Actress and dog lover Kate Mara is standing shoulder to shoulder with the millions of dog owners around the world who have spoken out about their disgust at the Yulin festival.
As dog lovers, we know China’s dogs are relying on our voices to save their lives. We have joined together to spread the word on social media, signed petitions asking China to ban (which China’s embassy in the UK refused to accept), and taken part in protests refusing to accept that this barbaric event should still be a part of China’s modern history, yet the 2016 10-day event began yesterday (21st June). But we cannot lose hope, we have to continue.
Speaking as part of a new campaign by the Animal Hope and Wellness Project and its founder Marc Ching, the actress has been joined by fellow actress Alicia Silverstone, Real Housewives’ star Lisa Vanderpump and actors Matt Damon, Joaquín Phoenix, who have banded together to fight against the Yulin dog meat festival.
Ms Mara, whose own two dogs (pictured below) regularly feature on her social media, said, “I stand by Marc Ching and all his heroic efforts to put a stop to the Yulin dog meat festival. As human beings, it is our moral obligation to do everything in our power to stop this mindless abuse. We cannot stand by in silence. We must use our voices to end this nightmare.”
Photo Credit: Twitter.com/katemara
Watch the celebrities ask for your help in spreading the word to help stop this barbaric, cruel and needless event taking place.
Share your support for the campaign using the hashtag is #thecompassionproject, you can tweet your support, and you can follow the cause on Facebook.com/animalhopeandwellness
A study has claimed to have discovered which dog breeds are the most (and least) destructive in the UK. The survey results have listed the breeds most likely to cause household destruction alongside a table of the so-called least destructive breeds.
The firm responsible for the study says:
Did you know that despite being one of the smallest dogs, the Chihuahua causes an average of £866 worth of damage over its lifetime by ripping or staining carpets, scratching or chewing sofas and digging up plants and flowerbeds? Another fur ball of destruction is the Dachshund, with owners of the cute ‘sausage’ dog facing a bill of £810 to repair or clean up after their pet’s destruction.
The research study, conducted by the online comparison site PayingTooMuch.com, found that some people face an even higher bill, with many also admitting their pet has caused damage to other people’s property and have been involved in, or caused an accident.
Michael Ward, Managing Director of PayingTooMuch.com, said “When you add up the total amount spent on cleaning, repairing and replacing, pet damage can cost a fortune. Worryingly, there are a large number of people who don’t have insurance to cover the costs – whether that’s contents cover for your home, or pet insurance to cover the cost of vets bills or damage to other people’s property.”
It’s not all doom and gloom. There are some breeds that are a little more placid, and respectful! At the other end of the scale, Staffordshire Bull Terriers cause the least amount of damage with a total bill of just £178.
So if you’re thinking of buying a dog, you should do your research. Here’s a list of the top 10 most destructive and least destructive dogs.
TOP TEN MOST DESTRUCTIVE DOGS
1. Chihuahua – £865.99
2. Dachshund – £810.39
3. Boxer – £784.12
4. Dalmatian – £775.22
5. Bulldog – £749.19
6. Great Dane – £691.50
7. Husky – £671.37
8. Beagle – £608.80
9. Pointer – £601.22
10. German Shepherd – £561.92
TOP TEN LEAST DESTRUCTIVE DOGS
1. Staffordshire Bull terrier – £178.21
2. West highland white terrier – £182.61
3. Yorkshire terrier – £226.97
4. Spaniel – £230.25
5. Whippet – £251.02
6. Shih Tzu – £277.98
7. Labrador – £280.59
8. Jack Russell – £318.94
9. Rottweiler – £346.88
10. Sheepdog – £347.60
UK dog adoption site dogsblog.com has announced a new sponsorship with Direct Line to help more dogs in need find loving new forever homes. During the sponsorship, the pet insurer also will offer advice to new dog owners through the new advice hub.
As the UK’s leading dog adoption site working with more than 530 animal rescues to help more dogs find new homes, the site has helped more than 38,700 to find new homes since launching in 2007.
Ritchie, pictured above, is a 7 year old cross-breed who is on the dog adoption site looking for a new home
Speaking of the news site co-founder Ryan O’Meara said, “Our goal this year is to continue to help more rescues and more dogs in need, while we help more new dog owners set off on the right path with their new companion, and we’re happy to do that through the support and sponsorship of Direct Line Pet Insurance.”
Dog adoption site dogsblog.com, which originally launched in 2007, is happy to announce our new sponsorship with Direct Line to help more dogs find loving new forever homes.
