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  • See What’s Really Happening When Your Dog is Drinking

    See What’s Really Happening When Your Dog is Drinking

    Ever wondered about the mechanics of how your dog drinks water?

    If you’ve ever stood near a dog drinking water for very long you’ll have noticed how it seems they can get as much water outside of the bowl as that which apparently makes it in to their mouth. The fast lapping action. The rhythmic scooping of fluids. I’ve even got a dog who drinks in triplets – 1,2,3 – 1,2,3 – 1,2,3 and repeat. But what’s actually going on? Here, have a look for yourself:

    “We know cats and dogs are quite different in terms of behavior and character,” said Sunghwan “Sunny” Jung, a study author and an associate professor of biomedical engineering and mechanics at Virginia Tech who conducted a study in to how dogs and cats drink water. “But before we did fundamental studies of how these animals drink fluids, our guess was dogs and cats drink about the same way. Instead we found out that dogs drink quite differently than cats.”.

    The findings of the study showed that dogs use their tongues a lot faster than cats.

    Dogs have to rapidly plunge their tongues in and out of the fluid in order to get their fill, whereas cats use a more smooth action, simply skimming the surface to take on board the water they desire.

    “Cats tend be viewed as neater, dogs are messier [raised dog bowls might combat mess], but dogs really have to accelerate their tongues to exploit the fluid dynamics of the water column,” said researcher Sean Gart, a Virginia Tech graduate student.

  • Prince George Celebrates Third Birthday Sharing a Picnic With His Dog

    Prince George Celebrates Third Birthday Sharing a Picnic With His Dog

    The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have released new photos of Prince George to celebrate his third birthday. The photos, which were shot at the family’s home in Norfolk by photographer Matt Porteous, show the little Prince enjoying the sunny weather and sharing a picnic with the family dog, Ludo.

    Well wishers have taken to social media to celebrate with the royal family on Twitter @KensingtonRoyal

     

  • Miraculous Survival Story of the Dog Attacked by a Swarm of Wasps

    Miraculous Survival Story of the Dog Attacked by a Swarm of Wasps

    A brave Spaniel is in the running to be named the UK’s most miraculous pet survivor pet after enduring a nightmare attack by a swarm of wasps.

    Ten-year-old Bobby has been nominated for vet charity PDSA’s annual Pet Survivor Awards after suffering the horrifying attack near Derwentwater in the Lake District. His distraught owners recalled how his face was literally covered by wasps and he had to be carried into the lake to escape them. The multiple stings triggered a deadly immune reaction, which left him fighting for his life.

    Thankfully, after emergency treatment at a PDSA Pet Hospital, brave Bobby defied the odds and made a full recovery. He is now among the first entrants for PDSA’s Pet Survivor Awards, which are now open for entries and celebrate pets who survive serious injury or illness against the odds. Last year’s winner was miracle dog Ziggy, who incredibly survived after being shot through his head by a crossbow.

    PDSA Vet and Pet Survivor judge, Rebecca Ashman, said: “Every week, dedicated vet teams save lives and help to get our beloved pets back on their paws after serious injury and illness. The PDSA Pet Survivor Awards recognise those extraordinary stories which capture a pet’s fighting spirit, their owner’s dedication and the expertise and skills of the vet professionals. The stories we hear never fail to amaze us, and we’re looking forward to hearing about many more miracle pets.”

    The awards are open to any pet treated by a vet in the UK for a life-threatening illness or injury between 1 August 2015 and 1 August 2016. Pet owners wishing to nominate their pet can enter online at www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurvivor. The closing date is midnight on Sunday 25 September.

    Bobby’s Horror Story With a Happy Ending

    Bobby was on a walk while on holiday with his family when his owner, Lisa Drennan, looked back and saw his face covered in wasps. Lisa said: “We tried to get the wasps off him but couldn’t, eventually my partner Dave picked him up and ran into the lake. We removed about 20 stings afterwards, then took him straight to PDSA. He was being sick and couldn’t stand up, I thought we were going to lose him.”

