Total Dog Magazine

Category: Dog News

The latest dog news from around the world

  • It’s Official: Dogs Are Replacing Friends as BFFs

    A new study has revealed that 8 in 10 dog owners believe their pet is most important to their daily happiness, beating friends by almost four times as much, showing we are relying on our pets more than ever.

    According to the pet tech firm Furbo, more than half of men (57%) admitted that having their dog by their side has the biggest positive impact on their mental health.

    Half of dog owners revealed that they have suffered from mental health issues, such as anxiety, phobias and depression and 4 in 10 are now also recognising those same signs in their dogs with dogs barking, destroying post and chewing beds when left alone as well as becoming withdrawn, not wanting to go outside.

    In a bid to make dogs happy, owners are seeking advice from pet experts, such as vets or behaviourists (77% of women say) and have been seeking out new technology, such as dog cameras, to keep in touch with pets when left alone so they could ‘call in’ and let their pet hear their voice (53% of men revealed) to make them feel better.

    Dog owners also admit to spending monthly on their pet’s happiness, with over half (53%) of city dog owners spending up to £100.

    How Dogs Are Replacing Friends as Confidentes

    4 in 10 dog owners say their pets will always come first and they are a big part of the family. They believe this makes them good pet parents, so perhaps it is no surprise that when it comes to admitting who makes them happiest on a daily basis, dogs top the list, followed by partners with friends falling behind dogs by nearly four times as much.

    Men & Women Reveal Exactly Who Is Most Important to Happiness

    Is Canine Depression on the Rise or Is Something Else Going On?

    In Furbo’s study, 52% of dog owners revealed they believe we assign human moods and feelings to our dogs’ behaviours, more now than ever before, but perhaps this is no surprise since dogs and humans have always had a close relationship, led by dogs evolving to suit our needs. So are dogs learning to read our emotions too well resulting in them developing anxiety and other phobias?

    Possibly.

    In 2018, scientists at the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy carried out a study monitoring the reactions of dogs when analysing human faces when feeding and learnt that dogs study our faces to understanding the emotions behind our expressions. And it seems as we learn more about how our dogs connect with us, we connect their reactions to human emotions too.

    Ryan O’Meara, a former professional dog trainer commented on the findings:

    “The role of the modern dog is very different today as fewer and fewer dogs are purchased with the intention of performing particular tasks but, more specifically, as a means to provide pure companionship. As our own lives become busier and more stress-filled, it makes sense that owners would worry that their dogs, who share our lives, would feel similar to us.

    “Often this is simply a case of incorrectly transferring our very human worries on to our nearest and dearest friends (our dogs) but in some instances, it’s true. Dogs can be stressed if we’re stressed. We know this to be the case. So even in the ironic case of us being stressed about whether our dogs are stressed, we can inadvertently make our dogs feel anxious.

    “The key to avoiding these negative scenarios is to ensure our dogs are properly fed, mentally stimulated and lead a life of recognisable routine and stability.”

  • New Study Reveals 4 in 10 Dogs Show Signs of Stress

    New Study Reveals 4 in 10 Dogs Show Signs of Stress

    A new study reveals dogs that dog owners are relying on their pets more than ever for happiness, with more than half of men (57%) admitting that having their dog by their side has the biggest positive impact on their mental health.

    According to pet tech firm Furbo, half of dog owners say they have suffered from mental health issues, such as anxiety, phobias and depression and 4 in 10 are now also recognising those same signs in their dogs with dogs barking, destroying post and chewing beds when left alone as well as becoming withdrawn, not wanting to go outside.

    In a bid to make dogs happy, owners are seeking advice from pet experts, such as vets or behaviourists (77% of women say) and have been seeking out new technology, such as dog cameras, to keep in touch with pets when left alone so they could ‘call in’ and let their pet hear their voice (53% of men revealed) to make them feel better.

    Dog owners also admit to spending monthly on their pet’s happiness, with over half (53%) of city dog owners spending up to £100.

    How Dogs Are Replacing Friends as Confidentes

    4 in 10 dog owners say their pets will always come first and they are a big part of the family.

