how dogs would eat or drink when muzzled, and specifically how you assess a Pit Bull or Pit Bull type, given cross-breeds from the list of breeds set to be banned is lengthy. The judge had concerns about generational crosses and how far back in a dog’s pedigree you review to identify a cross-breed, i.e. if a dog’s grandparents were cross-breeds.

To this, Cadieux voiced the opinion that “It’s like pornography, you know it when you see it.”

In response to concerns that Pit Bulls who have done nothing wrong will be caught in the cross-fire of this blanket ban (which has not worked when been implemented in other cities such as Toronto, who are reporting an increase in dog bites with hardly any Pit Bulls now living there) Cadieux said, “It’s sad, but not cruel.”

The Montreal SPCA are claiming this as their first small victory in a journey to save dogs from a fate undeserved.

October 4, 2016
Stolen Spaniel Returns Home After Social Media Tip-Off Led Police to Her

A six month old Cocker Spaniel named Poppy who was stolen from her home in Northamptonshire woke up in her own home today once again after a tip-off on social media led police to her.

Poppy was taken on 21st September and within hours her owners launched a social media campaign to ask dog lovers to look out for her and share any news or sightings they might have. It was this initiative combined with sharing her story far and wide which led to the couple receiving information Northamptonshire police were able to act upon visiting an address in Northampton.

Speaking from her home, Poppy’s owner Gilly who has praised police for taking them seriously told K9 Magazine, “We are over the moon to have Poppy home where she belongs. I was bowled over at the sight of the police officers bringing her to the door, emotionally and nearly physically by our other dog, Tumble. He was so excited when he saw Poppy that he nearly sent me flying!”

She continued, “The last 10 days have really opened our eyes to how prevalent dog theft is. It’s a massive issue that causes no end of heartbreak and distress. It was a comfort to know that Poppy was microchipped and that all her details were up to date. Anibase told us that 90 per cent of chipped dogs are returned, even when stolen, and this did help keep us positive in the days Poppy was missing.”

Wanting to thank everyone who got involved, Gilly said, “We cannot thank everyone enough. For all the people who liked, shared and commented on our posts, to all the leads we were sent and of course our local community police who took the case so seriously. We are so grateful to everyone. The post pinned to Poppy’s Facebook page while she was missing was shared over 56,000 times and has been seen by 2.7 million people. It’s really good to see social media being used in such a positive way.

“Poppy has been checked over by her vet and been given a clean bill of health. Apart from being a little on edge for an hour or so in the evening she is just happy to be home with her friend Tumble and enjoying her walks. They haven’t really stopped playing since Poppy came home last night.

“Poppy is a very lucky little dog to be home. The way people rallied around and went out of their way to help us – many of whom were complete strangers – really does confirm that we are a nation of dog lovers.”

October 3, 2016
Montreal SPCA Launches Lawsuit Against City of Montreal After New BSL Bill Passed
Montreal SPCA has launched lawsuit against the City of Montreal in relation to new breed-specific by-law which was passed earlier this week after the council voted 37-23 in favour.

The animal welfare organisation had previously told authorities they would no longer provide dog control services to the city if the controversial bill introducing breed specific legislation was passed.

Montreal SPCA released the following statement on their website announcing the move, which it hopes can safeguard the future of innocent Pit Bulls and Pit Bull types in the city:

“Following the adoption yesterday by the Montreal city council of the new animal control by-law targeting specific dog breeds, and in particular, requiring that behaviourally sound, healthy adoptable dogs and puppies be put to death, the Montreal SPCA urgently filed a lawsuit against the city at the Montreal courthouse today.”

They continue, “The Application for judicial review and stay filed by the Montreal SPCA aims, first off, to suspend the application of the sections of the by-law targeting “Pit bull type dogs” in order to then have these sections declared illegal, null, and without effect by Quebec’s Superior Court.”

According to the animal welfare organisation, the provisions of the new by-law targeting “Pit bull type dogs” are contrary to several fundamental principles that govern the legality of municipal by-laws including:
- Discriminatory in that they create additional and punitive obligations for owners and guardians of “Pit bull type dogs” whereas this category includes dogs who are not, in fact, dangerous
- Vague and imprecise in their definition of “Pit bull type dogs” such that it is impossible to know which dogs fall into this category
- Problematic in terms of procedural fairness in that they fail to include a means to challenge the designation of a dog as a “Pit bull type dog”, even if a genetic analysis was to be conducted
- Contrary to article 898.1 of the Civil Code of Quebec, which grants animals the status of sentient beings, and to the Animal Welfare and Safety Act, both adopted last December by the provincial government as part of Bill 54
- Unreasonable in that they treat all “Pit bull type dogs” as dangerous dogs in spite of the fact that there exists no credible evidence to the effect that dogs belonging to this arbitrary category are inherently dangerous.
Breed specific legislation does not work. In Toronto, where Pit Bulls are banned and virtually extinct there now, the number of reported dog bites has increased. This alone should tell bodies that education is needed, banning a breed does to prevent injuries.

