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  • Animal Welfare Charity Calls on Govt to Consider Firework Restrictions

    Animal Welfare Charity Calls on Govt to Consider Firework Restrictions

    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.

  • If Your Dog Has THIS Name… Beware! (& it’s a popular name too!)

    If Your Dog Has THIS Name… Beware! (& it’s a popular name too!)

    Unlucky dog names. Whoever heard of such a thing? Well how about this. There is one specific name that might just make you consider re-naming your pet before disaster strikes. Oh and be warned. It’s a really (really) popular dog name too.

    Hapless hounds with this particular name are nearly SIX times more likely to be the subject of pet insurance claims than pets named Luna – (which is said to be the nation’s luckiest name), according to research carried out by a company that holds data on which pets are being seen by vets regularly.

    Claims made for calamitous canines with this unlucky moniker include everything from emergency treatment for injuries such as those caused by playing fetch with sticks and eating things they shouldn’t, to serious diseases such as cancer and lifelong illnesses like epilepsy.

    Also on the ill-fated unlucky list were pets called Cassie, Henry, Tia and Buster, who were all up to five times more likely to be the subject of pet insurance claims than lucky Luna. At the more fortunate end of the scale, Luna was joined by Olly, Skye, Freddie, Coco and Paddy in being the least likely to need an insurance claim.

    And the decidedly dodgy doggy denomination?

    Do you really want to know?

    Would you not be happier being in the dark?

    What about if it’s the name of YOUR dog?

    OK.

    You’ve been warned. Look away now if you’d rather steer clear of this….

     

    …it’s

    Bruno

    Richard Hooker, PDSA’s (who carried out the research) Director of Veterinary Services, said: “It’s a mystery why pets named Bruno seem to have an unfair share of misfortune. The difference between their insurance claim rates and pets called Luna is baffling. Clearly, any pet can be involved in an accident or become ill so, whatever your pet is called, taking out pet insurance is the best way to protect them and avoid unwanted vet’s bills.”

    The average insurance claim for pets is £440.01, although this rises to £625.51 for third party claims for damage. Claims can include everything from traumatic injuries due to traffic accidents, falls and fighting, to surgical removal of objects pets have eaten, including tennis balls, socks and even sunglasses!

    Richard added: “Even the most well-trained dog or home-loving cat can get into plenty of mischief, landing you with an unexpected trip to the vets. Illnesses can also strike without warning, and some diseases such as diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease can require life-long treatment.”

    Unlucky pets – the facts

    The rankings were calculated by comparing the number of claims made against the total number of policies for each name. For example, for every pet named Bruno there were two claims over a four-year period, while for every pet named Luna there were just 0.3 claims in the same period.

    Top ten unluckiest pet names:

    1. Bruno
    2. Cassie
    3. Jake
    4. Izzy
    5. Henry
    6. Tia
    7. Dylan
    8. Buster
    9. Sam
    10. Jess

    Top ten luckiest pet names:

    1. Luna
    2. Olly
    3. Skye
    4. Freddie
    5. Paddy
    6. Ted
    7. Bertie
    8. Coco
    9. Minnie
    10. Teddy
    Data analysed from PDSA Petsurance policies between 2012 and 2015, comparing claims made by the top 100 pet names. Average figures from claims settled between 01/01/2015 and 31/12/2015. Pre-existing conditions or illnesses are not covered
  • Dogs Can Get Skin Cancer Too – What All Owners Should Know

    Dogs Can Get Skin Cancer Too – What All Owners Should Know

    Vet charity PDSA is urging pet owners to keep their animals safe in the sun after revealing its vets treated nearly 30 cases of skin cancer last year (2015).

    With temperatures set to soar to as high as 25°C (77°F) this weekend, the charity’s vets are warning that it’s not just humans who need protecting from the sun’s harmful rays.

    PDSA pet hospitals saw 29 cases of skin cancer between summer 2014 and 2015, the overwhelming majority of which were cats. The charity also treated dozens of cats and dogs for sunburn.

    PDSA vet Vicki Larkham-Jones has stressed the dangers of sun exposure to pets.

    She said: “Most people are aware of the risks of sunburn, heat stroke and skin cancer to people but most owners are unaware that our pets face the same dangers.