    They believe this makes them good pet parents, so perhaps it is no surprise that when it comes to admitting who makes them happiest on a daily basis, dogs top the list, followed by partners with friends falling behind dogs by nearly four times as much.

    Men & Women Reveal Exactly Who Is Most Important to Happiness

    Is Canine Depression on the Rise or Is Something Else Going On?

    In Furbo’s study, 52% of dog owners revealed they believe we assign human moods and feelings to our dogs’ behaviours, more now than ever before, but perhaps this is no surprise since dogs and humans have always had a close relationship, led by dogs evolving to suit our needs. So are dogs learning to read our emotions too well resulting in them developing anxiety and other phobias?

    Possibly.

    In 2018, scientists at the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy carried out a study monitoring the reactions of dogs when analysing human faces when feeding and learnt that dogs study our faces to understanding the emotions behind our expressions. And it seems as we learn more about how our dogs connect with us, we connect their reactions to human emotions too.

    Ryan O’Meara, publisher of K9 Magazine and a former professional dog trainer commented on the findings:

    “The role of the modern dog is very different today as fewer and fewer dogs are purchased with the intention of performing particular tasks but, more specifically, as a means to provide pure companionship. As our own lives become busier and more stress-filled, it makes sense that owners would worry that their dogs, who share our lives, would feel similar to us.

    “Often this is simply a case of incorrectly transferring our very human worries on to our nearest and dearest friends (our dogs) but in some instances, it’s true. Dogs can be stressed if we’re stressed. We know this to be the case. So even in the ironic case of us being stressed about whether our dogs are stressed, we can inadvertently make our dogs feel anxious.

    “The key to avoiding these negative scenarios is to ensure our dogs are properly fed, mentally stimulated and lead a life of recognisable routine and stability.”

  • 40% of Owners Believe Their Dogs Have Mental Health Problems

    A new study reveals dogs are key to our happiness, but what is causing 4 in 10 dogs to show signs of stress?

    According to new research by pet tech firm Furbo, half of dog owners say they have suffered from mental health issues, such as anxiety, phobias and depression and 4 in 10 are now also recognising those same signs in their dogs with dogs barking, destroying post and chewing beds when left alone as well as becoming withdrawn, not wanting to go outside.

    In a bid to make dogs happy, owners are seeking advice from pet experts, such as vets or behaviourists (77% of women say) and have been seeking out new technology, such as dog cameras, to keep in touch with pets when left alone so they could ‘call in’ and let their pet hear their voice (53% of men revealed) to make them feel better.

    Resource: How to tell is my dog bored?

    Dog owners also admit to spending monthly on their pet’s happiness, with over half (53%) of city dog owners spending up to £100.

    How Dogs Are Replacing Friends as Confidentes

    4 in 10 dog owners say their pets will always come first and they are a big part of the family. They believe this makes them good pet parents, so perhaps it is no surprise that when it comes to admitting who makes them happiest on a daily basis, dogs top the list (87%), followed by partners (50%) with friends falling behind dogs by nearly four times as much (22%).

    Table: Men & Women Reveal Exactly Who Is Most Important to Happiness

    Is Canine Depression on the Rise or Is Something Else Going On?

    In Furbo’s study, 52% of dog owners revealed they believe we assign human moods and feelings to our dogs’ behaviours, more now than ever before, but perhaps this is no surprise since dogs and humans have always had a close relationship, led by dogs evolving to suit our needs. So are dogs learning to read our emotions too well resulting in them developing anxiety and other phobias?

    Possibly.

    In 2018, scientists at the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy carried out a study monitoring the reactions of dogs when analysing human faces when feeding and learnt that dogs study our faces to understanding the emotions behind our expressions. And it seems as we learn more about how our dogs connect with us, we connect their reactions to human emotions too.

    Ryan O’Meara, a former professional dog trainer commented on the findings:

    “The role of the modern dog is very different today as fewer and fewer dogs are purchased with the intention of performing particular tasks but, more specifically, as a means to provide pure companionship. As our own lives become busier and more stress-filled, it makes sense that owners would worry that their dogs, who share our lives, would feel similar to us.