    PDSA Vet Emma Holt said: “Tests revealed he was suffering from a deadly immune reaction  as a result of the multiple stings. His immune system attacked the red blood cells and would have been fatal without treatment. Bobby was at death’s door, but thankfully he responded well to treatment, and amazed everyone by making a full recovery.”

    From the entries received, a panel of judges will shortlist a small group of miracle pets to take part in a public vote. The pet that receives the most votes will be declared PDSA Pet Survivor 2016

  • This Experiment Shows How Shockingly Hot The Inside of a Car Can Get – Dogs Must NEVER Be Exposed to it

    This Experiment Shows How Shockingly Hot The Inside of a Car Can Get – Dogs Must NEVER Be Exposed to it

    As the RSPCA ramped up its Dogs Die in Hot Cars campaign, Essex inspector Marie Hammerton decided to run a little experiment in her van.

    “I sat in my van with all the windows open, parked in the shade,” she said. “After 10 minutes, this is the temperature – 38.5C (pictured left).

    “I was literally dripping in sweat.

    “The temperature outside my car, in the shade, was 28C and within 10 minutes it had climbed to over 38C inside my van – and that was with the windows open while parked in the shade.

    “It just goes to show that, had there been a dog shut in the vehicle, it would have become unbearable for him/her very quickly. It also proves that common misconceptions – like the car will be cool enough if windows are open and it’s parked in the shade – make absolutely no difference at all.”

    Inspector Hammerton later recorded a temperature of over 40C (pictured below) in her van after she’d been driving around with the windows open so it’s also important to think of how you can keep your pet cool if you’re taking a journey together.

    “I had a kitten onboard and had to bring her into a petrol station with me on my break as I wasn’t prepared to leave her in the van, even for two minutes,” inspector Hammerton added. “As our campaign highlights: ‘Not long is too long’.”

    A common excuse the RSPCA receives when talking to owners who have left their dogs in cars in warm weather is that they thought it would be okay because they had left the dog with water, with the windows open and had parked in the shade.

    The animal welfare charity – which receives more than 8,700 calls a year about animals in hot environments – is working with 11 other organisations and charities to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving animals in hot cars, caravans, conservatories and outbuildings.

    If called to a dog in a hot car, RSPCA inspectors have been faced with a host of excuses, including:

    “I parked the car in the shade when I got here, I can’t help it if the shade moved.”

    “The dog barks when I leave it alone in the house, it annoys the neighbours.”

    “We feel bad leaving him at home on his own all day.”

    “I’m having an open day to sell my house, the dogs would have been in the way.”

    “It’s okay, I’m a vet.”

    “It’s not like my dog’s on its own in the car, my kid is with it.” (On this occasion ‘the kid’ was a five-month-old baby strapped into a car seat.)

    “We didn’t think we’d be long.”

    Earlier this month, the RSPCA teamed up with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association (BVA), Dog’s Trust, The Kennel Club, The Mayhew Animal Home, National Animal Welfare Trust, The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), PDSA, #TeamOtisUK and Wood Green The Animals Charity to launch this year’s ‘Dogs Die in Hot Cars’ campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving dogs – and other pets – in hot environments.

  • Are Burglars REALLY Scared of Dogs & Would YOUR Dog Actually Protect Your Home?

    Are Burglars REALLY Scared of Dogs & Would YOUR Dog Actually Protect Your Home?

    What do burglars really feel about taking on a home where they know a dog lives?

    For an answer to this, let’s see what former career burglar Jack Black said in his book ‘You Can’t Win’

    “Dogs, young or old, are the bane of the burglar’s life.”

    Source

    Let me now recount a personal (attempted) burglary story.

    It was early morning, New Year’s day in 2011. The sound of a smashed window is enough to wake any homer owner from their slumber in quick time.

    As I rushed downstairs to be confronted by the unmistakable tell-tale signs of an attempted break in, window broken, latch half way up, glass on the inside of the living room floor, the only thing missing from the scene was….a burglar.

