A skinny dog with a horrific leg injury was thrown from a moving car and abandoned by the roadside.

A member of the public came to the lurcher’s aid after he saw it ejected through the open door of the vehicle as it travelled at about 20mph along a busy road in Coventry last Monday (28 April).

Staff at the RSPCA’s Coventry Animal Centre took the dog, which has since been named Storm, to a vet who said that he is underweight and he has a painful sore on his rump which is so deep that bone is visible.

Glenn Mayoll, manager of the Coventry RSPCA Animal Centre, said: “It is disgusting that someone could treat a dog like this.

“At first we thought the injury might have been caused by being thrown from the car but a vet said it is an old injury.

“Storm needed to see a vet for the horrific wound he has on his leg. But instead of being treated he was just chucked out of a car and abandoned.

“Perhaps the owners felt that they couldn’t afford to take him to a vet. But the RSPCA and other charities help animals whose owners are hard-up so there’s no excuse for this.

“The wound is awful and is leaving the bone exposed. Storm is not very well at the moment but we are hoping he’ll make a full recovery and we can find him a good home to go to.”

The dog was thrown from a Ford Fiesta near the traffic lights on Longford Road near Longford Park in Coventry on Monday 28 April between 4.15pm and 4.45pm. Anyone with any information can call the RSPCA’s 24-hour Cruelty Line in confidence by calling 0300 1234 999.

RSPCA Inspector Kate Garton said: “I find it amazing that someone had the nerve to do this at rush hour on a main road. We need people to call us to help us find who did this.”

Fears have been raised today about a trade in stray dogs being sold after it emerged a company charged with the task of reuniting lost dogs with their owners actually sold a much loved family pet forcing a distraught owner to have to fight to gain his own dog back.

Earlier in the year warnings were given that a change in stray dog laws could spell an animal welfare crisis as councils pick up full responsibility for dealing with lost or strayed dogs.

Now it has come to light that a personal disaster has hit home for Adrian McCollin after his Husky, Kiss, ended up being sold by Animal Wardens Ltd, a firm given a local authority contract to deal with strays.

The sorry story gets murkier.

It is reported that Animal Wardens Ltd actually informed desperate Adrian that they had not found his dog at all when it eventually transpired that Kiss had actually been sold onto another family.

K9 Magazine understands that many pet industry professionals had privately expressed great concerns to the local authorities who had contracted out their dog collection responsibilities to Animal Wardens Ltd, to be aware of this type of incident several weeks before Mr McCollin’s upsetting experience.

Mr McCollin is furious and upset and is seeking legal advice after learning that Kiss was sold to a new family after spending 7 days in kennels. The new family is now unwilling to return the dog.

Kiss went missing on April 10th after being taken for a walk on the beach. She ended up in the town centre of Hastings St.Leonard.
Her desperate owner searched high and low for her and reported her missing to the local council immediately. They were directed to speak to Animal Wardens Ltd who had control of the stray dog contract for the local authority.

“We called the service every day and were told ‘nothing of that description has been in whatsoever’, ” said Adrian.

After a week Adrian spent time and money postering in a desperate attempt to be reunited with his much loved companion. Having seen one of the posters, a town hall employee called Adrian to inform him that Kiss was handed in on or around the time that Adrian says she went missing a week earlier. The town hall employee told Adrian that the dog had been passed on to Animal Wardens Ltd.

“Even after calling them and informing them of the date and location of where my dog was picked up, they still denied having any knowledge of a Husky, Adrian explains”

It was after being told of what had happened to Kiss by a town hall official that Adrian confronted Animal Wardens Ltd again, insisting that they DID have his dog as he had been told as much by someone at the town hall. It was at this time that Animal Wardens Ltd admitted that they did indeed have the dog.

A drained and emotional Adrian revealed, “It has been so stressful, I am constantly thinking about it. I haven’t been able to eat or sleep properly.”