    “Often this is simply a case of incorrectly transferring our very human worries on to our nearest and dearest friends (our dogs) but in some instances, it’s true. Dogs can be stressed if we’re stressed. We know this to be the case. So even in the ironic case of us being stressed about whether our dogs are stressed, we can inadvertently make our dogs feel anxious.

    “The key to avoiding these negative scenarios is to ensure our dogs are properly fed, mentally stimulated and lead a life of recognisable routine and stability.”

  • Campaigners Announce South Korea to Shut Down Notorious Gupo Dog Meat Market

    Campaigners have announced that South Korea is to close down Gupo dog meat market in Busan, notorious for being one of the country’s largest markets.

    The local Busan authorities reached an agreement with all 19 dog meat sellers at Gupo Livestock Market to shut down their businesses next month, as part of an urban planning project to regenerate the area and turn the market into a public park.

    The closure of Gupo is the latest in a series of crackdowns by officials on the cruel trade. In November last year, Seongnam city demolished Taepyeong, the country’s largest dog slaughterhouse, and closed down most of the related dog meat vendors.

    A dog being rescued from a farm in Namyangju, South Korea / Photo Credit: Jean Chung/For HSI

    Dog meat consumption is declining rapidly in South Korea, particularly among younger generations. And although most people don’t regularly or ordinarily eat dog, it does remain popular during the Bok days of summer in July and August, when it is eaten as a soup called ‘bosintang’ in the unsubstantiated belief that it improves stamina and virility.

    According to Humane Society International (HSI), the dog meat industry is in legal limbo in South Korea, being neither legal nor illegal and many provisions of the Animal Protection Act are routinely breached.

    Nara Kim, dog meat campaigner for Humane Society International/Korea, said: “We very much welcome the agreement reached to close Gupo market, home to one of the largest dog meat markets in South Korea. The closure plan is the result of months of hard work between the local authorities and the market vendors, and both sides are to be commended for working towards this goal that will not only bring to an end to Gupo’s dog meat era, but will also see the area regenerated with new amenities and businesses for the benefit of the local, modern economy.

    “HSI has been working with dog meat farmers in South Korea for nearly four years helping them close their flagging businesses as more people in the county turn away from dog meat, so the closure of Gupo’s grimly iconic dog market, which follows the demolition last year of the country’s largest dog slaughterhouse complex, is a sign of more compassionate times. This is the latest crack down on an increasingly unpopular dog meat trade, and we hope that it inspires further closures in future where dogs also suffer for the meat trade, such as Chilsung market in Daegu.”

     

  • 19 Police Dog Heroes Awarded for London Terror Attack Service

    19 Police Dog Heroes Awarded for London Terror Attack Service

    Nineteen heroic Police Dogs who supported emergency services during the London terror attacks at Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and Borough Market were honoured today for their service and received the PDSA Order of Merit– the animal equivalent of the OBE.

    Seven of the dogs, Metropolitan Police Dogs Kai, Delta and Dave joined British Transport Police Dogs Bruno, Marci, Jax and Bobby were selected to represent the Metropolitan Police (Met) and British Transport Police (BTP) animals who served during the 2017 attacks at Westminster Bridge on Wednesday 22 March 2017 and at London Bridge and Borough Market on Saturday 3 June 2017.

    The 6 Dogs Who Helped in the Westminster Bridge Terror Attack in London

    In March 2017, Central London was hit by a terrorist attack that, in just 82 seconds, left five people dead, including a police officer, and 29 injured.

    In the moments following the attack, the BTP Explosive Search Dog Section and the Met Police Explosive Detection Dog Team were rushed to the scene to assess the situation and ensure public safety.

    BTP Dogs Ollie, Oscar, Bruno and Scooby searched through the chaos for potential devices that could cause further harm on the bridge itself and around Parliament Square.

    They were joined at the scene by Met Police Dogs Kai (pictured below) and Bruce and their handlers. They searched the car that had crashed into the wall of the Palace of Westminster, as a precautionary measure in case it contained a bomb. Once safe, Helicopter Emergency Medical Services landed in Parliament Square to help injured victims.

