News

Couple sentenced after man inflicts physical abuse on two young kittens

Mark Nenna (DOB: 26/07/1996) and Abigayle Nenna (DOB: 20/03/1997) both of Whetstone Hey, Ellesmere Port, pleaded guilty and were sentenced at Chester Magistrates Court on Tuesday 5 November. Mr Nenna received a suspended custodial sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to their two cats Alonso and Hamilton.

The young ginger kittens, both of which were house cats and never went outside, had...

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The Kennel Club welcomes new Pet Abduction Bill

The Kennel Club, one of the UK's biggest organisations dedicated to dog health and welfare, has welcomed the Government's support for introducing a specific criminal offence for those who steal pets.

Under the Pet Abduction Bill – a Private Member's Bill sponsored by Anna Firth MP – anyone found guilty of stealing a pet will face up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.

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PDSA Weekly Vet Q&As - January 30, 2024

PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing answers your questions

Dear PDSA Vet, my dog Benji died over Christmas and I'm really struggling. How can I cope with this loss? Thanks, Lisa

Hi Lisa, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your pet. The grief of losing a pet can feel very overwhelming, with so many mixed and confusing emotions to manage. Although grief is painful and hard, please know...

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Audiences 63% more likely to cry over film scenes with animals than with humans

You might not admit it to your friends, but everyone has that one film that makes them cry like there's no tomorrow. Previous research into what makes movie audiences cry has revealed a range of factors that lead to us shedding tears during a film, including animal scenes, character break-ups, tearful reunions, and sudden goodbyes.

While there are a vast array of movie moments that...

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Brits reveal the best things about adopting a pet

Don't fall victim to pet adoption myths warns pet care experts

As the cost-of-living crisis hits the UK, pet adoption is on the brink of an epidemic. Shelters are experiencing huge pressures, with pet abandonment at its highest, pet adoption at its lowest and reduced funding.

The huge misconceptions about shelter pets and the adoption process are also adding increased pressure to an...

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Almost 7,000 animals rehomed by the RSPCA in Devon in last decade

The RSPCA has revealed that it has found loving new homes for almost 7,000 animals in a decade in Devon, with the remarkable rehoming feat revealed to mark its 200th birthday in 2024.

The charity has come a long way since 1824 - when founding members of the charity met in a coffee shop in London determined to change animals’ lives, creating the then SPCA and sparking an animal...

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UK pet owners have closer bond with pets than family

New figures from the animal welfare charity Brooke have revealed that three quarters of people agree in some capacity they have a closer bond with their pet than people in their family. In addition, 78% agree their pets provide more emotional support than friends and family. When seeking comfort, 3 in 5 say they sometimes prefer a cuddle from their pet than their partner.

When it...

UK’s ugliest dog enjoys pampering prize

It's hard work being Britain's ugliest dog but Peggy, the unique crossbreed who's won that title, was spoiled rotten yesterday.

The four-year-old enjoyed a prize pamper session at a luxury doggie spa courtesy of competition organisers ParrotPrint.com . She enjoyed several treatments including a fabulous hydrobath followed by a blueberry facial. Feeling clean and refreshed, Peggy then...

Signs of osteoarthritis pain may be mistaken for ‘normal’ signs of aging

Zoetis Inc. today announced that a survey commissioned by Zoetis, and conducted by YouGov, highlighted that whilst the majority of dog (89%) and cat owners (80%) are aware of osteoarthritis, many could be confusing the symptoms for general aging, or other health issues. With 27% of dog owners and 28% of cat owners unlikely to take their pet to the vet when they display common signs of...

Thousands breaking the law by not microchipping their dog

Thousands of Brits may be hit with a £500 fine, as more than a million dogs in the UK have not been microchipped despite it being a legal requirement.

Experts from Quotezone.co.uk have urged pet owners to microchip their dogs and register them on a national database in order to make it easier to track down lost or stolen pups.

The microchipping law was put in place on 6...

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‘Just old age’ or is your dog experiencing a serious clinical issue?

A study from veterinary researchers at the University of Liverpool has shown that dog owners need clearer guidance on which behavioural and physical signs are a normal part of the ageing process and which could be indicative of a serious condition.

The 'Just Old Age' research paper, published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, also identified significant gaps in veterinary...