Animal Wardens Ltd is run by Paul Dunne. Mr Dunne has admitted his firm made a catalogue of errors, stating that Kiss was unidentified initially and sent to Viking Oaks kennels were strays are routinely taken. He told the Hastings Observer:

“Kiss was rehomed after the statutory seven day period that people have to reclaim dogs had expired. As Kiss is a friendly dog she has settled into her new home with a woman and her two-year-old child very well and, having purchased Kiss she does not want to give her back. We therefore have a stand-off situation that we are trying to resolve. We have offered recompense for the error but neither party wishes to give up rights of ownership to Kiss. As part of that compensation we have offered to purchase a pedigree Husky pup, but unfortunately both owner and keeper are attached to Kiss. This is a one off error that came about through a series of six mistakes, precautions have now been put in place to prevent a reoccurrence.”

A Hastings Council spokesman is quoted: “This is a very unfortunate incident. We know staff at our contractor, Animal Wardens Ltd, are working very hard to resolve this and we hope they will be able to reunite Kiss with her original owners as soon as possible.”

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has re-launched its internationally respected Concepts in Animal Welfare education programme.

Aimed at veterinary students all over the world, the syllabus has already been adopted by over 250 universities in over 30 countries since it was launched five years ago.

The original 2003 version of the ‘Concepts in Animal Welfare syllabus was the result of a long-standing collaboration with the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Medicine, one of the world’s first academic institutions to pioneer animal welfare teaching and research.

New developments in animal welfare, such as the importance of environmental enrichment for captive animals, the welfare of fish, and the welfare implications of inadequate and inappropriate food provision have now been added to this important educational tool.

The revised version comprises 34 interactive modules on CD-ROM and encourages inclusion of specific topics within established veterinary syllabuses. It tackles a diverse range of subjects affecting farm and working animals, wildlife, companion animals and those used in experimentation.

The first version of the syllabus has received endorsement from many professional bodies including the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), World Veterinary Association, Commonwealth Veterinary Association, World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Association.

Key figures involved in this higher education programme have commented on the newly revised syllabus:

John Webster, Emeritus Professor of Animal Husbandry at the Bristol Veterinary School, said:

“The syllabus is comprehensive because it gives regard to science as the route to the proper understanding of animals, ethics as the route to proper respect for animals, and professional training as the route to converting right thoughts into right action. A programme of study in animal welfare, involving formal teaching, practical experience and supervised self-education, is as essential to the veterinary curriculum as a programme in pathology or surgery.”

Dr. Michael Appleby, WSPA Policy Adviser, added:

“Growing interest in animal welfare generally, and the specific role veterinarians play at local, national and international level, have shaped policies and legislation worldwide.”

Jasmijn de Boo, WSPA Education Manager, concluded,

“Animal welfare science does not feature prominently in some veterinary curricula. This resource, however, will help students and lecturers to impart knowledge, understanding and responsible attitudes towards animals, by stimulating critical thinking about issues, not only during formal training but throughout their veterinary career.”

The CD ROM has been sent to over 800 faculties and WSPA has organised workshops for over 450 veterinary institutes around the world since 2000.

For review copies of Concepts in Animal Welfare and/or for further information, please contact: Jasmijn de Boo, WSPA Education Manager: 0207 587 5031, jasmijndeboo@wspa-international.org

Last night’s BBC One Inside Out featured an investigation into controversial animal sanctuary Westlea Rescue Centre.

You can watch the report for 7 days using BBC’s iPlayer (UK only) - CLICK HERE TO WATCH

For years, the Westlea Animal Rescue centre has enjoyed a reputation as a safe haven for abandoned or abused animals in the Wye Valley.

However, Inside Out West has uncovered evidence of financial mismanagement at the heart of the charity and of conditions at the sanctuary itself that are questionable at best.

Stella Harris runs the sanctuary near Coleford, Gloucestershire, with her husband, George.

They have been rescuing animals for more than 30 years and the sanctuary became a registered charity in 1995.

The sanctuary’s fundraising shop in Ross-on-Wye sells goods donated by the public.

Customers are led to believe the money – about £400 to £600 a week - goes straight to the charity.

In fact, none of it is ever declared in the charity’s accounts.

The money goes straight to Stella and George Harris, who keep it in a box at the sanctuary.

Read full report

The BBC’s report goes onto reveal:

Derek Holland, who is the sole trustee overseeing the charity’s finances, says the money (£40,000 left to the centre in a will but not declared in the accounts) was spent on paying off the sanctuary’s debts and on animal pens.