    Police protocol states that if an object or area has been declared suspicious, all emergency services must withdraw until the scene is confirmed safe. The dogs and handlers put themselves directly in harm’s way to secure the scene, ensure the safety of the public and allow life-saving treatment of the casualties.

    The 13 Dogs Who Helped in the London Bridge and Borough Market Terror Attack in London

    In June 2017, a white van containing three attackers drove into ten pedestrians on London Bridge, seriously injuring eight and killing two. The van collided with the railings alongside Barrow Boy and Banker Public House. The attackers alighted from the van armed with knives and appeared to be wearing suicide vests. They ran through Borough Market, continuing their assaults on innocent members of the public. In total, eight people were killed and 48 people were injured during the attack.

    BTP General Purpose Dog Teams were called to the scene alongside Firearms Officers to clear the streets, buildings and public areas. Police Dogs Jax, Marci, Johnny, Rocy, Tara and Bobby searched amid a volatile situation for over 13 hours. They worked tirelessly, never faltering in their duty.

    Met Police Dogs Alfie, Dave, Poppy and Robson were also deployed to undertake a systematic search of the area. Together with Police Dog Kai (who had only qualified in November 2016 and was relatively inexperienced), they searched a dozen buildings.

    Police Dog Delta (pictured below) worked with her handler and a team of Firearms Officers to search over 30 buildings. Her skills, calibre and professionalism saved vital time.

    At Borough Market, the Met Dog Teams joined Armed Officers to search for a suspect who was still unaccounted for, despite the unknown risk level to themselves and their dogs.

    Meanwhile, Police Dogs Casper and Romeo were tasked with searching the suspects’ suicide vests for explosives.

    Police Dog Casper and his handler were later dispatched to clear a suspect vehicle under a nearby railway bridge that, it was believed, could be harbouring an explosive device. Despite the horrendous surrounding conditions, Casper was able to indicate the vehicle was safe, allowing a visual check inside the vehicle to take place.

    Throughout the incident, the teams worked with the knowledge that potential further danger remained all around them, but put the safety of the public ahead of their own as they tirelessly continued their work.

    Commenting on the award given to the 19 heroic dogs, British Transport Police Inspector Paul Miles said:

    “I am immensely proud of our dogs and their handlers, and absolutely thrilled to see their bravery and resilience recognised through this very special award. It is impossible to overstate the courage and dedication show by our dog teams, and all of their colleagues who responded to the tragic events of 2017. They worked through physically and emotionally challenging conditions without (a) second thought, willingly walking into danger and putting the public’s safety before their own. While today is a day of celebration, the horror of these incidents will never leave us and our thoughts will always remain with those who lost their lives and were injured.”

    Chief Inspector Graham Horwood from the Met’s Taskforce added: “It is a huge honour for our heroic police dogs to be awarded with such a prestigious medal.

    “Our Police Dogs and their handlers work day and night, in some of the most challenging environments, to help keep London safe and we are immensely proud that their exceptional work has been recognised.

    “Our thoughts and condolences remain with those affected by the awful events that took place in 2017.”

  • Uncovered: Here Are the Three Biggest Welfare Issues Facing Dogs Today

    Uncovered: Here Are the Three Biggest Welfare Issues Facing Dogs Today

    A new study into the impact of major conditions on a dog’s health and wellbeing has revealed the top three biggest issues affecting dogs today.

    The VetCompass study was conducted by analysing data from 455,557 dogs seen by veterinary surgeons in practice in the UK. They examined eight common canine conditions and by taking frequency of the disorder, duration of the condition and severity together, they discovered that the conditions with the highest welfare impact on dogs overall are: dental disease, osteoarthritis and obesity.

    The team behind the study hope that these results can help vets to target conditions that have the greatest impact on dogs they treat.