    Our would-be home invader had run off before he’d made it inside. Now, you don’t have to be Columbo to figure out I live in a home with dogs. And you probably don’t have to be a CSI to deduce that this particular criminal got away sharpish because the noise of a broken window is something that most dogs will respond to with a very impressive display of natural territorial protection.

    In our case we had two dogs ‘on duty’. Chloe, an elderly Labrador with restricted mobility and Mia, a young, fit and healthy Rottweiler.

    Mia stayed in bed. Chloe did the business. Our burglar was apprehended breaking in to a chemist store a few hundred yards from our home. Chemist’s tend to have fairly high tech security systems, CCTV and alarms. Our man was in there helping himself to razor blades and whatever else he thought he could cram down his pants in time before the police showed up. What chemist’s don’t tend to have….is a dog with a bark.

  • The Best Ways You Can Help Your Pet Keep Cool

    The Best Ways You Can Help Your Pet Keep Cool

    If your pet has white fur make sure to use pet safe sun-cream particularly on the tips of ears which can get sunburnt exactly the same as humans do. This is also true of horses and particularly their sensitive noses.

    Get creative! Freeze your dog’s water bowl or kong before putting water or treats in to keep them cool for longer periods of time. This could work for any animals treats for example making sure carrots given to horses are from the fridge. Or put ice cubes into your dog’s water to cool it down.

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

    However it’s important to make sure your dog doesn’t over drink and that the water in their bowls is cool but not cold, according to K9 Magazine. To keep your dog interested in drinking and avoid heat stroke, you could get creative with their water – consider a pet fountain bowl or move their bowl to another corner or even place it up high with raised dog bowls– it’s a little move, but it’ll change their routine and keep them interested!

    Wrap an ice pack from the freezer in a tea towel so your dog or cat can rest on it if they choose to. You could also put damp towels in the freezer for your pet to lie on.

    You might notice your pet likes to lie more on tiled surfaces than carpets when it’s hot – a cooling mat can provide a nice place for your pet to lie and cool down.

    Put bottles of frozen water wrapped in a towel so your dog can lie next to it if they want to cool down.

    Make an ice lolly from pet friendly ingredients – recipes can be found online but if in doubt ask your vet.

    If your dog enjoys water use a paddling pool, hose or sprinkler, to provide them with some relief from the heat.

    Pets may struggle to realise when they are too hot so make sure they have constant access to shade and don’t over exercise them in the heat. Don’t house any animal in direct sunlight.

    Give your dog a piece of cold apple or cucumber to eat for added moisture.

    Anna Hemmings, centre manager at RSPCA Lockwood centre for horses and donkeys, said: “We make up flavoured ice licks and do lots of water bobbing with various fruits and vegetables in the hot weather to help cool the horses down.

    “Ice licks are made in plastic boxes or buckets with pureed fruit and veg or water with herbs or frozen herbal teas. We sometimes add pieces of fruit and veg too.

    “It’s important to help the animals in our care stay cool and comfortable in the heat.”

    RSPCA pet welfare expert Dr Jane Tyson said: “There is a serious side to keeping pets safe in hot weather, just last weekend we had 106 calls to our cruelty line about animals affected by the heat.

    “But we have provided a few simple ideas you can do to make sure your pets have a more comfortable summer as temperatures rise.”

  • World Famous Guitarist Steps in to Help Save Millions of Dogs

    World Famous Guitarist Steps in to Help Save Millions of Dogs

    World famous rock star Ronnie Wood has teamed up with fellow celebrities Leona Lewis, Jodi Picoult and Natalie Imbruglia to celebrate a major milestone for World Animal Protection, as the organisation nears the wonderful milestone of administering 1 million rabies vaccinations to dogs around the world.

    The global charity has joined forces with the animal loving celebrities to celebrate the milestone which helps to save more lives and safeguard communities from the deadly, but forgotten disease that is taking the lives of thousands of dogs daily and killing five times as many people as Ebola.

    Speaking about the campaign the Rolling Stones musician said, “Our dog Dolly is a wonder dog beagle extraordinaire! She’s very loving. All dogs should be treated responsibly, with understanding and compassion, which is why I support World Animal Protection’s campaign to create a better life for dogs around the world.”