But he admits it was a mistake not to have declared the income.

He says: “I was doing it under pressure. I didn’t want to get an accountant in just for a one-off situation.”

“It appeared on our expenditure list and we have got cheques and invoices to balance it up so no-one has actually not spent it on the charity.”
Trustee resigned

On being confronted with the evidence Mr Holland said he would stand down as the charity’s trustee.

“If I have failed then it’s my responsibility and I have to say ‘right-ho, I give up’,” he said.

Stella and George Harris have decided to take early retirement and close down both the rescue centre and their fundraising shop.

Arrangements are being made to re-home the animals.

The expose raises concerns shared by many in the animal welfare industry that some shelters and rescue centres are run under less than ideal circumstances. Accusations have been made that a minority of animal shelters are under-regulated and act as a ‘legitimate front’ for animal dealerships or animal hoarders.

What do you think?

Should UK animal rescue centres be more accountable and better regulated?

Have your see on this and any other animal welfare issue by joining the Pet Owners Parliament. It’s free and acts as a positive voice for pets and their owners.

Another day, another survey on pet ownership data and pet owner trends.

Just 6 short months ago we revealed the results of a pet owner study conducted by the Blue Cross which revealed Wales was the dog ownership capital of the UK and the East Midlands were the most miserly spenders on their pets.

Today a new study suggests Wales has the least pet owners per head and the East Midlands has the most.

New research from National Pet Month released today shows how our nation’s love for pets is stronger than ever due to companionship needs, security or just simply for more family fun. There are 27 million pets in the country and 43% of households contain at least one furry, feathery or scaly family friend, making pets well and truly part of the UK’s landscape.

Leading industry expert, the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) carried out the research on behalf of National Pet Month, which celebrates Great British Pets and runs from 5th April to 5th May. It has provided an insight into the pet purchasing trends in the UK outlined as follows;

* There are 27 million pets in the UK with dogs and cats being the animal of choice for pet lovers with over 7.3 and 7.2 million across the UK respectively. (The UK’s Top Ten Pets can be found in the notes below)

* 39% of London’s pet owners purchase their pet for companionship, despite living in the UK’s highest populated city.

* 60% of single people in the UK buy a pet for companionship – 39% of whom have replaced their partner with a pet

* 21% of pet owners have wanted a pet since childhood, and almost of half of people living in the North East have wanted a pet since their early years

* The East Midlands has the most pet lovers, with 14% of the pet population living in the heart of the UK, compared to only 4% of the population residing in Wales.

* 39% of London pet owners feel the need for companionship despite having over 7.5 million neighbours across the city

* 21% of owners bought their pet for companionship, compared to only 5% who have their pet for security

* Over a quarter (27%) of the UK’s pets were bought or acquired from an animal welfare or rescue centre compared to 20% from a pet shop

Phil Sketchley, Chairman of National Pet Month, commented, “Pet ownership has grown over the years to this national high and it’s no surprise that so many pet lovers see their pet as a companion.”

Top 10 pets as per the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) Pet Research

Dogs

Cats

Rabbits

Birds

Hamsters

Horses/Ponies

Snakes

Gerbils

Tortoises/Turtles

Rats

Top 10 dogs as per the Pet Food Manufacturers Association (PFMA) Pet Research

Labrador

Border Collie

Jack Russell Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier

German Shepard

Rottweiler/ Dalmation

Bischon Frise

Cocker Spaniel/ Shitzu

Labradoodle/ Golden Retriever

Geryhound (incorporating Whippets)/ Chihuahua

Vets Now, the emergency Out Of Hours vets service has spoken of their pleasant surprise at receiving an unexpected donation from a grateful pet owner.

Owner Peter Foden, from Stoke, brought his six year old Hungarian Vizlsa, Maisie for emergency treatment at the Vets Now clinic at London Road in Stoke and was so impressed with the care Maisie received, he overpaid his bill by just over £200 as a show of gratitude toward the team who saved Maisie’s life.

