Total Dog Magazine

Category: Dog News

The latest dog news from around the world

  • Montreal Council Votes to Ban Pit Bulls (& Pit Bull Types)

    Montreal Council Votes to Ban Pit Bulls (& Pit Bull Types)

    Montreal has today voted to ban Pit Bulls in its city. The council voted 37-23 in favour of the controversial bill with Mayor Denis Coderre saying ‘I have a responsibility as the mayor of Montreal to protect the citizens’ prior to the vote.

    The bill comes three months after Christiane Vadnais was fatally mauled by a dog originally thought to be a Pit Bull, although police say they are still waiting for a DNA test to confirm. Prior to this tragedy, the city was already looking to amend it’s dangerous dog laws and while CBS news reported at the time it wasn’t particularly leaning towards banning certain breeds, that has now changed.

    What the bill means for dog owners

    The new bylaw will apply to all 19 boroughs of the city and will define Pit Bulls as:

    • Staffordshire Bull Terriers
    • American Pit Bull Terriers
    • American Staffordshire Terriers
    • Any dogs with a mix of these breeds
    • Any dog that presents characteristics of one of those breeds

    Ryan O’Meara, publisher of K9 Magazine, who has spoken out against banning dog breeds and instead campaigned for owner education said, “We know first hand in the UK this is very dangerous territory because defining a ‘type’ is not only extremely difficult but also means dog breeds who don’t have any of the above breeds in their make up can be caught in the cross-fire purely based on their looks, regardless of breed.”

    Those who own a dog breed covered in the now banned dog breeds list and already live in Montreal will need to obtain a licence for $150 to keep their pet.

    Should the owner of a banned breed pass away, an amendment to the proposed bylaw will now allow the dog’s licence to be transferred to another person living at the same address, partner or direct family member.

    Anyone convicted of violent crimes will be forbidden from owning a Pit Bull.

    The bylaw also creates two categories of dogs of all breeds: at-risk and dangerous. At-risk dogs are those that exhibit aggressive behaviour, such as biting someone. Dangerous dogs are those that have killed someone or are deemed dangerous by an appointed expert.

    New laws will be a waste of taxpayers money & needlessly cost dogs their lives

    While banning certain breeds seems a move to ‘protect the public’ in the Major’s own words, other cities such as Toronto who already ban certain breeds haven’t seen numbers in attacks fall. In fact, there are virtually no Pit Bulls left in Toronto yet the number of dog bites has increased.

    Animal welfare expert Ewa Demianowicz from Humane Society International/Canada has criticised the decision saying,  “We are extremely disappointed with the council’s decision to adopt archaic by-laws that are proven to be ineffective. Mayor Denis Coderre and his team have rejected scientific facts in favour of fear and misinformation. Laws that target a specific breed of dog do not work, and will only succeed in destroying families and killing innocent dogs without any improvement in public safety.”

    She continued, “The by-laws adopted today are a complete waste of taxpayers’ money, and every Montrealer should be appalled by the Council’s irresponsible and illogical approach to this issue. If Mayor Coderre wants to put public safety first, he should focus on real solutions that will protect people and promote responsible pet ownership.”

    https://i.imgur.com/KFg3xIL.jpg

    The Montreal SPCA has announced that if this bylaw would have been effective this year, the organisation would have had to either relocate between 300 and 700 healthy and behaviorally-sound dogs, or they would have been put to sleep.

    Previously the animal welfare body had said if a ban were to come into effect they would pull their dog control services from the area saying, “Like any organization, we need to act in a way that respects our fundamental values. Contributing to a system that would ultimately result in the euthanasia of healthy animals that do not pose any danger is a step that the Montreal SPCA cannot take,” says Benoit Tremblay, Executive Director.

    UPDATE: Read the latest news and judge’s ruling to temporarily suspend the bill here.

  • Mary, Mel and Sue – Abused But on the Mend

    Three dogs who were dumped in such bad condition that veterinary staff couldn’t tell what breed they were are now on the mend thanks to generous donations by the public.

    The RSPCA launched a special fundraising appeal to help raise cash needed to pay for the long-term treatment Mary, Mel and Sue – names after the now departed Great British Bake Off stars – will need to recover.