    A spokesman for the World Animal Protection said: “Each and every dog around the world deserves love and protection but many face abuse, disease, starvation and death because they are homeless. Many are abandoned by owners who no longer care or pay for them. We are leading the way to end the unnecessary deaths of millions of dogs, every year, caused by the fear of rabies or dog bites.

    Every day, thousands of dogs are violently killed because of rabies. Dragged through streets, electrocuted, poisoned or gassed – culling is a painful death. We are grateful to Leona, Jodi and Natalie for helping us shine a light on how dog lovers in any country can work together to protect dogs in another.”

    There are 700 million dogs in the world today. Many of them are unwanted, unhealthy and unvaccinated. Fear of bites and rabies means that millions are killed every year.

    It is a tragic reality that thousands of people around the world continue to die from rabies each year, even though it’s almost 100% preventable. Innocent dogs also suffer as a result.

    World Animal Protection is working around the globe to end the cruel culling of dogs in the name of rabies. They’ve worked with governments in Asia and Africa to implement vaccination schemes since 2011 and show that this approach works. There are no human rabies cases reported in pilot sites in China since the charity worked there in 2012 and in Zanzibar since 2013.

     

  • Peaceful Anti-BSL Protest Held at Westminster Marking 25 Years of Unjust Breed Specific Legislation

    A series of anti-breed specific legislation protests and rallies have taken place across the world in a united day of peaceful protest this weekend (15-16 July) marking 25 years of failed, unjust legislation in the UK.

    In the UK, events took place at Westminster London, Cardiff Wales, Belfast Northern Ireland and Herefordshire.

    The Westminster event was organised by DDA Watch Ltd, a campaign group which helps and supports dogs and their families affected by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

    Dog defenders rallied at Westminster with people of all ages travelling in from all over the UK, united to speak out and call for a repeal of a law that targets types of dogs and condemns them as ‘dangerous’ based on their physical appearance. Over two thousand DDA Watch leaflets were distributed in central London and petition signatures gained to help create awareness during the event.

    There were speeches from grass roots workers on the front line, poems and a period of silence to remember all those who have and continue to, suffer and die as a result of the legislation; a tribute was read, flowers and collars were laid and a candle was lit, the ashes of a dog named ‘Paul’ were laid alongside a sheet with the names of some of the canine victims written down – Paul was a recent victim of BSL and much loved, he represented all those lost. Silence fell outside the mighty building of Westminster and tears were shed as heads bowed and remembered.

    Many of the placards and banners held represented a dog tragically lost to BSL – each case highlighting the injustice and loss, held high for all to see, one supporter was dressed as the ‘Grim Reaper’ to represent BSL and stood alongside the campaigners, which included children holding up photographs of dogs lost due to the legislation, a poignant moment in the heart of London just a short distance from where the law was passed and could be repealed.

    Ontario, Quebec, Winnipeg, Victoria, Montreal, Ottawa in Canada and Germany also held protests on the same day as part of a global movement to repeal breed specific laws.

    Sian Morton, a Director of DDA Watch and one of the event speakers said: “Breed specific legislation continues to cost millions of pounds in taxpayers’ money to enforce and does nothing to protect people nor dogs alike, neither does it promote responsible dog ownership. Thousands of pets continue to be put to death or deemed ‘dangerous’ based on their physical appearance, the law makes no sense, is barbaric and is long overdue for repeal, DDA Watch advises dog owners and supports dogs every day of the week who have been ripped apart from their families even though they have never put a paw wrong.”

  • Anti BSL Protest Reaches Westminster

    Anti-breed specific legislation protests and rallies have taken place across the world in a united day of peaceful protest this weekend.

    In the UK, events took place at Westminster London, Cardiff Wales, Belfast Northern Ireland and Herefordshire.

    The Westminster event was organised by DDA Watch Ltd, a campaign group which helps and supports dogs and their families affected by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and this years’ event marked 25 years of failed, unjust legislation in the UK.