    Dr Dan O’Neill, Senior lecturer in epidemiology at the RVC and co-author of the study said:

    “During my 20 years as a first opinion vet, owners constantly asked me to advise them about the most important conditions that they should try to prevent in their dogs. At that time, I could not answer this as it was unknown to science. We now have this answer; and we can now advise owners to focus on dental health, monitoring for joint disease and to pay special attention to their dogs body condition score. Finally, we have the key to prioritising long-term health in dogs overall.”

  • Dog Theft Statistics: Five Dogs Stolen Every Day, New Research Reveals

    Dog Theft Statistics: Five Dogs Stolen Every Day, New Research Reveals

    Five dogs are stolen across the UK every day, with sadly on 17% of dogs being reunited with their owners.

    The research, which has been compiled by Direct Line Pet Insurance based on information provided by 39 police forces reveals the number of dogs reported stolen has risen for the fourth consecutive year.

    The Most Targeted Dog Breeds by Thieves

    The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was the most targeted breed by criminals in 2018, with 88 reported thefts over the year. Crossbreeds remain the second most popular for dognappers. There were 53 reported cases of stolen cross breeds in 2018, likely to be due to the popularity of ‘designer’ dog breeds like Labradoodles and Puggles.

    Chihuahuas have now overtaken the French Bulldog as the third most stolen breed, with 52 Chihuahuas reported stolen in 2018, an 18 per cent increase from 2017 (44 cases). 51 French Bulldogs were reported stolen last year, a 13 per cent increase from 2017 and making it the fourth most-stolen breed.

    There has also been a rise in the number of Jack Russell Terriers (up 15 per cent) and Pugs (up 600 per cent) stolen.

    Pugs have gone from the 11th most stolen breed, with four cases in 2017, to fifth most stolen in 2018. Flat faced dog breeds like Pugs and French Bulldogs have become increasingly popular due to the number of celebrities who own them, such as Hugh Jackman, Reese Witherspoon and David Beckham while owners of Pugs include Gerard Butler, Hugh Laurie and Paris Hilton.

    Dog Breeds on the Decline

    Breeds that have fallen in popularity amongst thieves include Huskies, which have seen an 88 per cent reduction in the number of reported thefts over 12 months. Huskies have gone from one of the ten most commonly stolen breeds in 2017 with 16 cases reported, to just two in 2018. The number of Rottweilers and Springer Spaniels reported stolen has also decreased, with just five and one reported theft respectively.

    Eva Sandstra-Bennett, Head of Pet Insurance at Direct Line, said: “It is heart-breaking to see there are still so many dogs stolen each year and the numbers are continuing to rise. Dogs are a huge part of the family, so it causes real distress and trauma when they are stolen. Unfortunately, the popularity of designer dog breeds and flat faced dogs means they are highly desirable for thieves, as they are easily identifiable and can be sold on for thousands of pounds. Owners of these breeds should be particularly vigilant and aware of situations that make it easier for thieves. This can include leaving them locked in cars, tied up outside a shop or allowing them off the lead out of sight.”

    Regions at Risk

    The Metropolitan Police Service reported the greatest number of dogs stolen, at 304 in 2018, a 30 per cent increase compared to 2017 (234). West Yorkshire Police reported the second greatest number of stolen dogs last year, at 179, although this number has fallen by 19 per cent compared to 2017 (220).

    Greater Manchester Police completes the top three and received 161 reports of dogs stolen in 2018, a three per cent rise compared to 2017 (156). The Police Force which has reported the greatest increase in reports of stolen dogs is Humberside Police, which recorded 92 more dogs stolen in 2018 compared to 2017, a 167 per cent increase.

    At the other end of the scale, Cheshire Constabulary received just two reports of stolen dogs last year. Norfolk received the second lowest number, at just seven reports, an 85 per cent reduction compared to 2017, when 48 dogs were reported stolen in the county. Both Bedfordshire and Warwickshire received eight reports of stolen dogs in 2018.

    Eva Sandstra-Bennett continued, “Unfortunately, while the number of dogs stolen is rising, the number returned is also falling; meaning owners are increasingly unlikely to be reunited with their beloved pet. If the worst does happen and a dog is stolen, owners should report it to the police immediately and start spreading the word among their local community. Online communities are also vital, as is sharing photos of the pet on social media. Owners should also ensure that their pet is microchipped, and the contact details are up to date so if they are taken to a vet’s surgery, the vet will have the right ownership details.”