    “Our statistics show we treat a number of pets each year suffering from these conditions. Light coloured pets and those with thin coats, such as whippets and cats with white ears and noses are at highest risk as they have less natural protection against UV radiation from the sun.

    “With a little more awareness and some basic precautions, we can keep our pets safer in sunny weather. And thanks to funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery we’re able to reach more pet owners with this potentially life-saving advice.”

    How To Keep Dogs Safe in the Sun

    • Limit their exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day
    • Use pet sun cream on white or thin fur, on the nose, ears and other vulnerable areas
    • See a vet urgently if you notice ulcers or sores on your pet’s skin. Early diagnosis and treatment may save your pet’s life.

    If a pet is diagnosed with skin cancer, the most common form of treatment is removal of the tumour. Some forms of the disease may be treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy which may be used alone or in combination with surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment may increase a pet’s chances of survival.

  • A Dog Version of Crohn’s Disease Could be Treatable

    A Dog Version of Crohn’s Disease Could be Treatable

    A biotech firm has announced positive results in its attempts to treat dogs suffering with a condition that shares similar characteristics to  Crohn’s disease  in humans.

    Ocata Therapeutics, Inc, a leader in the field of regenerative medicine, and its collaborators reported in the Regenerative Medicine journal that it has successfully used its proprietary hemangio-derived mesenchymal cell (HMCTM) technology to treat dogs with canine anal furunculosis (CAF), which shares many features with Crohn’s disease.

    “This study provides the first evidence of the safety and therapeutic potential of human pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a large animal model,” said Robert Lanza, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Ocata. “Canines have a physiology and sophisticated immune system that closely resembles that of humans, and canines are the only species that naturally develop symptoms and pathology similar to human fistulizing Crohn’s disease, including recurrent fistula activity, a difficult-to-treat manifestation of this chronic inflammatory bowel disorder. We treated six canines that were refractory to standard treatment, including cyclosporine therapy, and all of the canines were found to be completely free of fistulas at three months post-injection.”

    Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder that affects an estimated 1.0 to 1.3 million Americans. A combination of environmental and genetic factors is thought to lead to an autoimmune attack against cells of the gastrointestinal tract or associated microbial antigens. Affected regions of the GI tract vary from patient to patient and ulceration with cutaneous or recto-cutaneous fistulae within the perianal tissues is present in up to a third of CD patients. The most widely used treatments for CD-associated perianal fistulas include antibiotics and immune-suppressants such as azathioprine and cyclosporine, yet long-term use comes with serious adverse effects or potential reemergence of fistulas upon dose-lowering.

    “Ocata has developed a mesenchymal stem cell population from its proprietary hESC-derived hemangioblasts called HMCs, which are a self-renewing source of starting material, capable of generating a significant supply of minimally expanded cells with potent immunomodulatory and therapeutic properties,” said Paul K. Wotton, President and CEO who added “This successful study, along with other work we have conducted, provides a unique platform that can potentially be used to target significant autoimmune related disorders with high unmet needs such as Crohn’s disease and Lupus Nephritis.”

  • See Amazing Footage of Labradors Fishing for Lobster

    See Amazing Footage of Labradors Fishing for Lobster

    If ever I were to be in the heavenly/hellish position of being stranded on a desert island, apart from a speedboat, the one luxury I’d like to have with me would be a dog. Probably a Labrador, to be specific about it.

    Not only do you get the companionship which may, if you’re that way inclined, tempt you in to abandoning any effort to flee the island, but also their extraordinary ability to prove over and over again why they have earned the title of man’s best friend.

    Labradors have a long and storied relationship with the water. The first St. John’s dog – an early forbearer of the breed we now recognise as the Labrador Retriever – was said to have been brought to England in or around 1820, but the breed’s reputation had already spread to these shores; there is a story that the 2nd Earl of Malmesbury saw a St. John’s dog on a fishing boat and immediately made arrangements with traders to have some of these dogs imported to England. These ancestors of the first Labradors so impressed the Earl with their skill and ability for retrieving anything within the water and on shore that he devoted his entire kennel to developing and stabilizing the breed.