Maisie was recently transferred from her daytime veterinary practice to the Vets Now clinic to receive treatment for bruising all over her body and a nasal haemorrhage. With the haemorrhage worsening, and Maisie becoming increasingly distressed, the team administered a mild sedation to calm her down and lower her blood pressure.

Karl Jennings, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at the clinic suspected that she had either consumed a poison, possibly rat bait, or was suffering from an auto-immune condition affecting her ability to clot her blood however, until they received the results back from the lab to confirm exactly what was wrong, the team could only perform symptomatic treatment for Maisie’s symptoms.

Fortunately, the clinic stocks blood products supplied by Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBuk), the UK’s national canine blood donation charity and Vets Now was able to perform a transfusion using fresh frozen plasma to stop the haemorrhage. Following the treatment, the haemorrhage had almost ceased; however, as soon as the sedation wore off, Maisie started haemorrhaging again.

The team therefore decided to perform a whole blood transfusion which Maisie responded very well to and in the morning, she was well enough to be transferred back to her daytime practice for continuing treatment for what was confirmed as an auto-immune condition.

However, when Maisie’s owner, Peter Foden came to settle the bill with Vets Now for Maisie’s treamtent, which amounted to £787.28, he promptly wrote a cheque for £1000 and insisted that the clinic use the donation for its ongoing work. As it happens, Mr Foden is the head of a charity, the Foden Trust, which was set up two years ago and regularly donates sums of money to numerous worthwhile causes.

Speaking about the recent case, Karl Jennings, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at Vets Now in Stoke commented;

“When Maisie was presented to us she was extremely ill indeed. We worked very hard to save her life and thankfully, in the end she responded well and began to make a good recovery. We were obviously quite taken aback when Mr Foden presented us with the cheque as we were just doing our jobs as best we could but it’s always nice to receive such grateful thanks! We have decided to donate the money to the PBBuk to enable to charity to continue their valuable work as without having access to products supplied by PBBuk, we may not have been able to save Maisie’s life”.

The latest in the increasingly popular BVA Animal Welfare Foundation discussion forums takes place this year at the Royal College of Physicians on Tuesday 20 May. As part of the Foundation’s aim of improving animal welfare through debate, it holds an annual Discussion Forum which brings fellow vets, animal welfare and government organisations together in order to identify and discuss important welfare-related issues.

The morning sessions are devoted to debating whether people can actually afford high animal welfare standards in food production and will include presentations from Richard Bennett of the Farm Animal Welfare Committee, Heather Jenkins, Waitrose’s Director of Meat, Poultry, Dairy and Fish as well as speakers from Freedom Food and the Quality Food winning company Moy Park.

The afternoon sessions have been split into two: the first will address two companion animal issues, designer animals or breeding for welfare with presentations by Emma Milne, the frequently outspoken ‘TV Vet’ and Julia May of the UK Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) and Electrical aid or shock collar? with presentations by Carolyn Mentieth of the Kennel Club and Lord Duncan McNair of the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association.

The final session of the day is sponsored by the Norman Hayward Fund - earmarked for research into the diseases and welfare of sheep, cattle and horses - and will include presentations on both the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) and Edinburgh University laminitis studies and the casualty slaughter of sheep.

Aimed primarily at its network of representatives from each of the BVA’s specialist and territorial divisions a number of organisations and individuals with an animal welfare remit or interest have also been invited to participate in the discussion forum and the evening reception that will follow at the House of Commons, hosted by The Rt Hon Dr Gavin Strang MP

What are YOUR Views on Electric Collars?

What do YOU Think About Animal Welfare Standards in Food Production?

The Pet Owners Parliament is a new organisation set up to give pet owners a voice on the major issues affecting domestic animals. You can join here. It’s free

National Pet Month unveils the latest way to find your perfect pooch

There are 209 recognised dog breeds in the UK, so finding the perfect furry partner can be difficult. However, research* released today by National Pet Month found that our star signs may choose our dogs for us. As part of its Pet Population research1, National Pet Month (NPM) decided to investigate the nations pet buying trends through their star signs.