Hundreds of innocent dogs will lose their lives if this ban is enforced, we wish Montreal SPCA well with their case for the sake of the dogs at risk.
September 30, 2016
Northamptonshire Police Issue Fresh Appeal for Stolen Spaniel

A week after she was taken from outside her home in East Haddon, Northamptonshire Police have re-issued an appeal for help in finding Cocker spaniel, Poppy.

The chocolate brown puppy disappeared just before 4.30pm on Wednesday 21st September. Police believe she may have been taken to the Harlow area of Essex later that day but a week later she could be anywhere in the country.

“I can’t describe how awful the last few days have been,” says Poppy’s owner, Gilly. “We miss Poppy desperately. There’s a huge, gaping hole in our lives at the moment. All we care about is getting Poppy home where she belongs. There is a no-questions-asked reward for Poppy’s safe return.”

Pages on Facebook and Twitter were started within hours of Poppy’s disappearance. It has been visited by millions and the pinned post describing Poppy’s appearance has been shared 55,000 times. “Amid the despair and sadness we feel, I can’t describe how touched we’ve been by the response to Poppy being taken,” says Gilly. “The kindness of people, many of whom are complete strangers, has been truly humbling.”

Poppy is nearly six months old but small for her age. She is microchipped and docked. She has a few white hairs under her bottom lip and was wearing a red collar when she disappeared.

The family are appealing for anybody with any information, however insignificant they believe it might be, to please come forward. “We’d also ask that whoever has Poppy now – even if you bought her in good faith – to please leave her somewhere safe, such as a vets, or to get in touch with us. We don’t care about the who or the why she was taken, we just need Poppy back home with her family,” says James, Gilly’s partner.

If you know anything at all, please contact Northampton Police or Poppy’s family using the information on the poster below.

If your dog has been stolen, here is some advice on steps to take to better your chances of being reunited, as told to K9 Magazine by someone whose dog was stolen: http://www.k9magazine.com/how-to-get-your-stolen-dog-back-things-you-have-to-do-immediately/

September 29, 2016
European Union Approach to Dog Breeding Trade To Be Discussed

Today (27th September) MEPs, the European Commissioner for Health & Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis and key figures from the animal welfare world united at the European Parliament to highlight the important developments to companion welfare in the EU. Organised by the EU Dog & Cat Alliance, key speakers included President of the Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals Sirpa Pietikäinen MEPwho also hosted the event.

The EU Dog & Cat Alliance is calling for an Action Plan to tackle the illegal trade in dogs and cats in the EU. With a worrying number of pets being illegally brought into countries across the EU, often with falsified pet passports and having endured poor travelling and living conditions, the Alliance and its members are calling for changes to be made to improve this worrying situation.

Says Adrian Burder, EU Dog & Cat Alliance:

“This illegal trade can only be addressed through a comprehensive approach, involving the European Commission, European Parliament and Member States, including agencies, border and veterinary authorities. The Alliance believes that in order for improvements to be seen steps need to be taken sooner rather than later and the issue addressed in a coordinated way at the root of the problem.”

Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP, President of the Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals said:

“The European Parliament has arguably been the most supportive of the EU institutions for EU action to protect dogs and cats. We need to treat this illegal trade as a serious trafficking offence and increase the efforts of the EU customs and police co-operation in this field. As a member of this House, I believe that the Parliament will have a crucial role to play in making this happen. I call upon my colleagues in the EP to support this initiative.”

The illegal trade in dogs and cats in the EU stretches far beyond simply animal welfare concerns, and also has implications for public health, consumer protection and the smooth functioning of the EU internal market, as well as anti-trafficking efforts. Numerous steps will be needed in order to solve this problem. These include consumer education and protection, information sharing between agencies and a common approach to the issue across the EU as whole. All of this has been factored into the proposed EU Action Plan the Alliance members are united in supporting.

Adrian continues:

“Today’s event is aimed at highlighting one of the biggest issues affecting companion animals in Europe today. Hundreds of thousands of young dogs and cats in the EU are bred for illegal sale in absolutely terrible conditions, transported long distances in crammed cages, often without food or water, unvaccinated and neglected. This can frequently result in life-long behavioural issues for the pet as well as health problems – both genetic and in terms of communicable diseases. This is why today we have launched a campaign for an EU Action Plan to tackle the illegal trade in dogs and cats and it is hoped that with all of the points from the plan in place an end to the illegal trafficking of cats and dogs could be within our grasp. But first it needs to be escalated and seen as a priority within the EU.”

Full details of the plan can be found via www.dogandcatwelfare.eu. To follow the campaign on Twitter search #EUpetwelfare.

September 28, 2016