    The appeal has, so far, raised more than £1,000 which is helping the animal welfare charity cover the costs of caring for the dogs and nursing.

    https://i.imgur.com/T5FszB1.jpg

    London veterinary director Caroline Allen said: “Mary, Mel and Sue are making good progress, like their famous namesakes, they’ve had some complications to deal with over the past few weeks. They have stayed cheerful and will be moving to another RSPCA site to continue their recuperation.

    “Treatment is going well, their hair is starting to grown back and they are much less smelly which is good for staff here at the hospital!

    “We’re sure these lovely little dogs will make full recoveries and, once they’re fit and healthy, they’ll be on the look-out for loving new homes.

    “But they’ve got a long road ahead of them before they’re ready to start their new lives so they’ll be with us a while longer as we treat the nasty demodex. This is lengthy and costly treatment so we launched a special appeal when this trio came into us and we’d like to say a huge thank you to all our wonderful supporters who have donated towards their care – we couldn’t do what we do without them.”

    The dogs – thought to terrier-crossed around two-years-old – were found crammed into a tiny pet carrier and dumped on a woman’s front doorstep in Fyfield Road, Walthamstow, on 28 August.

    RSPCA inspector Mitchell Smith attended to collect the wet, filthy and foul-smelling dogs and rushed them to the charity’s Harmsworth Hospital where they have been receiving treatment ever since.

    They were in such bad condition with an awful case of demodex (a skin mite) that staff couldn’t even tell what breed they were when they first came in.

    Inspector Smith continues to investigate what happened to these dogs, saying: “Anyone with any information about how these three dogs came to end up in such a state, or who thinks they know where they have come from, can call the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

  • Switzerland Govt Vote to End Obligatory Training Courses for Dog Owners

    Switzerland Govt Vote to End Obligatory Training Courses for Dog Owners

    Switzerland’s Parliament has voted to end compulsory training courses dog owners. The rule, which was introduced in 2008, meant that when someone acquired a dog, they had to undertake four hours of obedience training classes and first-time dog owners also had to attend a theory class.

    The reason the government has given for its change in stance on compulsory education is due to the report published in March which said that dog courses were not having a major impact, admitting around 20% of dog owners didn’t attend the compulsory courses, and of those who did the report claimed there wasn’t a noticeable behavioural difference in the dogs who attended vs those who hadn’t.

    The number of incidents reported, such as dog bites, has also not decreased.

    Banned dog breeds in Switzerland

    Switzerland is home to more than 500,000 dogs.

    As yet, it is not clear how this change in legislation will affect dog owners of breeds on the dangerous dogs list who have to complete 72 hours of obedience training classes with their dogs over a two-year period. , which includes the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Akita

    Switzerland’s banned breeds include the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Akita inu and Fila Brasileiro.

  • Jean-Claude Van Damme Teams Up With LA Councilman to Encourage Pet Adoption

    Jean-Claude Van Damme Teams Up With LA Councilman to Encourage Pet Adoption

    Hollywood legend Jean-Claude Van Damme has once again shown his softer side for animals teaming up with Elected Official Keith Kirkwood asking Angelinos to consider adopting a pet from the state’s shelters.

    The campaign, which aims to encourage people considering getting a pet to visit adoption shelters over shopping malls or puppy farms, has the support of local shelters with Johnny Ray, owner of Birdhouse Dog House Rescue vocalising his support saying, “We are thankful for having Mr. Kirkwood and Mr. Van Damme as it really increases awareness on the need to adopt.”

    Van Damme is well known for his love of animals and has owned rescue dogs for years.

    He recently handed over a $30,000 cheque to Animals Australia and met up with some Greyhounds on his tour down under leading him to encourage Australians to consider adopting the breed, while Councilman Kirkwood has adopted a dog friendly atmosphere in his office where his own two rescue dogs, Rocky and Bebe make themselves at home.

    As part of the ongoing campaign to encourage and promotion pet adoption in Los Angeles, Mr Van Damme will be at local events taking family photos with those who adopt a pet, as well as going to the local animal shelters and dressing up in fun costumes along with the dogs to pose for silly pictures which help destigmatise the rescue dogs and help them to find loving new homes.

    Mr. Kirkwood and Van Damme also will be doing how to train your dog videos, as many people surrender their dogs to shelters due to giving up on the training.