    Dog defenders rallied at Westminster with people of all ages travelling in from all over the UK, united to speak out and call for a repeal of a law that targets types of dogs and condemns them as ‘dangerous’ based on their physical appearance. Over two thousand DDA Watch leaflets were distributed in central London and petition signatures gained to help create awareness during the event.

    There were speeches from grass roots workers on the front line, poems and a period of silence to remember all those who have and continue to, suffer and die as a result of the legislation; a tribute was read, flowers and collars were laid and a candle was lit, the ashes of a dog named ‘Paul’ were laid alongside a sheet with the names of some of the canine victims written down – Paul was a recent victim of BSL and much loved, he represented all those lost. Silence fell outside the mighty building of Westminster and tears were shed as heads bowed and remembered.

    Many of the placards and banners held represented a dog tragically lost to BSL – each case highlighting the injustice and loss, held high for all to see, one supporter was dressed as the ‘Grim Reaper’ to represent BSL and stood alongside the campaigners, which included children holding up photographs of dogs lost due to the legislation, a poignant moment in the heart of London just a short distance from where the law was passed and could be repealed.

    Ontario, Quebec, Winnipeg, Victoria, Montreal, Ottawa Canada and Germany also held protests on the same day as part of a global movement to repeal breed specific laws.

    Sian Morton, a Director of DDA Watch and one of the event speakers said: “Breed specific legislation continues to cost millions of pounds in taxpayers’ money to enforce and does nothing to protect people nor dogs alike, neither does it promote responsible dog ownership. Thousands of pets continue to be put to death or deemed ‘dangerous’ based on their physical appearance, the law makes no sense, is barbaric and is long overdue for repeal, DDA Watch advises dog owners and supports dogs every day of the week who have been ripped apart from their families even though they have never put a paw wrong.”

    For details on how to get involved or where to get help from – contact DDA Watch:

    www.ddawatch.co.uk

  • A Long, Slow, Agonising Death: Dogs in Hot Cars Suffer Terribly Before They Die

    A Long, Slow, Agonising Death: Dogs in Hot Cars Suffer Terribly Before They Die

    The RSPCA is issuing a fresh appeal to pet owners not to leave their dogs in cars or caravans as temperatures are set to soar to 31C this week.

    The animal welfare charity had more than 100 calls over the weekend from members of the public concerned about dogs in hot environments – including cars, caravans, conservatories and sheds – as temperatures climbed.

    On Saturday and Sunday (16 and 17 July), the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line had 106 reports of dogs left in hot environments and the influx of calls has prompted the charity to reissue its appeal to owners never to leave their pet unattended in a vehicle when it’s warm.

    Inspector Justin Stubbs shared his harrowing experience of seeing dogs who have died in hot cars following the deaths of three dogs this summer. And the animal charity expects many more emergency calls to dogs left in vehicles over the coming weeks.

    In an open letter to dog owners, inspector Stubbs writes: “This summer we have already seen the deaths of three dogs, left in a car. The weather was overcast, and if you believe weather forecasts, not hot. But it was warm, it was humid, Met Office records show the temperature in the area ranged from 16-19 degrees for the period of time the dogs were left, they also show high humidity levels, these three dogs tragically died.

    “They died a long, slow, agonising death.

    “No one leaves their dogs in a car to die on purpose. I deal with pets in cars every week as it is not just dogs that are left, and the majority of the time the owners return with attitude. A few apologise, listen to advice, and probably change their way of doing things. Still too many, however, believe their pets are fine, the weather isn’t or wasn’t hot, they insist the RSPCA and onlookers are overreacting. They tell me how the dogs are better looked after than themselves. Then when we’ve reached the end of the conversation, they get in their car and without exception, every time, they drive off with their windows down and/or air conditioning on.

    “There is NO good reason to bring your dog out in your car in warm weather and leave it while you go to do your shopping, doctor’s appointment, or visit the pub. Sadly, our inspectors anecdotally report it is often older owners who are the most commonly found to leave the dogs in a car.

    “I can’t unsee the terrible things I have seen.