    What to Do If Your Dog Is Stolen

    Firstly, check the local area and your dog’s favourite spots as your dog may have wandered off.

    Make your dog ‘too hot to handle’ by sharing on social media, putting up posters in the local area and informing local media – include pictures and any distinctive marks in any appeals, and ask others to spread the word.

    There are some specific sites set up to help find lost and stolen dogs, like doglost.co.uk.

    Report your dog as stolen to the police and provide them with as much detail as possible.

    Report your dog as stolen to local pet related services like vets, animal shelters, pet shops, dog wardens and the council. Provide photos, a physical description and the dog’s microchip number.

    Report your dog to the microchip database.

  • Pet Theft Petition Needs Your Help to Reform UK Law

    Pet Theft Petition Needs Your Help to Reform UK Law

    Animal sentience is not covered in law when pets are stolen in the UK.

    Campaigners are calling for pet lovers to sign a petition to help change the law and protect pets and their families. Add your voice and sign the petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/244530

  • The Rise of the Pet Nup: Do You Have One?

    The Rise of the Pet Nup: Do You Have One?

    New research has revealed that nearly a quarter of divorce cases last year involved custody battles for pets.

    The issue has been thrust into the public eye due to the custody battle between Ant McPartlin and Lisa Armstrong over their dog Hurley.

    According to the research produced by Direct Line, pets are often seen as one of the most important aspects of a divorce settlement.

    So, with family lawyers reporting a 24% increase in requests for pre-nuptial agreements to be drawn up specifying the custody or care arrangement for pets, we want to know if you a ‘pet nup’ already or have you considered getting one but decided against it?

    Comment below and let us know!

  • ‘What a Good Boy!’ Life-Saving Labrador Awarded Animal OBE

    ‘What a Good Boy!’ Life-Saving Labrador Awarded Animal OBE

    A Medical Detection Dog from Kent, who is trained to detect changes in blood sugar levels for his diabetic owner, has been honoured for his outstanding devotion to his owner, receiving the PDSA Order of Merit – the animal equivalent of the OBE – at a special ceremony

    During his seven-year career, the eight-year-old Labrador named Pal alerted his owner, Claire Pearson, to over 12,000 separate blood-sugar changes. If not caught in time, these could have killed her. His interventions have prevented countless NHS emergency call-outs and resulted in fewer hospital admissions for Claire.

    Reacting to her canine companion’s award, Claire said, “I am beyond proud of my amazing furry boy for what he has done for me and my family. He gave my sons their childhood back and gave me a whole new lease of life.”

    Pal’s story

    Claire Pearson has lived with Type 1 Brittle Diabetes since birth. But her life, and her family’s lives, changed dramatically when she fell seriously ill with end-stage renal failure in 2003. This meant she needed a pancreas and kidney transplant, and faced dialysis three times a week.

    Claire was rendered unable to tell when she was hypoglycaemic (hypo), which meant that her young children would often return home from primary school to find her collapsed. Her health diagnosis plunged her into severe depression and she was later diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – a side-effect of being told she had a life-limiting condition. She was left with little confidence and unable to leave the house on her own.

    The cycle of depression and hypo-induced comas continued for six years. Her two sons became young carers by default and the family’s plight became increasingly desperate.

    In the depths of despair, Claire saw an advert for Medical Detection Dogs and applied for assistance. In 2012, Claire was introduced to 16-month-old Labrador, Pal, and their remarkable relationship began.

    On the very first night in his new home, Pal alerted Claire to a hypo as she slept – nudging her face and ribs with his nose and licking her. He does this by smelling the chemical changes in Claire’s breath. His ability to do this has stopped Claire from falling into hypo-induced comas on countless occasions.

    Discussing Pal’s abilities, Claire said: “He is trained to fetch my blood sugar monitor, glucose, insulin and will even bring me my phone if I need it. If I’m too ill to help myself, Pal will fetch someone or push our panic button at home, which alerts the emergency services.”