  • BSL Campaigners Claim Victory in Victoria as Ban on Pit Bulls Set to Be Lifted & Greyhounds Face Brighter Future

    BSL Campaigners Claim Victory in Victoria as Ban on Pit Bulls Set to Be Lifted & Greyhounds Face Brighter Future

    Campaigners for dog breed equality with the emphasis put on the deed not the breed have claimed a victory in Australia as Victoria is set to lift the ban on Pit bulls next year amending their Domestic Dogs Act of 1994.

    Previously banned, they will have to be leashed and muzzled when in public and properties secure when at home.

    The government review of the act says:

    The government will review legislative and implementation options in order to allow the registering of pit bulls and other restricted breed dogs. The government will retain existing restrictions relating to all restricted breed dogs, including the requirements to be securely contained within an owner’s property and to be leashed and muzzled when in public.

    The government supports the Committee’s position that ‘current bans on the breeding of pit bulls should also remain in place’, while ‘pit bulls that do not have an identifiable owner should be able to be seized and destroyed’.

    Introduction of temperament testing for dogs after dog attacks

    Also discussed was the recommendation that the government develop a “system to accredit agencies and individuals to conduct temperament tests on dogs to identify potentially dangerous dogs. Accreditation would provide prospective owners with assurance that the temperament testing undertaken by the agency or individual is of an appropriate standard.”

    This wasn’t agreed as it was decided that there is not a good enough worldwide test based on research to predict canine aggression in all or most situations because “the scientific literature suggests existing tests are not highly predictive or reliable. Most dogs that attack have never done so before”. As a result, the government felt it couldn’t implement a test and accredit others to carry out.

    Changing perceptions of Greyhounds 

    Parliament also discussed topics surrounding Greyhound racing, temperament testing and rehoming of the breed saying it will investigate “feasibility of introducing a program similar to the New South Wales Greenhounds program” and has noted the recommendation to de-muzzle non-racing Greyhounds removing section 27(1)(a) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994 saying, “the government recognises that breed specific legislation concerns many in the community.”

    On this point it concluded, “the government considers that a complete review of the muzzling and leashing policy must be completed before any decision to relax these requirements is made.”

  • Diggy Did It! Michigan Rescue Dog Confirmed As American Bulldog & Case Dismissed

    Diggy Did It! Michigan Rescue Dog Confirmed As American Bulldog & Case Dismissed

    Earlier this year Diggy the smiling American Bulldog captured the hearts of many dog lovers across the world after his owner musician Dan Tillery shared a series of photos of the gentle rescue pup and his big smile on social media.

    diggy

    Sadly the happy photos led to officials in the town of Waterford, Michigan deciding to take action against him due to an assumption he was a Pit bull type dog, which is banned by an ordinance in the Township and prohibits any person from owning, possessing or maintaining a Pit bull or Pit bull type dog within the Township. A violation of the ordinance can result in a civil infraction and a fine of $500.

    Dan, who had adopted the pup from Detroit Dog Rescue, and the rescue set about proving Diggy’s innocence and his status as an American Bulldog obtaining verification from a Waterford veterinarian.

    As a result of their efforts and the veterinary expert’s verification, on 13th September 2016 the court dismissed the Township’s ordinance violation claim securing Diggy’s future with his family in Waterford. Dan shared the news on Facebook saying:

    “Case Closed! The Ordinance Violation charge was dismissed by The Court. DIGGY is safe to stay at his home, with us in Waterford, MI furever. Thanks for all of the support everybody! We Did it!”

    He also thanked Detroit Dog Rescue and their director, Kristina Millman-Rinaldi for sticking with them throughout the process.

    To celebrate Diggy and Dan’s success, here are some of our favourite moments showing the bond the pair have as shared by Dan on social media.

    A photo posted by Dan Tillery Music (@dantillery) on

    Getting some Diggy love ?❤️ Photo: @curious_corbin #diggyanddan #dananddiggy #diggy #diggythebulldog #love

    A photo posted by Dan Tillery Music (@dantillery) on

    The bond the pair have is clear for all to see, we’re so pleased Diggy did it! Go Diggy!

  • Tom Hardy + Dogs = Hearts Melted Everywhere

    Tom Hardy + Dogs = Hearts Melted Everywhere

    Actor Tom Hardy has never been shy about expressing just how much he loves dogs. One of his dogs, Woody, has even taken to the red carpet with him and there’s speculation he might just love dogs more than people.