    Despite many centuries of selective breeding and a controlled evolution of the breed in to a dog perfectly crafted as a sporting companion, the Labrador can still fish. Here, watch….

  • RSPCA Backs Calls for Urgent Action on Breeding Dogs With Breathing Problems

    RSPCA Backs Calls for Urgent Action on Breeding Dogs With Breathing Problems

    The RSPCA’s chief veterinary officer has backed a petition calling for “urgent action” to address the growing number of dogs coming into clinics across the country with breathing problems.

    James Yeates signed the petition – which has, so far, attracted more than 1,100 signatures – and has circulated it amongst the animal welfare charity’s other vets and veterinary nurses in England and Wales.

    1. Nasal Cavity 2. Oral Cavity3. Soft Palate 4. Pharynx 5. Larynx 6. Trachea7. Esophagus 8. Nasopharynx 9. Hard Palate

    The petition (available here) calls for a working party to tackle the issues associated with brachycephaly in dogs. It is often seen in flat-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs.

    James said: “The evidence is clear and obvious enough even to non-vets. The ability to breathe, exercise and keep cool are fairly basic requirements for us to expect every dog to have.

    “Of course, brachycephaly is just one of many breed-related health problems in pedigree and purebred dogs.

    “Members of the public expect those who breed dogs to have done everything they can to ensure the animals they sell are fit for a happy life as a beloved pet. Although some progress has been made by the dog world to address these issues, it has not been nearly enough.

    “We would be very keen to work alongside the British Veterinary Association, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, The Kennel Club, Animal Health Trust and others as a working party to work out how we can safeguard animal health.”

    The RSPCA remain concerned that many pedigree dogs are still suffering because they’re bred and judged primarily for how they look rather than with health, welfare and temperament in mind. For example, dogs with short, flat faces often have narrow nostrils and abnormally developed windpipes. They can suffer severe breathing difficulties and many have difficulty enjoying a walk or playing.

    More urgently needs to be done to protect the future health of dogs and the RSPCA believes that all those who breed dogs should prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance when choosing which animals to breed, in order to protect the welfare of both the parents and offspring.

    In order to win dog shows, pedigree dogs have been bred to emphasise certain physical features in accordance with breed standards. The dog most closely matching its breed standard is awarded the winner. Many breed standards include exaggerated physical features, some of which have become so extreme that they can cause pain and suffering, some make dogs prone to particular disorders, and some prevent them from behaving normally.

    We believe that the breed standards need urgent review so that they prioritise the health, welfare and temperament of the dogs over their looks, and we would welcome the creation of a working party to look into ways to tackle this issue head-on. We’d be very keen in working with others to ensure welfare is of primary concern to all dog breeders, buyers and show judges, and that future generations of dogs are happy and healthy.

  • WATCH: This Bulldog Looks Like He’s Having the Best Day!

    WATCH: This Bulldog Looks Like He’s Having the Best Day!

    There’s a saying “If you fall, get back up. That’s what life is about” and I’ll be honest, this video reminded me of that. This dog seems to be having a whale of a time getting on with things.

    Watch the Video:

    So what does he teach us? Live life on your own terms. Have fun. Get back up and do it all over again.

    Happy Monday!

  • Staffy Rescue Launches Campaign to Change Breed Perceptions

    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.

  • WATCH: Homeless Dog Too Scared to Be Rescued (but Now Look at Him!)

    WATCH: Homeless Dog Too Scared to Be Rescued (but Now Look at Him!)

    This dog, now named Hendrix, was found abandoned and scared. So scared in fact, he evaded rescue multiple times…

    However his story does have a happy ending and it’s one you really need to see.

    Watch the Video:

     

  • Could Your Dog Share the Love & Win Prizes?

    Helping to spread the love far and wide, pet product expert, PetSafe® is launching an international campaign inviting pet lovers all over the globe to get involved, and ‘Share the Love’ to raise money for charity, and to celebrate PetSafe® is giving two lucky readers the chance to win an EasySport™ Harness in new colour Red and new Busy Buddy® toys Cow Wow™, Elephunk™ and Hippster™.

    Starting off a global chain of ‘throw and catch’, PetSafe® is asking people to upload videos to its ‘Share the Love’ page of themselves and their pet catching a toy and passing it on stating their name, pet’s name and country.