    “Myself and my fellow inspectors at the RSPCA are used to dealing with all aspects of animal cruelty but to witness a dead dog in a hot car is particularly harrowing. When you go home at night, it is hard to put out of your mind that they would have slowly stifled to death, gasping for air. When a dog is left in a car for a prolonged period of time their skin blisters and they suffocate. It’s hard to think of anything worse.

    “So any dog owners out there this summer, I would ask please never leave your dog in the car, there is really no excuse.”

    The RSPCA teamed up with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association (BVA), Dog’s Trust, The Kennel Club, The Mayhew Animal Home, National Animal Welfare Trust, The National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), PDSA, #TeamOtisUK and Wood Green The Animals Charity earlier this month to launch this year’s ‘Dogs Die in Hot Cars’ campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving dogs – and other pets – in hot environments

  • Canine Separation Anxiety: Shock Stat Says 85% of Dogs Left Alone Struggling to Cope

    Canine Separation Anxiety: Shock Stat Says 85% of Dogs Left Alone Struggling to Cope

    The Secret Life of Pets hit UK cinemas on Friday (8 July) and tells the tail of Max and his animal friends when their owners aren’t about.

    The RSPCA is using the family film to raise awareness of the number of dogs being left alone on a daily basis in England and Wales, and is issuing advice to animal owners on how to help their pets if they think they have separation anxiety.

    The RSPCA believes the number of dogs being left alone is increasing due to modern-day lifestyles and a misconception that it is okay to leave them alone all day.

    https://i.imgur.com/3iAYz5x.jpg

    Most dogs like human company and form strong bonds with their owners and other family members so can find it difficult being left alone, especially if they haven’t been taught that it is okay.

    Separation related behaviour – most commonly destructive behaviour (often targeted at the door the owner has left through); howling, barking or whining; or defecating and urinating – normally starts within the first 30 minutes of being alone and usually begins almost right away. Dogs can also show more subtle signs of being stressed or unsettled such as salivating excessively, vomiting, self-mutilating or acting in a repetitive way.

    Research carried out for the Channel Four’s Dogs: Their Secret Lives found that 85% of the dogs studied showed signs of not coping when left alone. In the UK, where there are thought to be 8.5m pet dogs, that’s more than 7m dogs suffering from stress and anxiety.

    “Separation related behaviour and anxiety has the potential to be a significant welfare problem,” Dr Samantha Gaines, RSPCA dog welfare expert, says.

    “It is a hidden issue as, by its very nature, it only happens when the owner is absent and unless the dogs is filmed when left alone, it can be difficult to know if your dog is struggling.”

    If you are unsure as to what your dog does when on his or her own then filming them can help reassure you that he or she is ok. If they are not then we would encourage owners to seek treatment.

    This behaviour is treatable so, if your dog is showing these signs, the RSPCA advises you to speak to a vet or a clinical animal behaviourist.

    It is also preventable, and there is lots of information available on the RSPCA website for new owners including a step-by-step guide to teach your dog that it’s all right to be alone.

    Some tips for leaving your dog alone include exercising and feeding your dog before you go out, and leaving something to keep him busy so he doesn’t get bored; puzzle toys and feeding devices can be great entertainment. It’s also important to remember not to punish your dog if he has been to the toilet or been destructive while you are out as it could damage your relationship or make him even more anxious.

    In the film, dachshund Buddy climbs up onto the kitchen counter and treats himself to a massage from the kitchen mixer while his owners are out. And cat Chloe breaks into the fridge to find her own treats as soon as the door is closed. But some real-life examples of separation-related behaviour are much more worrying

  • Marine Takes Terminally Ill Dog on The Trip of a Lifetime (You Simply Have to Watch This)

    Marine Takes Terminally Ill Dog on The Trip of a Lifetime (You Simply Have to Watch This)

    Robert Kugler’s dog Bella was diagnosed with bone cancer in May 2015. She had one of her legs amputated and beat the doctor’s prognosis on how long she’d survive. Her ex-Marine owner decided to give her the trip of a lifetime and so he packed up their belongings and hit the road to indulge in the sort adventure that will bring tears of joy to your eyes.