    So it’s perhaps no surprise to learn that the hard man with a soft heart spent a day as a trader in Canary Wharf to fundraise for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home alongside fellow celebrities Lindsay Lohan, Pippa Middleton and well-known adoption advocate Joanna Lumley.

    Adorable.

    Here are a few of our favourite shots of Tom with dogs from Instagram’s tomhardyholdingdogs account – it does exactly what it says on the tin.

    A photo posted by @tomhardyholdingdogs on

    A photo posted by @tomhardyholdingdogs on

    A photo posted by @tomhardyholdingdogs on

    Thanks Tom.

  • Celebrities Urging British Govt to Use Diplomatic Influence to Save up to 3 Million South Korean Dogs

    Celebrities Urging British Govt to Use Diplomatic Influence to Save up to 3 Million South Korean Dogs

    As British MPs prepare today to debate South Korea’s factory farming of dogs for human consumption, celebrities and dog experts are urging the British Government to use diplomatic influence to help close the estimated 17,000 factory farms where up to 3 million dogs are bred in filthy, deprived conditions until they are killed in the most inhumane of ways.

    This morning outside Parliament, Made in Chelsea’s Lucy Watson and her dog Digby joined campaigners from Humane Society International who dressed as dogs in a cage the same size as those used on many of South Korea’ intensive dog meat farms. Humane Society International is the leading global animal charity working in South Korea to expose the cruelty, close down dog farms and rescue dogs as part of a long-term strategy to achieve a government-led phase-out of the industry.


    Photo Credit: Twitter.com/HSIUKorg

    Actors Dame Judi Dench, Peter Egan and Jenny Seagrove, author Jilly Cooper, as well as dog behaviourist Victoria Stilwell, and others signed a letter organised by Humane Society International, who have worked in South Korea for more than two years shutting down 5 dog farms so far and rescuing more than 500 dogs, urging Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson to take decisive. They wrote:

    “This debate is a vital chance for MPs to discuss measures to stop the uniquely cruel intensive farming of up to 3 million dogs each year in South Korea, who are raised and killed largely to be made into a supposed ‘health’ soup – boshintang… In recent months, draft amendments have been submitted to South Korea’s Animal Protection Act that offer a real opportunity to move towards an end to the dog meat trade. We urge the UK government to vigorously encourage such legislative reforms, as well as to offer insights into the successful government-orchestrated phase-out of fur farms in the UK that offers a template for reform that South Korea could follow.”

    Humane Society International is currently fundraising to shut down a sixth farm with more than 100 dogs in the same area of South Korea where the 2018 Winter Olympics will be held.


    Starting of the shut down of Dog Meat Farm number 5 for HSI – Photo Credit: Frank Loftus/HSI

    Claire Bass, Executive Director of Humane Society International/UK, said: “Our dog farm closures reveal the horrifying truth about these places – dogs confined in tiny, barren cages, exposed to the bitter cold winters or the intensely hot summers, many exhibiting classic stereotypical behaviour of animals struggling to cope. Their lives are monotonous and deprived, their deaths often protracted and brutal, with all this suffering simply for a meat delicacy that is eaten rarely by most South Koreans.

    “Britain prides itself on being world leaders in animal welfare, so we’re asking the Government to make that reputation genuinely mean something for these dogs. With more and more politicians and citizens in South Korea speaking out against the dog meat trade, now is the time for Britain to add its support.”

    Most people in South Korea don’t regularly eat dogs, and the practice is declining fastest amongst the younger generations as they become aware of the cruelty involved. Most of the dogs bred throughout the year are killed for the ‘Bok Nal’ days of summer, considered the hottest days in July and August when traditionally dog meat ‘boshintang’ soup is eaten in the misguided belief that it cools the blood.

    HSI’s Claire Bass said: “Dog meat is not a mainstream everyday food in South Korea, and many dog meat traders and restaurants reported declines in sales during this year’s Bok Nal, as more and more people turn away from this supposed ‘delicacy’. Younger South Koreans know that culture is never an excuse for cruelty, and dog meat soup belongs in the culinary history books.”