They found that some breeds truly mirror the traits of their owners’ star signs. In particular, the UK’s most popular dog the Labrador, which is most popularly owned by the Leo star sign. Leos and Labradors are affectionate, playful and loyal. Although Leo is a fire sign, most love water, much like the Labrador, Leo’s planet is the sun like a sunny yellow Labrador.

Another interesting match is the German Shepherd, popular with both the Taurus and Virgo star signs. Both these signs are earth signs and are very traditional, security minded, respected and are attracted to earthy colours – like the German Shepherd. The German Shepherd is known for being a very obedient breed and are often purchased as guard dogs.

The Pisces star sign has two popular breeds that are very similar in looks and traits – the Poodle and the Bichon Frise. Pisces is a water sign, sensitive, caring and patient with others. Like the Poodle and the Bichon Frise they need consistent companionship. Both these breeds are known for their ‘fluffy’ looks and Pisceans are known for their innocent and unassuming personalities.

Both Geminis and Sagittarians choice dog is a Great Dane. All three have dual qualities, the Great Dane can be both gentle and clumsy, like the Sagittarius, Geminis and Great Danes are always on the ball and never miss a trick. Geminis, Sagittarians and Great Danes are all inquisitive and always looking for something new.

Aquarius is the most unique and individual star sign of all. Aquarians like to stand out from the crowd and need their friends. The Aquarius breed of choice is the Maltese Terrier, which has a very distinctive look and is known as the ultimate dress up dog. Aquarians are friendly to everyone, and whilst they want loyal friends they also need their space. The Maltese Terrier is a very friendly breed and they need gentle owners and whilst being loyal to their owners are not possessive of them.

Phil Sketchley, Chairman of National Pet Month said: “This truly is a new way to find your perfect pet pooch. The National Pet Month Pet Population research has highlighted some interesting trends between our star signs and the dog breeds we choose. While of course there are other important things to take into account when you choose a dog, such as its size and temperament, your lifestyle and family life and how you can make a best match, it’s certainly another thing to consider.”

The study found the perfect dog breed for pet lovers through each of the following sun star signs:

o Aries – Chihuahua
o Taurus - German Shepherd
o Gemini – Great Dane
o Cancer – Dalmatian
o Leo – Labrador
o Virgo – German Shepherd
o Libra – Shih Tzu
o Scorpio – Corgi
o Sagittarius – Great Dane
o Capricorn – Jack Russell Terrier
o Aquarius - Maltese Terrier
o Pisces – Poodle/Bichon Frise

National Pet Month aims to promote responsible pet ownership and celebrate pets and animals across the UK. Hundreds of events are happening across the nation, from cute kitten photo competitions and pet grooming classes to entirely doggy-themed fun days - all helping to highlight animal welfare, visit www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk for details of events in your area.

“Friendly and comical” but Snuffles must die.

A Ballymena dog warden is calling for changes to the Dangerous Dogs legislation after a court ruled that family pet Snuffles is a banned pit bull type and ordered his destruction. The Irish dangerous dogs legislation does not include the 1997 amendment meaning any dog deemed to be pit bull type must be destroyed regardless of whether or not they are of good temperament.

A report in the Ballymena Times stated:

Despite giving evidence in the successful prosecution, Nigel Devine has called for changes to the Dangerous Dogs legislation to allow pit-bulls to be kept under strict licence.

He said he had visited Snuffles on several occasions, and had always found it to be ‘friendly’ and even ‘comical’.

“As the law stands, Snuffles will be put down because he is classified as a dangerous dog. But I have been in contact with this dog frequently, and he is very friendly towards humans. Personally I do not see him as any danger to humans.

“He is a real family pet, just like any other dog, but he will now have to be put to sleep. It will be a very sad day when Snuffles is put down for me and the people who have been looking after him since he was seized.”

Mr Devine who has been instrumental in tackling the issue of dangerous dogs, said the Ballymena Council has written to the Environment Minister Michelle Gildernew calling for changes to the legislation

The article goes on further to publish part of the letter sent by Ballymena Council which points out that Mr Devine has never had to deal with an alleged pit bull type attacking any person and asks for the dogs to be judged on their temperament and not their appearance.