As the UK’s leading dog adoption site working with more than 530 animal rescues to help more dogs find new homes, the site has helped more than 38,700 to find new homes to date.
Max, pictured above, is a 9 month old Lurcher who is on the dog adoption site looking for a new home
“Our goal this year is to continue to help more rescues and more dogs in need, while we help more new dog owners set off on the right path with their new companion, and we’re happy to do that through the support and sponsorship of Direct Line Pet Insurance”, says site co-founder Ryan O’Meara.
Animal lovers came together online yesterday to celebrate ‘National Best Friends Day’ highlighting the bond between dog and owner.
From dog lovers to celebrity dog owners and public officials, everyone wanted to share a photograph of their special four-legged friend, including the US Senator for Indiana, Dan Coats, who shared this tweet quoting Harry Truman saying “You want a friend in Washington, get a dog.”
The tweet was accompanied by this photo of Senator Coats and his dog, Honey.
It’s not the first time Honey has made an appearance on the Senator’s social media profiles having been pictured visiting Starkey Farms in Brownsburg with her owner in May on Facebook.
Will his advice be heeded as the presidential election kicks into high gear? We know Hillary Clinton’s family has long been associated with a love of dogs and famously owned Buddy, a chocolate Labrador during her husband’s time in office. We can only wonder, but one thing’s for sure – more Honey please Senator Coats!
International rehoming of dogs and cats should not be carried out as a standard practice EU Cat & Dog Alliance member organisations have agreed this week. Instead members will work preventatively in the country of origin to minimise the need for rehoming animals abroad, for example through neutering and educational campaigns, to stem the problem.
Simona Lipstaite, European Policy Advisor for the EU Dog & Cat Alliance and Dogs Trust, comments:
“International rehoming of dogs and cats is a practice which is not sustainable in the long term as it only provides interim measures rather than addressing the root causes of companion animals living in shelters or being homeless in the country of origin. It also presents the risk of spreading diseases across borders and introducing new diseases into different countries. The main diseases under consideration are rabies, Echinococcus multilocularis, leishmaniosis, babesiosis, dirofilaria and ehrlichiosis and, in the case of cats, retroviruses.”
International rehoming presents further issues in relation to cats. Being much more territorial than dogs, cats inevitably suffer a huge amount of stress during transport. Cats take a long time to acclimatise to a new environment and some may never recover from the stress of being moved internationally.
Where international rehoming is unavoidable, members have agreed that there must be full traceability and that the rehoming is solely in the best interests of the animal, and not for monetary gain for the organisation. Member organisations must also do it legally and following proper disease testing procedures.
So, do you think it’s the right decision? Do you think it will stop the problem of transmitted diseases or stop animals in need finding safety and a secure future in a new home? Comment below and let us know what you think.
On 7th June a petition made its way to the Chinese Embassy in London. The petition, which featured 11 million signatures urging the ban of the Yulin dog meat festival has gathered much support from celebrities and dog lovers alike online across the globe, all united in their disgust at the country’s tradition.
Mr Rob Flello, an Stoke-on-Trent MP, shared the news alongside a photograph of him on the doorstep of the embassy attempting delivery.
Alongside Mr Flello celebrities, including Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher and her dog Gary, dog behaviourist Victoria Stilwell, singer songwriter Sandi Thom, actress Jenny Seagrove and Made in Chelsea’s Lucy Watson and her dog Digby, all attended the protest arranged by the Humane Society International/UK to raise awareness to the cause.
Pictured above, Carrie Fisher and Gary
Pictured above, Jenny Seagrove and her Spaniel, alongside Lucy Watson and Digby
Most people in China don’t eat dogs, and as the Yulin festival approaches, protests and candlelit vigils are expected to take place across the country. On 14 May in China’s city of Dalian, 100,000 people protested against the Yulin festival. Dog lovers in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Dalian are increasingly angered by dog thieves who steal their pets for the meat trade and so it’s disappointing their embassy in the UK refused to accept.
A pair of animal traffickers have each pleaded guilty to 10 offences in relation to selling dogs and cats from their home in Manchester.
Laura Kiseliova (DoB: 14/06/79) and Raimondas Titas (DoB: 13/03/81) appeared at Manchester Crown Court this week for the start of a three-week trial. But, on Thursday (2 June), the pair pleaded guilty to a total of 10 offences each, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the Fraud Act 2006, the Pet Animals Act 1951 and the Companies Act 2006.