    For every video that is uploaded, PetSafe® will add money to its virtual pot. At the end of the campaign, the money will be donated to a nominated pet charity from the country that has uploaded the most videos. Throughout May, the videos that get the most votes will also win spot prizes.

    If you want to get involved go to http://intl.petsafe.net/en-gb/sharethelove from the 29th April, upload your video and ‘Share the Love.’

  • Dog Who Fell Into River Thames & Paddled Through World Famous Flood Defence Saved

    Dog Who Fell Into River Thames & Paddled Through World Famous Flood Defence Saved

    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.”

  • A Third of British Dog Owners Brush Their Dog’s Teeth (& It Could Save Their Dog’s Life!)

    How often do you clean your dog’s teeth? Are you one of the 30% of dog owners who clean their dog’s teeth? If you aren’t then read on because this one simple action could save your dog’s life…

    New research from Direct Line Pet Insurance has revealed the scale of the problem amongst dog owners in the UK with vets admitting to treating an average of 11 cases involving tooth and gum disease every week, while one in six vets the findings revealed admit to seeing 20 or more cases.

    Tooth and gum disease is something which is easily preventable if owners follow simple steps including regular brushing, improving their dog’s diet and using dental specific food and chews if recommended by vets. Two thirds of vets recommend that owners clean their dog’s teeth every day. One in seven suggest cleaning a dog’s teeth twice a day, like we do our own teeth.

    Despite the recommendation for regular tooth brushing less than a third of dog owners brush their dog’s teeth. Those who do, brush an average of 109 times a year, or nine times a month, with just under a third (31 per cent) brushing every couple of days.

    According to vets across the UK, the most common causes of tooth and gum disease in dogs are poor diet (42 per cent) and owner’s not brushing their dog’s teeth correctly or often enough (23 per cent). This can lead to periodontal disease, a build-up of plaque which can if left untreated cause the gums to recede, bacteria to enter the bloodstream and sometimes even spread to other organs, the heart, for example.

    The worst case scenarios for untreated tooth and gum disease in animals can result in tooth extractions, blood poisoning / septicaemia, tooth loss, disease in other organs and even death.

    Some of the most common signs a dog may be suffering from a dental problem are:

    · Blood on their toys
    · Facial swelling
    · Dropping food
    · Favouring one side of the mouth
    · Bad breath

    Prit Powar, head of pet insurance at Direct Line said: “We know how important it is to clean our own teeth, yet many of us do not consider how important it is to clean our dog’s teeth. There are many dental products on the market including chews, toys, treats and even specific food, but none of these should be used as a substitute for cleaning your dog’s teeth. If you’re unsure how to do it and want to be shown how, or are concerned your dog is suffering a dental health issue then take your pet to see the vet.”

    The pet insurer recommends these simple steps to make your dog comfortable having his teeth cleaned:

    · Start by getting your dog used to having your fingers around its mouth by gently pulling gums back and massaging them
    · Use a finger brush to get your dog used to having something touching its teeth and gums
    · Once your dog is used to the finger brush, move on to using toothpaste and a doggy toothbrush. Only dog-friendly toothpaste should be used as it does not contain fluoride which is dangerous to dogs
    · Always use positive reinforcement with treats and praise so your dog ends up enjoying having its teeth cleaned

    Direct Line Pet Insurance’s Advanced policy now includes up to £1,000 towards dental disease and illness treatment costs as standard – find out more here: www.directline.com/pet-cover

  • Say Cheese! Dog Becomes Hero After Rescuing Man Trapped Under Thousands of Tonnes of Cheese

    Say Cheese! Dog Becomes Hero After Rescuing Man Trapped Under Thousands of Tonnes of Cheese

    Little did Belle, a four year old Labrador Retriever know that as her day unfolded on Friday 6th May she would be visiting a factory based to save a man buried under thousands of tonnes of cheese. But this is exactly what happened.

    After receiving a call from the national Fire and Rescue Service, Belle, who is an Urban Search and Rescue dog from Merseyside, and her handler responded to the call after driver Tomasz Wiszniewski became trapped under the toppled 10 metre-high metal shelving, which was storing boxed cheese at a factory in Hinstock, Market Drayton in Shropshire.