    Last November, then Foreign Minister James Duddridge pledged British Government action on Asia’s dog meat trade, following Parliament’s first debate on the issue. But the unique situation in South Korea – the only country in Asia to exclusively factory-farm dogs for meat rather than steal pets and strays from the street – was not robustly debated. Today’s Westminster Hall debate was initiated by a petition on the government’s e-petition site, and will address South Korea.

  • Divorce, New Baby & Behaviour Problems – 3 Reasons Vets Are Asked to Put to Sleep Healthy Pets

    Divorce, New Baby & Behaviour Problems – 3 Reasons Vets Are Asked to Put to Sleep Healthy Pets

    While we generally assume as pet owners we form a group with one common thought – our pets are with us for too short a time – it seems, sadly, we’re not as new research out this week revealed the sad truth behind the headline with almost all vets admitting they’ve been asked to end a healthy pet’s life and over half (53%) saying it’s a common request.

    The most common reasons given to vets for the request include behavioural issues (98%), a change in the owner’s circumstance, such as divorce (28%), moving overseas (23%) and a new baby in the family (22%).

    The findings which have been released by the British Veterinary Association who represent the views of 15,000 members on animal health and welfare polled 700 vets across the UK.

    British Veterinary Association President Sean Wensley said: “These figures are stark and are likely to come as a shock to members of the public. But this is the sad reality of a failure to socialise animals from the earliest possible age – a specific time in a puppy’s development which has a significant impact on their future temperament and behaviour.”

    He continued, “Then, in the first year of ownership, and especially in the first few weeks, work with your local veterinary practice to ensure your puppy is introduced to everyday sights and sounds, including other people and animals, in a safe and structured way.”

  • Over a Quarter of Dog Owners Admit They Don’t Restrain Pets in the Car

    New research out today has found that pet owners are not properly securing their pets when on the move, with over a quarter admitting they never restrain their dogs when travelling in the car.

    The research, which has been released by Direct Line Pet Insurance reveals that over a fifth of vets have shockingly witnessed dogs die as a result of injuries sustained when travelling in a car without proper restraint.

    Of those animals who were able to receive treatment after an accident, the most common ailments vets have treated for include broken bones to minor injuries such as bruising.

    Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that when in a vehicle, owners must make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained. Vets recommend a dog seat belt and harness, crate/cage or a barrier in between the boot and the back seat to reduce the risk of distraction whilst driving.

    The RSPCA advises owners to keep smaller animals in a suitably robust and secure carrier (which allows them to sit and stand up at full height, turn around easily and lie down in a natural position).

     

    Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, said: “Some owners trust their animals to roam free around the car. However, even the most well-behaved animal can become easily spooked or excited, which could distract you from the road, putting both you and your pet in danger. It’s important to adhere to the Highway Code to make sure you, your passengers and your pet is safe.”

  • More Dogs Than You Think Have Got Heads Stuck out of the Car Window, According to New Research

    More Dogs Than You Think Have Got Heads Stuck out of the Car Window, According to New Research

    We have no doubt all at some point been travelling in a car and spotted a dog excitedly looking out of the back window and wondered where they might be off to prompting thoughts of our own dogs. But it seems not all car journeys go smoothly for dog owners, according to new research.

    The findings, released by Direct Line Pet Insurance reveal that a third of dog owners report their beloved pet dirtying the car and getting car sick.

    While a third of pet owners say they have had problems when, in the style of the hit film ‘Marley and Me’, their dog has stuck its head out of the window.

    For one in ten unlucky owners, their dog has even used the car as its toilet.

    Speaking of the findings, Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, said: “Some owners trust their animals to roam free around the car.  However, even the most well behaved animal can become easily spooked or excited, which could distract you from the road, putting both you and your pet in danger.  It’s important to adhere to the Highway Code to make sure you, your passengers and your pet is safe.”

    The pet insurer offered these top tips to dog owners travelling

    • Get your pet used to travelling in a car as early as possible to calm those shaky legs
    • Reward your pet for good behaviour at the end of the journey with a tasty, animal-friendly treat
    • Keep towels in the car at all times to clean those mucky paws
  • Not All Brazilians Were Happy the Olympics Came to Rio, but These Animals Were

    Not All Brazilians Were Happy the Olympics Came to Rio, but These Animals Were

    The build up to Rio hosting the 2016 Olympic games was a mixture of excitement and unhappiness with many Brazilians vocalising their thoughts that finances allocated towards the games could have been spent elsewhere, but as the games got underway and medals fell, the memory of Rio’s games, and hopefully the Paralympic Games are sure to be remembered more fondly.