  • Illegal Dog Fighting in Britain – MPs MUST Act Now

    Illegal Dog Fighting in Britain – MPs MUST Act Now

    A national task force to tackle dog fighting on UK streets should be set up as a matter of urgency, said MPs at a backbench debate yesterday.

    Cross-party MPs united to back calls by animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports for urgent action to be taken against dog fighting. The debate was called by Lisa Cameron MP following the launch of the League’s Project Bloodline report last month.

    Dr Cameron, MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow said: “Dog fighting is a cruel, barbaric, abhorrent and violent crime with no place in the UK. It is one of the most extreme forms of animal cruelty. I am pleased and heartened by the number of Members who have come to the debate, and I urge that we work together to eradicate dog fighting once and for all. I will not rest until dogs are protected.”

    Adding his voice, George Eustice MP, Minister of State for Defra, said: “This is a repugnant activity. The cruelty is not just limited to dogs in fighting, but also those animals used for bait. I’d like to pay tribute to the work that the League Against Cruel Sports have done in this area, both to highlight the issue, but more importantly some of the work they are doing with enforcement and to help bring prosecutions where evil people engage in this practice of dog fighting.”

    Based on the intelligence and experience gathered from Project Bloodline, the League Against Cruel Sports is calling for the implementation of a national dog fighting action plan which can be rolled out in any area where dog fighting is prevalent.

    Based around three areas of Prevention, Understanding and Prosecution (PUP), recommendations include:

    • The formation of a National Task Force, led by a senior figure in Government, to ensure sufficient collaboration and action takes place to tackle dog fighting across the country.
    • Details of individuals banned from keeping dogs should be held on a national register by statutory agencies, helping to prevent further offences being committed whilst increasing opportunities for enforcement action.
    • Legislation and penalties for offenders must be clarified and strengthened; the League is calling for a minimum three year custodial sentence for convicted dog fighters. Sentencing should reflect the spectrum of offending in relation to dog fighting (from street level dog fighting to organised crime). Rehabilitation programmes should be offered as part of the sentencing mix.
    • The Dangerous Dog Act should be reviewed as a matter of urgency as we believe breed specific legislation is fundamentally flawed.

    League Against Cruel Sports CEO Eduardo Gonçalves said:

    “Dog fighting is abhorrent but it is lurking on our streets and in our parks. Dog fighting thrives on invisibility but the more we investigate, the more we find. Stories of fights in parks, dogs being trained using tyres, dogs being beaten until they submit to their owner’s will. Rumours of pet cats and dogs stolen by dog fighters spread through towns and cities.

    “We are potentially facing a massive problem here, so I’m delighted that Project Bloodline has inspired MPs from across the UK to come together and pledge to tackle dog fighting head on. We’ll be doing everything we can to both lead and support on this issue, because we simply cannot allow such a barbaric activity to take place in this country.”

    Lisa Cameron also praised the League Against Cruel Sports and the many other animal welfare organisations and charities who work on behalf of dogs.

    “Without their vital work, we would have little awareness of the existence of the hidden, heinous crime of dog fighting,” she said. “They also work tirelessly for the protection and rehabilitation of dogs. I thank them for their work and for the recent reports bringing dog fighting to the mind of the public, including, crucially, our first national report on the state of dog fighting in the UK, from Project Bloodline, which was launched last year by the League Against Cruel Sports.”

    Dog fighting is usually hidden from view, so more information is required to ascertain the full extent of the problem. Members of the public can help by watching out for signs of dog fighting, including:

    • Large numbers of pit bull-type dogs being kept in one place
    • Groups of people with tough-looking dogs congregating in out of the way areas
    • Dogs with scars on their faces, front legs, and back end
    • Training equipment such as tyres hanging from trees
    • Unusually high numbers of people coming and going from a location at odd hours
  • Campaigners Call for End to Breed Specific Legislation

    Campaigners Call for End to Breed Specific Legislation

    Dog defenders to rally at Westminster in peaceful protest against failed law that targets types of dog – breed specific legislation (BSL).