    In addition, Pal has accompanied Claire to all her dialysis sessions for five years, helping to keep her calm and happy as she undergoes treatment.

    “Having Pal gave me the confidence to leave the house again,” explained Claire. “I started joining local fundraising activities and even giving talks about how wonderful Pal is and how he’s helped me reclaim my life. It was truly life-changing and I can never repay him for giving me peace of mind, knowing that my boys wouldn’t face coming home from school to find me dangerously ill.”

    In November 2018, Claire received a life-changing kidney and pancreas transplant. The transplant meant that Claire is no longer a diabetic, but Pal has continued to look after Claire – alerting her to changes in her blood sugar which could indicate early-stage organ rejection.

    Claire explains: “Since the transplant, on two occasions Pal has alerted me and when I’ve called the hospital, they have asked me to head straight in. Both times it turned out that my body was starting to act against my new pancreas, so Pal continues to save me to this day!

    “I hope he will be able to retire soon. He is certainly slowing down now that he doesn’t need to watch me so closely and is enjoying lots more naps and sleepy cuddles than he did before my transplant.”

  • First Cloned Police Dog Reports for Duty in China

    First Cloned Police Dog Reports for Duty in China

    A cloned puppy named Kunxun has begun training in Kunming Police Dog Base in China’s Yunnan province and is already showing great potential, according to reports.

    The three-month-old puppy is a Kunming Wolfdog and was cloned from a 7-year-old police sniffer dog named Huahuangma. The female dog is well regarded by China’s Ministry of Public Security with a pedigree for solving cases, including 12 murder cases. In 2016, she was given the first-class meritorious dog award.

    According to CNN, officials in China hope that by cloning Huahuangma’s “excellent genes”, they can protect the breed and her successful genes can be “passed down from generation to generation”.’

    Kunxun, who shares 99% of Huahuangma’s DNA, will now undergo seven months of training, and if she passes, she will officially become a police dog.

  • Why Dogs Are Good for You

    Why Dogs Are Good for You

    There are plenty of studies which show a dog’s impact on our mental and physical wellbeing, and just being around dogs can make us feel happier, but why, specifically, are dogs so good for us?

    We asked Dr Roger Mugford to share his thoughts on why our relationship with dogs is so successful.

    “Several studies have shown a link between pet ownership and improved wellbeing and mental health. In today’s busy and often stressful way of life, it has become more important than ever to seek the benefits and joy a pet’s companionship can bring. For those suffering from stress, loneliness or depression, spending time with a pet or walking a dog can have a tremendous impact on your mood and even help with meeting new people.

    “Not only have several studies shown that pets make us feel happier and more content, but there is also evidence that dog owners have lower stress levels, blood pressure and a lower likelihood of stroke and heart attacks. Whether the benefits come in the form of extra physical activity from walking our dogs or through the emotional bond we build with our pets, there is no question of the positive impact pet ownership has on our lives.

    “Over the years I have had the pleasure to work on several projects where I’ve been able to see the strength of this animal/human bond and it’s impact first hand. One of such projects was DOTS (Dogs on the Streets) which is a charity dedicated to the welfare of dogs belonging to UK’s homeless community. The dog is often both a lifeline, and much needed companion to combat some of the loneliness often faced by those that are homeless.

    “Then there are of course the many wonderful dogs who help provide support and independence to those with disabilities and medical conditions such as epilepsy. These companionships don’t just add an extra level of safety and independence, but a loving friend and companion.

    “Personally, I don’t think there’s anyone who could dispute the joy and the multitude of benefits associated with owning a pet. On days like the International Day of Happiness we might be tempted to give our pet a bit of extra attention and love, but I think it’s more important to take a step back and remember that bonding activities such as games, training, and walks should be an important part of day to day life to ensure they can also enjoy a happy, healthy and wholesome life. As a business [he is the founder of Company of Animals] we have always looked to develop products that help owners and their pets find an enriched life and these can be a good start for all dog owners to improve their pet’s welfare and happiness.”