File photo
The RSPCA launched an investigation into the pair, who were trafficking dogs into England from eastern Europe and selling them to unsuspecting members of the public.
Kiseliova was released on conditional bail and Titas was remanded in custody by the court to establish his correct address.
RSPCA special operations unit chief inspector Ian Briggs said: “When we attended the property in Prestwich on 18 November 2013 we found 41 dogs and puppies and eight cats in a variety of cages, crates and runs.
“Many of the dogs were French bulldogs, bulldogs, and pugs, while there were also pedigree cat breeds.
“It was obvious that this duo were dealing and trading in a large number of animals and that many of them were not receiving the appropriate care and veterinary attention they needed.
“Some of the animals were suffering from problems such as conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis or had sore and infected wounds.
“During our investigation, most of the animals were signed over into RSPCA care and later rehomed.”
Kiseliova pleaded guilty to:
Carrying on the business of Pets 313 Ltd for a fraudulent purpose, namely bringing dogs into the UK from Europe to sell them, misdescribed, at a profit – contrary to section 993(1) of the Companies Act 2006.
Keeping a pet shop without a licence – contrary to section 1 of the Pet Animals Act 1951.
Keeping a dog breeding establishment without a licence – contrary to section 1 of the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973.
Causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for conjunctivitis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Causing unnecessary suffering to one dog, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for infected wounds and painful limbs – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Causing unnecessary suffering to one dog, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for moist dermatitis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Failing to ensure the needs of 41 dogs and eight cats were met by failing to protect them from pain, suffering injury, or disease by failing to establish a formal biosecurity and disease control programme – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Failing to ensure the needs of all animals were met by failing to protect them from pain, suffering injury, or disease by failing to establish a formal biosecurity and disease control programme – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Failing to ensure the needs of 22 dogs and eight cats were met by failing to provide a suitable environment – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Titas pleaded guilty to:
Dishonestly and intending to make a gain for himself or another, made a representation to Petplan which was true or misleading, namely that he was the holder of a valid policy of insurance for a dog named Black Diamond and was entitled to make a claim – contrary to section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006.
Carrying on the business of Pets 313 Ltd for a fraudulent purpose, namely bringing dogs into the UK from Europe to sell them, misdescribed, at a profit – contrary to section 993(1) of the Companies Act 2006.
Keeping a dog breeding establishment without a licence – contrary to section 1 of the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973.
Causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for hemorrhagic gastroenteritis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for conjunctivitis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Causing unnecessary suffering to one dog, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for infected wounds and painful limbs – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Causing unnecessary suffering to one dog, by failing to provide proper and necessary veterinary care for moist dermatitis – contrary to section 4(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006..
Failing to ensure the needs of 41 dogs and eight cats were met by failing to protect them from pain, suffering injury, or disease by failing to establish a formal biosecurity and disease control programme – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Failing to ensure the needs of all animals, for which they were responsible between 12 April 2012 and 19 November 2013, were met by failing to protect them from pain, suffering injury, or disease by failing to establish a formal biosecurity and disease control programme – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Failing to ensure the needs of 22 dogs and eight cats were met by failing to provide a suitable environment – contrary to section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Kiseliova and Titas are due back at Manchester Crown Court on 8 July for sentencing
Actor Eric McCormack, perhaps best known for playing lawyer Will Truman in the hit TV show ‘Will & Grace’, and a team of celebrities have joined Cruelty Free International in urging the U.S and Canadian governments to protect stray and shelter dogs being used in experiments and education, as part of a global campaign to end the use of dogs in research.
The initiative, which has also received support from actors Seth Gilliam (‘The Walking Dead’), Lou Diamond Phillips (‘La Bamba’) and Danny Trejo (‘Breaking Bad’), and Cruelty Free International Global Ambassador and international superstar violinist Vanessa-Mae, will bring the issue to the attention of governments and educational bodies globally.
Stray and shelter dogs are suffering in laboratories and educational facilities worldwide, including in the U.S and Canada, where they can still be used in experiments and for harmful teaching practices at veterinary schools.
According to new opinion polls carried on behalf of Cruelty Free International, the issue raises strong public concern. 68% of American adults and 73% of Canadian adults agree that dogs found or given to animal shelters should not be sold to laboratories for experiments.
Canadian Eric McCormack said: “Shelter dogs should be adopted into loving homes not used in cruel experiments. That’s why I support the Cruelty Free International global dog campaign.”