    Photo Credit: Twitter.com/merseyfire

    Alongside alongside another Search and Rescue dog from Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service named Maya, Belle visited the factory and expressed interest in the area of the haulage warehouse where Mr Wiszniewski was buried, indicating to the firefighters present who were then able to free him from the wreckage and help him emerge unharmed from his eight-hour ordeal.

    Watch Manager Jo Stephens, pictured below, who also heads up the Search Dog Team at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Belle did a fantastic job and performed exactly as she has been trained to.

    “She has been an Urban Search and Rescue dog with the Service since she was 18-months’-old and has worked in many major incidents across the country. She is also part of the International Search and Rescue Team that deploys all over the world.


    Photo Credit: Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service

    “Belle is trained to sniff out live scent and to give a bark alert so that operational crews can then come to the spot she has identified and use listening devices and cameras to establish the exact location of casualties.

    “It gives the crews somewhere to start and helps pinpoint areas where there might be casualties. This was an extraordinary outcome because the man involved emerged alive and unscathed.

    “The whole atmosphere in the warehouse was so buoyant when they brought the worker to safety. Belle did a fantastic job and we are very proud of her contribution to the rescue effort.

    “She was rewarded with her beloved tennis ball, which is her motivation for all her search and rescue work!”

    Belle is part of a team of four Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service dogs, alongside Teal, Zak and Jip, who assist in search and rescue operations and fire investigations.

  • Woman Left Dog’s Eye Problem Untreated for FIVE Years

    Woman Left Dog’s Eye Problem Untreated for FIVE Years

    A woman has been disqualified from keeping animals after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to her pet dog by leaving him with an awful eye condition for more than five years.

    Trudy Oakley (46) was sentenced at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday (9 May) having admitted one offence of causing unnecessary suffering to Staffordshire bull terrier Pooch by failing to provide adequate veterinary care for a problem with his eyes.

    The RSPCA was called by a member of the public on 27 January and inspector Justin Stubbs attended Oakley’s property in Redmile Walk, Peterborough.

    https://i.imgur.com/NoxwC2a.jpg
    file photo: please note, we do not publish graphic images of animal suffering on this website

    He said: “Pooch was in a terrible state and his eye looked horrendous. It was like something out of a horror movie – his eyeball looked ready to pop out of his skull.

    “Ms Oakley received veterinary advice in December 2010 to have Pooch’s eye removed but this was ignored and she failed to seek any further professional advice.

    “That means poor Pooch was left suffering from what must have been an extremely painful and uncomfortable eye condition for more than five years. It’s just shocking.”

    Pooch was seized by the police, placed into the RSPCA’s care and rushed to a vet who removed his eye. He has a congenital condition which caused his right eye to erupt and has also affected his left eye.

    Oakley was, this week, sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge for one offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The court also added six months onto an existing suspended sentence for an unrelated matter and ordered her to pay prosecution costs of £250.

    She was disqualified from keeping all animals for one year and the court ordered for Pooch to be removed from her ownership.

    Pooch is being cared for by RSPCA staff and is still undergoing treatment. It is likely the 10-year-old dog will also lose his remaining eye.

  • Are America’s Pets Addicted to Chicken? New Research Says Yes!

    Are America’s Pets Addicted to Chicken? New Research Says Yes!

    New research out this week claims America’s dogs and cats are addicted to chicken.

    The research, which compared the pet food buying habits across the globe revealed that chicken is a universally popular flavour, but is the most popular flavour of food (wet and dry) and treats for both cats and dogs across America.

    The US is closely followed by the UK,  but whereas American’s prefer to feed chicken across the board, Brits opt for more variety in this sector.

    The research also highlighted that Spain’s lucky dogs get far greater variety, with beef and fish flavors rivaling chicken for both wet food and treats. France’s cats also do well, showing equal variety as Spain in the wet food and treats bought for them – although the ubiquitous chicken continues to dominate when it comes to selecting their cats’ dry food and their dogs’ wet and dry food.

    The Czech Republic, Greece and China stand out in preferring beef flavor above all others for their dogs’ wet food.