    Peaceful protests have been organised around the world for July 2016 – the Westminster event takes place on the 16th July at Old Palace Yard, Westminster, SW1P 3JY at 1pm to 5pm. Other UK events have been organised for Wales, Northern Ireland, Herefordshire and the South West of England.

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

    Ontario, Quebec, Winnipeg, Victoria, Ottawa Canada and Germany also have protests panned for the same day as part of a global movement to repeal breed specific laws.

    The London event is organised by DDA Watch and will mark 25 years of failed legislation – the UK introduced breed specific legislation in the Dangerous Dogs 1991 Act and campaigners say the law continues to cost millions of pounds in taxpayers’ money to enforce and does nothing to protect people nor dogs alike, neither does it promote responsible dog ownership.

    Thousands of pets continue to be put to death or deemed ‘dangerous’ based on their physical appearance, the law makes no sense, is barbaric and is long overdue for repeal, dogs continue to be ripped apart from their families even though they have never put a paw wrong.

    People are coming together, making a stand and speaking out in defence of ALL dogs regardless of what shape or size they happen to be.

    Leading animal welfare charities have disagreed with and openly discredited BSL for many years, outlining the fact that dogs cannot be labelled ‘dangerous’ for their looks alone and they have called for an end to this outdated legislation.

    The London Event page can be found on Facebook here – https://www.facebook.com/events/510142922502121/

  • Campaigners Launch Petition to End India’s Illegal Dog Meat Trade

    Campaigners Launch Petition to End India’s Illegal Dog Meat Trade

    An animal welfare organisation has launched a petition to end the illegal and brutal dog meat trade in Nagaland, India which is taking the lives of tens of thousands of dogs each year.

    The Humane Society International, which has worked to save the lives of thousands of dogs targeted by dog thieves in China and bring an end to the infamous Yulin dog meat festival, has revealed that the Asian country is not alone in its barbaric actions towards its country’s dogs. India too has a hidden and cruel trade of dogs for human consumption, despite the practice being illegal and considered taboo by most states.

    In the northern state of Nagaland, where dog meat is considered by some as ‘healthy’, the Humane Society International (HSI) in India estimates that more than 30,000 stray and stolen pets are smuggled every year where they are sold in live markets and beaten to death with wooden clubs.


    Photo Credit: Alokparna Sengupta/HSI

    The consumption of dog meat is already against the law in India, contravening the country’s food safety regulations. The cruel transport and treatment of animals also violates animal transportation provisions and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. However, these provisions are being openly ignored by the traders and the local authorities are failing to implement the law in Nagaland state.

     

    Disturbing video footage, which we have deemed too disturbing to show here, was taken by HSI/India at local markets in Kohima and Dimapur, showing that the laws are being blatantly flouted.

    HSI/India’s managing director, N. G Jayasimha, who witnessed the killing, said, “It has been a heart-breaking experience to go to Nagaland and watch these terrified dogs being subjected to such a horrific death. I see animal suffering every day as part of my job at Humane Society International/India, but the brutal dog trade of Nagaland is some of the worst inhumanity to animals I have ever witnessed, and it still haunts me. The underground pit in Kohima where we filmed was like a nightmare.


    Photo Credit: Alokparna Sengupta/HSI

    The look of helplessness and fear in the eyes of these animals was devastating: hog-tied in a bag unable to move, their muzzles tied shut so they could hardly breathe, witnessing other dogs around them being beaten and killed. It was clear to me that many of the dogs were stolen pets still wearing their collars, but whether street or pet dogs, none of these animals should ever have to endure such cruelty. This further reiterates the need for India to have stronger animal protection laws because even this brutal clubbing of a dog would only cost the killer a Rs 50 fine. In launching our campaign today, HSI/India is determined to end this trade, starting with working with the authorities to see that the ban is properly enforced.”

    HSI/India has written to the Chief Minister of Nagaland to urge the government to implement the existing ban on dog meat consumption, patrol trade routes and shut down markets. The organization has also launched an online petition (you can join here) calling on the authorities to enforce India’s dog meat ban immediately.