Michelle Thew, CEO of Cruelty Free International who are behind the campaign says: “Treating dogs as disposable research commodities or teaching tools with no regard for their lives is wrong. We urge the US and Canadian governments to protect all shelter dogs by implementing legislation to finally put an end to this practice.”
Two years ago the Burton family sold their house, packed up their belongings, bought a motorhome and have been travelling Europe ever since with their two dogs Ozwena who is a beagle and Uluru a fox red Labrador.
Their adventures were relayed through a three-part series in K9 Magazine and they have now written a book called ‘DUST’ that chronicles the journey that is told partly through Ozwena’s eyes.
Read on to find out what Ozwena has to say about travelling Europe with her parents.
What is it like for a dog travelling in a motorhome?
At first it was a little strange. Moving from a fairly large house to a small motorhome took a bit of adjusting. I have never enjoyed travelling in a car so I’ve been surprised as to how comfortable travelling in a motorhome is. We recently had a hire car and I still detest travelling this way so can only presume the additional size and space in the motorhome, along with slower driving speeds suits me.
My bed is different as it’s raised off the floor and is now the front seat of the van but I’m used to this now and this is where I call home. I always feel safe in the motorhome and the company from my sister Uluru makes it so much better.
You must have had quite a lot of preparation to do before your trip. Tell us about it.
I had to visit my local vet to get a pet passport that allowed me to travel in Europe. At my appointment, the vet gave me an examination that included checking I had a microchip and then scanning me to find my identification number which is now written on my passport. I also had to for me and of course one for Uluru my sister. I also have to wear a scalibor collar as to protect me from leishmaniasis which is a tropical and sub-tropical disease spread through sand flies that can be found in some parts of Europe. More importantly, this also covers me against ticks.
What did you take with you?
I took my doggy bag with me and packed my favourite toy, my lead and a blanket that I’ve had since I was a puppy. I also have a collar with my name and number stitched onto it which is important in case I run away which I tend to do quite frequently! Other things that I took are some tweezers in case I do get any ticks so that these can be easily removed. I also have medication for fleas that I have dabbed on my neck every few months. I got fleas once and it was an awful itching experience.
How did you manage with the differences in foods in Europe?
My favourite interest is eating and I’m not a fussy eater at all. I dine out on many delicacies and have tasted foods from all around Europe to include octopus, anchovies, polish stew, with my favourite being tapas. I get dried dog biscuits each morning and night (with a spoonful of tinned dog meat) and these are similar to the ones I used to get back home. Most supermarkets in Europe sell the same or similar brands so it’s not a problem.
Are there any dog laws in Europe?
There are frustrating dog laws in Spain where dogs are not allowed on any public transport which
In Italy, I’m allowed onto trains, buses and boats but only if I wear a muzzle, this can be embarrassing
If you are a dog in Norway then you have to stay on the lead from the 1 st April until the 20th August and this is to protect wildlife as many new animals are born at this time so fair enough really.
The other places I’ve visited have been very dog friendly.
Ozwena at Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps
Tell me the best bits oftravellingin a motorhome.
Being with my sister Uluru and my parents Paul and Emma 24/7 is the best thing about travelling. And my walks last much longer than they used to and I love having the freedom to go where I like and to explore the endless beaches and woods in Europe. I’m an active dog and as a beagles I like to sniff out places and have found endless scents that take me running and exploring for miles and miles.
Everyone travelling Europe seems to have a dog with them and this is partly due to the relaxing of quarantine laws which means us dogs can travel which is so much better than staying at home whilst my parents go off and have fun!
And you’ve wrote a book about your travels, tell us about this?
I’m a well travelled beagle and have covered over 25,000 kilometres and visited 19 countries. I’ve been as far North as the Arctic Circle and as far south as Morocco. You can read about what I get up to in my book where I was kidnapped in Spain, washed out to sea in Italy and fell from cliffs in Portugal. Travelling Europe really is the best thing that has ever happened to me after realising life is for living before turning to DUST.
What’s next?
We are leaving the UK again shortly and heading east to explore that part of Europe. We didn’t get that far the last time so it will be great to go and explore further afield. My parents have researched these countries and they seem to be dog friendly places but I will however let you know how I get on. You can read about my trip by visiting my blog: beagleburton.wordpress.com
TV presenter Declan Donnelly with a copy of DUST
If the Burton family adventures have inspired you, you can enter and win your very own copy of ‘DUST’ as told by Ozwena, comment below telling us why you would like to win a copy (keeping your email address hidden behind your username).