“The officer within Ballymena Borough Council who has the responsibility for enforcing this legislation is Nigel Devine, the Borough Warden, and his efforts to enforce this legislation are well known throughout the province. He led the council into its Pit Bull amnesty and was very successful in dealing with most of the local problems in this Borough with pit bulls and pit bull crosses.

“He, like all other Enforcement Officers, has experienced considerable difficulty in establishing what is deemed to be a dangerous dog, specifically a Pit Bull type, and what is not. At present identification of these dogs is difficult as there are few experts available who can state, especially in the case of crossbreeds, exactly what the dog is.

“When the legislation is so specific, the outcome of court cases is very much dependant upon one experts opinion against another, a factor which is difficult for both the enforcement officers and the Courts. On the other hand, if the legislation required witnesses to speak about the dogs temperament and behaviour there would be no problem in deciding what a dangerous dog was and convincing the Courts accordingly.

“It should also be borne in mind that the breed types specified in the Dangerous Dogs Order are big powerful dogs which under the correct circumstances can severely harm or kill humans and the question has to be asked if there are there any circumstances under which these dogs can be considered as domestic pets?

“What we feel should be in place are other control measures to deal with these dogs as outlined below.
“It is recommended that dogs be divided into categories for the purpose of this legislation and each category be dealt with differently as per the attached schedule. This would allow individuals to keep previously dangerous dogs under certain circumstances, and include other dogs in the legislation.

“During our Borough Wardens years of controlling dogs and investigating numerous dog attacks in our Borough area, he has never to date investigated a pit bull attacking anyone.

“To remove a dog for destruction after it has settled into a home as a pet is a traumatic experience for everyone concerned especially if the dog has shown no aggressive tendencies.

“This Councils view is that no dog should be judged on how it looks, but rather on its behaviour.”

At least the Irish are looking to make drastic changes to their legislation and not hiding behind the alleged “political climate”.

It’s local election day in the UK and up and down the country people will be trekking to their nearest polling station to have their say on who should run their local councils.

One registered voter won’t be getting to join the democratic process though.

According to website This is Wiltshire, a man who registered HIS DOG to vote could find himself in the dog house:

A MAN who registered his dog to vote in tomorrow’s local elections could face jail or a £5,000 fine.

Gavin Huckvale, from Toothill, has had to tuck his tail between his legs and write a grovelling apology to Swindon Council’s director of law and democratic services, Stephen Taylor.

If the letter does not arrive today Gavin could be prosecuted for the offence of supplying false electoral information.

The offence carries a maximum penalty of 51 weeks’ imprisonment or a fine of up to £5,000.

Gavin, 29, told the Adver earlier this month that his dog, Bobby, had been sent a polling card and hinted that it would be interesting to see how far he could take it.

Asked at the time whether he had put Bobby’s name on the electoral roll as a joke Gavin said he hadn’t.

But after a visit by the police, prompted by Swindon Council, Gavin has now admitted that it is definitely his handwriting on the list.

He said: “I just don’t have any idea how I’ve done this. I must be cracking up.

“I must have put it down completely unconsciously - it certainly wasn’t a practical joke.

“I don’t know how to explain it. I know it sounds crazy but it really was a mistake.

“If I’d known that it was me who had put the dog’s name down I wouldn’t have gone to the press and made all that fuss.”

Mr Taylor said: “Because of Mr Huckvale’s statement in the Adver last Saturday to the effect that he didn’t put his dog’s name on the form and that he planned to take the dog to the polling station to vote, I referred the matter to the police.

“False information was given by Mr Huckvale as the form clearly showed that Mr Huckvale did write the dog’s name on it.

Gavin said: “I’ve sent a letter to Mr Taylor saying that I’m sorry and I’ve sent the polling card back as well, so Bobby definitely won’t be voting.

“He didn’t like the look of the candidates anyway.”

SOURCE:

Whilst Bobby might not be able to have his say on the political issues of the day, he might be interested to know that there IS a brand new organisation set up specifically for pets and their owners to have a voice on the major policies and laws affecting pets and their owners.

The Pet Owners Parliament is a free, democratic organisation formed with pet owners in mind.

Members are able to contribute their opinions, ideas and advice on any issue related to the welfare of pets in the UK.

You can join here