  • ‘Make It Illegal to Consume Dogs in the UK’, MP Says

    ‘Make It Illegal to Consume Dogs in the UK’, MP Says

    An MP has introduced a bill in Parliament to ban the consumption of dog meat in the UK, making it illegal to eat dog meat and to transport, possess or donate it for the purposes of consumption.

    When introducing the bill, Conservative MP Bill Wiggin said there was no evidence that dog meat was being consumed in the UK (as it stands the practice isn’t banned, but no slaughterhouses in the UK that have a licence to kill dogs or cats) but he “would like our country to join in setting an example to the world”.

    “This is because China argue that until we make it illegal, why should they?”

    Wendy Higgins from the Humane Society International, well-known for its campaigning to end the brutal trade, believes the move could have diplomatic benefits, telling K9 Magazine:

    “The power of a UK ban on dog and cat meat would be largely symbolic because Britain has no dog and cat meat trade, there is no evidence to suggest that anyone is eating dogs and cats here. The real job of ending this brutal and largely crime-fuelled trade lies in seeing more bans enacted across Asia where the trade is concentrated.

    “So, as we urge policy makers in those countries to take decisive steps to end this trade that kills 30 million dogs and 10 million cats a year, a ban here in the U.K. would show solidarity with those like Taiwan and Hong Kong that have already introduced bans, as well as encourage the momentum that we are already seeing in South Korea and Indonesia towards an end to this brutal industry.

    “Whilst I don’t see any indication that countries like China are waiting for a UK ban before acting themselves, it certainly doesn’t hurt diplomatically.”

    Mr Wiggin’s bill passed to second reading unopposed in Parliament but needs government support to progress further.

    If it is written into law, the UK will join the USA, Germany, Austria, South Australia, Taiwan and Hong Kong in banning dog meat consumption.

  • ‘Made in Chelsea’ Star Calls on Chanel to Explain ‘Cruel & Flawed’ Actions

    ‘Made in Chelsea’ Star Calls on Chanel to Explain ‘Cruel & Flawed’ Actions

    Tabitha Willett has called on fashion house Chanel to explain having two dogs locked in small cages in their Sloane Street store in London at 11pm.

    A well-known dog lover, the former reality star called on Chanel to answer for their actions and was told the dogs were in store for “security purposes”.


    Photo Credit: Instagram/Tabitha.Willett

    According to Sky News, Chanel reportedly told Willett the dogs were kept in the cages for a “few” hours at a time, and were under the watchful eye of a handler.

    She has since reported the issue to the RSPCA.

  • Why Are Dogs So Obsessed With Human Underwear?

    Why Are Dogs So Obsessed With Human Underwear?

    I mean, some dogs really are obsessed with it, aren’t they?

    Take Maggie-May for example. She’s a 22 month old Shih Tzu and recently she gave her owners a shock after swallowing a size 12 sock, which her owners discovered missing after she was spotted playing with the laundry.

    Maggie-May’s owner, Jessica Tolley, said: “We were at home when Maggie-May was chewing and playing with a sock, when all of a sudden, she bolted off the chair and started making a funny noise.

    “I realised there was a good chance she had swallowed it but my partner Ross and I could hardly believe it and we got up and started trying to find it.

    “Although Maggie-May seemed fine, the sock was nowhere to be seen after we searched high and low, so we took her to the vets.

    “All the way there, she was acting as if there was nothing wrong and I was convinced there was no way a dog her size could swallow a sock so big.”

    Luckily, vet Naomi Roberts at the Beech House Veterinary Centre in Warrington were able to retrieve the sock and Maggie-May was no worse off but rather seemed to enjoy the adventurous day out!

    Jessica, who has recently had her first baby Alannah, added: “On the way home from the vets, Maggie-May was sat in the car like she’d been out for an adventure.

    “We are now very careful not to let her have socks any more but she is automatically drawn to the washing basket and always goes to get one out so we have to be very vigilant.

    “I never thought she would be able to swallow one so big.

    “But she must’ve sucked and chewed it so much that it slid easily down her throat.

    “I have just had my first baby so I’m going to have to be extra careful she doesn’t get her paws on any little socks.”