What happens when you put dogs and cake together? Well, my fellow dog owners can probably imagine, but these photographs, released by The Big Lunch team to promote their one-day get-together annual event, are guaranteed to make you smile.
These hilarious dogs were photographed as the ‘London Big Lunchers’ gathered at Tanner Street Park, Bermondsey, with their dogs for a little dog training session to prepare for the big day on Sunday 12th June this year.
Launched in 2009 by the Eden Project, the aim of The Big Lunch event is to encourage a get-together feeding community spirit and helping to build stronger neighbourhoods with the thinking that by bringing communities together, we can reducing loneliness and isolation.
Alongside the photographs, The Big Lunch team have looked at the effect having a dog has on making new friends in the community and have revealed that a study of 2,000 people looked at the positive social impacts of owning a dog compared with not having one, and over half (55%) admitted they are more likely to start a conversation with someone if they have a dog.
While the average dog owner has six chats a week – 312 a year, with people in the community, as a result of their canine companion, results showed dogs make you more approachable than children it seems – with three in 10 people more likely to start a conversation with someone with a dog than someone with children.
The research also showed the typical dog owner has at least three friends that originated directly from them having their pet.
The results make a valuable argument for the impact owning a dog can have on a person’s social interactions – (75%) say having a dog reduces feelings of loneliness and more than half (52%) say that having a dog improves relationships in the community and that getting a dog is one of the best ways to make friends with neighbours.
Oxford University Professor of Psychology, Robin Dunbar, who worked with The Big Lunch as part of the campaign, spoke about the findings: “Research has shown that owning a dog is a good way of combatting loneliness, both because of the company that such a pet can provide, but also because of the way that other people react to dogs and their owners.
Dunbar continued, “The majority of people (52%) said that having a dog improves relationships in your community, and 71 per cent said that people out on the street are more likely to stop and talk to you if you are walking a dog. This is because when we see someone with a friendly animal, we feel safe with them and feel that they will be happy for us to stop and talk.”
And sometimes the dogs are even more memorable than the owners – four in ten Brits know the names of certain dogs but do not know their owners by name, results showed.
Peter Stewart of The Big Lunch added: “While two thirds of us have never shared a meal with our neighbours, we are more likely to strike up conversation with those with dogs. Hosting or joining a Big Lunch on June 12th is a great way to make new friends, share stories, to have fun, whether you have a canine friend or not – it offers a simple way to make lasting relationships and most Big Lunches are also dog-friendly.”
Find out more about how you can get involved in The Big Lunch event this June online at www.thebiglunch.com
Have these dogs inspired you to get a dog?
If you’re thinking about bringing a dog into your home, why not consider adopting – visit our sister site, dogsblog.comtoday.
Dog loving celebrities Alesha Dixon, Professor Green and Will Young have taken a stand and spoken out in support of the #StopYulin campaign urging China to end the festival and the cruel dog meat trade, which sees more than 10 million dogs killed every year across China.
Watch the Video:
Most people in China don’t eat dogs, and as the Yulin festival approaches, protests and candlelit vigils are expected to take place across the country. On 14 May in China’s city of Dalian, 100,000 people protested against the Yulin festival. Dog lovers in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Dalian are increasingly angered by dog thieves who steal their pets for the meat trade.
Claire Bass, executive director of HSI/UK, said: “We hope to gather millions of signatures against the grisly Yulin festival. Across the world, people are uniting to urge Xi Jingping to direct resources to end the cruel and largely illegal dog meat trade. Our call for action will only get stronger, as we stand united with our Chinese partner groups in saying we must #StopYulin.”
You can support the #StopYulin campaign by sharing and signing HSI’s #StopYulin petition at www.hsi.org/stopyulin
The UK’s largest dog welfare charity is appealing to MPs to support a call for the use of fireworks to be restricted in the interests of animal welfare.
The subject is to be debated by Members of Parliament on Monday (23 May) after a petition by the Firework Abatement Campaign attracted more than 100,000 signatures. The petition is calling for fireworks use by the general public to only be permitted on Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year. However, Dogs Trust is supportive of introducing further restrictions around the sale of fireworks, limiting them to licensed, public occasions at certain times of the year.
Dogs Trust Veterinary Director, Paula Boyden, said: “For many dogs and their owners, firework season is always one they dread. A Dogs Trust survey of 3,750 pet owners found that two-thirds of dogs are worried by fireworks and that 93% of their owners alter their routine, such as walking their dogs only in daylight hours, to try to minimise the trauma on their pets.”