    Indeed, it will for the animals rescued and named after Olympus Gods who have met with gold medal winning members of Team USA, Eleanor Davis Logan and Tessa Gobbo at an adoption event hosted by World Animal Protection after being found living at one of Rio 2016’s construction sites.


    Gold medal winners Tessa Gobbo and Eleanor Davis Logan, pictured here with Athena

    Before visiting the adoption event, Eleanor, who is a known dog lover with her own dog regularly featuring on her Instagram page, adopted two cats from NGO Oito Vidas.


    The gold medal rowers spent some time with a dog named Isaquias at the event

    While visiting the World Animal Protection adoption event, she became particularly enchanted by a puppy named after Brazilian tennis player Guga saying, ‘I hope he gets adopted.’ After holding him for several minutes, she reluctant let him go.


    Eleanor Davis Logan loaned Zeus her gold medal to help him shine and stand out from the crowd at the event

    To their fans and every Brazilian who watched the Games, Eleanor and Tessa sent a clear message: ‘Support the Olympics by adopting a dog.’

    At a different event, one lucky pup, named after the Brazilian soccer team captain, Marta, was given a fresh start in life after being adopted by Carina Gomes and her boyfriend.

    The pair had been considering getting a dog for some time and it went down to the wire as the event gathered many ‘ahh’s’ but hours in, no adoptions had been made. Until, that is, Carina and her partner turned up and fell in love with Marta.

    Carina was alerted to the adoption event hosted in Rio’s Barra da Tijuca by her mother. As the couple arrived, the sun was already setting and they received an enthusiastic welcome by Marta.


    All Photo Credits: World Animal Protection

    After playing with the sweet mutt for a while, they thanked the adoption staff and left without a dog. But as they walked away, all while being watched from a distance, the couple hesitated, began talking and looking back.

    Marta was cheering for it and so were the adoption staff. The couple started their way back after a few minutes and decided to adopt her. It was an exciting last minute victory, much like Brazil’s own football victory at the Olympics!

    After a successful interview and application completed, which told the organisation all about the couple’s experience and guidance for responsible ownership, Marta headed off into the sunset with her new owners jumping with joy.

    Speaking of her reason for adopting, Marta said, ‘There are many abandoned animals that need a home today. I’m so happy.’

    World Animal Protection will continue to host their adoption events throughout the Paralympic Games and beyond. Keep up to date with the locations of the events online at www.worldanimalprotection.org

  • Rescue Dog Meets Heartthrob Duncan James to Launch Campaign Searching for Britain’s Best Dog Walk

    Rescue Dog Meets Heartthrob Duncan James to Launch Campaign Searching for Britain’s Best Dog Walk

    The Blue frontman turned Hollyoaks actor has teamed up with a well known bingo brand to help find Britain’s Best Dog Walk meeting Tallula from The Mayhew Animal Home on the South Downs National Park walk to launch the campaign.


    Photo Credit: Solent News and Photos

    The nine year old Shih Tzu is looking for a new home to call her own and found a common bond with Duncan through ailments. Despite losing both her eyes and now waiting for her third home, beautiful and charismatic Tallula has never given up hope and this just shows how far she has come.

    When she was just two years old she developed severe ulcers in both of her eyes. The vets and Tallula’s family had to make the hard decision to remove her eyes, as they were not responding to treatment.

    Later when Tallula was about eight years old her owners decided to rehome her with a family friend. Sadly Tallula had only been with her new owners for seven months when they decided to bring her into The Mayhew for adoption.
    The owners had started off with good intentions; however when their son brought home a new puppy they were worried that they would not be able to cope, and decided to rehome Tallula.


    Find out more about Tallula here

    With her playful and energetic nature, you would not think at first that Tallula was blind. This gorgeous girl has so much character; she loves playing with her toys, snores like a trooper and will even chat back to you if you talk to her.

    Even though Tallula has lost both her eyes and Duncan recently revealed his struggles to walk after suffering from a spinal disk prolapse, they were far from feeling blue. It didn’t stop them both enjoying the sunny weather and country air while helping to launch the campaign.