Currently fireworks can be set off by any adult between 7am and 11pm every day of the year on private land, such as in a garden, or on land where the owner’s permission has been given. On Bonfire Night the cut off time is extended until midnight and on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, it is extended until 1am.
The charity is also asking local authorities to give more consideration to the location of public fireworks displays when granting licences and to ensure they are well publicised in the local area so dog owners can avoid them.
Boyden continued, “The current law offers no support to dogs and their owners, with fireworks legally set off often unexpectedly all through the year. We sincerely hope Members of Parliament take this opportunity to extend restrictions on firework sale and use and help protect the welfare of many scared dogs.”
Dogs Trust urges all dog owners to take preventative measures to prepare their dogs for the noise of fireworks and offers advice and support to dog owners to help keep their dog as stress-free as possible. The charity has worked with vets Sarah Heath and Jon Bowen to offer a free sound based treatment programme, The Sounds Scary Audio Therapy Programme. The Programme prepares dogs for distressing noises, such as fireworks, by playing specific noises to enable dogs to get used to the sounds and cope better.
Staffie and Stray Rescue’s campaign – Staffies. They’re Softer Than You Think – aims to raise awareness of the plight of the Staffie, challenge negative perceptions about the breed and show the true soft character of these loveable dogs, that were once known as ‘Nanny dogs’ for their affinity with children.
Centres like Staffie and Stray Rescue and Battersea are the last hope for thousands of unwanted and abandoned Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffie crosses. To date, Staffie and Stray Rescue has rehomed 54 Staffies and Staffie crossbreeds; they currently have 20 looking for new homes.
Calli Byrne, Founder at Staffie and Stray Rescue, explains: “We see a large number of Staffie and Staffie crosses coming into our centre. Any dog can be trained to be aggressive, and sadly Staffies are the victims of a minority of irresponsible dog owners. Staffies adore human company and we are determined to show that they make fantastic family companions.”
Rob Young, Head of Dog Rehoming Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, adds: “Battersea has seen a huge increase in the number of Staffies coming into its care and around a third of the dogs we take in are Staffies and Staffie crosses. We know what wonderful family pets they can be and it’s great to have the chance to work with Staffie and Stray Rescue to spread the word and give Staffies the second chance they deserve.”
As part of its campaign with Battersea, Staffie and Stray Rescue is working with many proud, responsible local Staffie owners to champion the positive qualities of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Calli Byrne adds: “Thousands of proud and responsible Staffie owners will tell you that Staffies are gentle, friendly dogs and a million miles away from the hard image they have been unfairly tarnished with. We have some great local residents who have rehomed Staffies from us who are tremendous ambassadors for the breed.”
If you can give a Staffie a second chance please contact Staffie and Stray Rescue at www.staffieandstrayrescue.co.uk or visit the rescue’s section on dogsblog.com for regular updates.
A feisty two year old Jack Russell Terrier, named Russell, who fell into the River Thames and then paddled his way through the Thames Barrier, the central gate of the world-famous flood defence, lives to tell the tail after being rescued by the Port of London Authority (PLA).
The little Terrier was rescued after two members of the PLA team, Guy Underwood and Kevin Reynolds, spotted a stunned dog walker gesturing at the little dog who was powering his way through the Barrier towards Tate & Lyle Sugars.
The PLA pair leapt into action, launching the authority’s small work boat Dory, before lifting Russell to safety. They got him back to the foreshore and although barely able to stand from exhaustion, he seemed right as rain.
Guy said: “We got to work thinking a person had fallen in and had no idea it was a dog. How he was able to get through the barrier and so far to the other side of the river – I have no idea. I dare say most humans wouldn’t have got that far. He’s a bit of a superdog.”
Russell with one of his rescuers, Kevin Reynolds, PLA General Purpose Master
Russell’s owner John Pedro, pictured below, who works at a skip hire firm about half a mile from the Thames Barrier, was overjoyed to have his “guard dog” back in one piece. He thinks Russell, who’s named after TV comic Russell Howard, might have been chasing after a fox.
“We were so worried about him”, a relieved John admitted. “He must’ve been after a fox when he fell in the water – he hates foxes with a passion. It’s incredible that he went through the barrier like some sort of ship. He usually won’t set foot out of the yard, even when the gate’s opened.”
He added: “Russell seems ok now, he got over the experience pretty quickly. I’d like to buy a pint for the guys who rescued him, they did a brilliant job.”