    To cast your vote in Gala Bingo’s search for Britain’s Best Dog Walk, please visit here. Voting closes August 22nd. 

    For every public vote cast out of the 15 National Parks shortlisted, including the Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Cairngorms National Park, and the New Forest, Gala Bingo will make a 50p donation up to the value of £3,000 to The Mayhew.

  • Cat Injures Two People & a Dog After Attacking 7 Pit Bulls

    Cat Injures Two People & a Dog After Attacking 7 Pit Bulls

    A cat has injured two people and a dog sending one person and the dog to hospital after ambushing seven Pit Bulls in Victoria, British Columbia.

    According to The Vancouver Sun, the cat named Baby suddenly came out of the bushes attacking the group as they walked by.

    Kyla Grover, who was with the walking group called Pit Bulls of Victoria B.C, told the newspaper “The dogs were walking by, completely minding their own business. The cat just goes at all of the dogs, not backing down”. She said the cat swiped at them all and even latched onto one of the dog’s faces.


    Photo Credit: Facebook.com/Javiera Catalina Rodriguez

    The seven Pit Bulls and Pit Bull crosses were all walking on leads and according to Ms Grover didn’t know how to react, only barking after the attack began.

    Ms Grover, who was bitten and scratched during the attack, and one of the dogs, Bandida, received injuries so severe that they needed medical assistance. The dog’s owner, Javiera Rodriguez, also received injuries to her hand. She said she was thankful her dog didn’t lose an eye and the cat specifically went after her dog.

    Speaking with Victoria Buzz, Ms Rodriguez confirmed her dog is on the mend but says not 100% back to her normal self yet.

    Ms Rodriguez tried to report the incident only to be told there is no cat bylaw in the district of Saanich in British Colombia.

    A firm opposer of breed specific legislation she told the news outlet, “My concern is what if that cat attacks again? What if it was my “pit bull” that would’ve attacked that cat, or even worst what if my dog would’ve killed that cat to defend herself? Of course Saanich would be at my door deeming my dog dangerous and possibly putting her down.”

    The owners of the cat confirm the incident took place with Mrs Thompson who was present and tending her garden at the time (although didn’t intervene, according to witnesses) says she is ‘mystified’ by the public interest, while her husband has confirmed he and his wife have paid Bandida’s veterinary bill of $222 and is quoted in the local newspaper saying “the sight of all the dogs would have been intimidating for his cat. She’s a watchdog and doesn’t know it. Cats and dogs don’t get along too well sometimes.”

  • Is This Dog the Poster Child for Unlucky Dogs Named Charlie?

    Meet Charlie. He’s a 12-year-old English Setter cross-breed who lives in London with his two owners. He shares his name with the ‘unluckiest dog name’ in Britain, as revealed by a pet insurer who has released their pet claims data.

    According to the Co-op Insurance, dogs named Charlie top the list of most unlucky dogs shortly followed by dogs name Alfie, Bella and Max, with owners of cross-breed dogs more likely to claim on their pet insurance policy.

    Here’s his story.

    Charlie was born in Italy, lives with his owners Chiara Carella and Antony Adie in London.

    Their English Setter cross has had its fair share of bad luck over the years, starting with health issues at the age of 7, when he was diagnosed with Leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection caused by sand flies of the Phlebotomus species. Since then Charlie has suffered from a sensitive tummy, urinary disorder, and very recently a heart condition. He was also bitten once.

    Charlie is a regular at the vets for check-ups and is currently on medication for his conditions, always ready to take his tablets, sitting next to Chiara wagging his tail wagging.

    His owner Chiara says: “He is a fussy eater. I make him very expensive organic chicken which costs £20 kg, and very often he stares at his food for hours without eating it, driving me crazy. Then we go to the park and he eats all kind of rubbish. I need to be very careful, as he loves rotten meat and bones which can be very dangerous.”

    She continued, “It took me some time to convince my husband to bring Charlie over from Italy, however our lives have completely changed having him with us. Despite all his health problems I wouldn’t change him for the world, he makes our days lighter and funnier, and the expressions he makes fills our days with joy.”

    Unlucky in health but lucky in love, that’s our verdict. What’s yours?

    Data provided by Co-op Insurance