Puppy Awareness Week!

Source: The Kennel Club.

My apologies for the late notice but for those of you who don't already know we are half way through The Kennel Club's National Puppy Awareness Week!

PAW is running from 8th to 15 September and aims to help ensure that a dog is for life.  Dogs all over the country are ending up in rescue homes due to the fact that people are buying the wrong dog for their lifestyle from the wrong breeder.  The Kennel Club states that there are 210 breeds of dog as well as many crossbreeds, all have very different needs.  Pedigree dogs are bred to have predictable traits and characteristics and by doing some simple research it is easy to find a dog that is best suited to your lifestyle.

Thinking of getting a dog?  Find out which breed is best suited to you.

KC research has shown that in 2011 as many as one in four people could potentially have bought their puppy from a puppy farm without even knowing.  As you already know if you are a regular reader of this blog, puppies on puppy farms are born to overused and abused dogs that are kept in horrendous conditions.  Puppy farmers place health and welfare beneath their greed, as far as they are concerned: more puppies = more money.

Beware of puppies advertised in free ads (Gumtree for example), sold over the internet or in pet shops and are collected by buyers from neutral locations such as service stations, or delivered direct.  Always ask Where's Mum? 

KC encourages people to always go to a member of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, members of this scheme are the only breeders in the country who agree to follow high standards for caring for the health and welfare of their pups and who agree to allow a KC inspector access to their premises.  If you are looking for a rescue dog, use the Kennel Club Rescue Dog Directory to find a Breed Rescue or another rescue home.

Other recommended rescues include:

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home

RSPCA

Dogs Trust

Mayhew Animal Home

The Kennel Club is asking people to:

Show your support for Puppy Awareness Week here by printing off posters, leaflets and stickers and spreading the word.

Public consultation over the Dangerous Dogs Act

Source.

After years of campaigning by organisations such as Dogs Trust, the Government has launched a consultation over it's intended plans to tackle irresponsible dog ownership seeking our views on the issue.

The Government are proposing the following:

• To extend section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act to allow owners to be prosecuted for allowing their dogs to be dangerously out of control in any place, including private property.
• Allow dogs mentioned in section 1(deemed to be of a banned breed) to be granted "bail" meaning that following seizure by the police, if the dog was not deemed to be a threat to public safety and the owner was deemed responsible, the dog could be returned to the owner rather than going into police kennelling prior to any court date.
• To increase the fee for a section 1 dog to be placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs.
• To consult on plans to make micro-chipping compulsory for puppies.

 - Source, Dogs Trust.  If you want to read the full consultation documents you can do so here.

 

You have until the consultation closes on 15th June to give your views and you can do so by  quickly filling in this survey or by e-mailing Defra directly at: 

animalwelfare.consultations@defra.gsi.gov.uk

To help you fill in the survey have a look at the answers given by Dogs Trust which reflect that they don't think the Governments proposals go far enough.  Use this as a guide but remember to try and put it as much in your own words as possible.

ITV = Irresponsible TV

A scene from the show, image from ITV

On Saturday night, ITV aired a show called Keith Lemon's Lemonaid hosted by popular TV presenter and comic Keith Lemon.  One thing I certainly did not expect to hear about this show was a young child being given a Pug puppy as a prize after joining fellow contestants in completing an agility course alongside their parents whilst dressed up as dogs, holding bones in their mouths.  The pair with the most bones won the puppy, presented by pop star and reality TV show star Peter Andre dressed as a large bone... Yes, it does sound somewhat like a nightmare but unfortunately it really did happen.

The child was literally handed the pedigree puppy and there was no mention of the costs, care or commitment involved in caring for a real life puppy.  Under normal circumstances the participants of the competition would not be able to afford to buy a pedigree puppy and many concerned animal welfare campaigners feel that ITV are setting a bad example, causing animals to look like disposable commodities and making a mockery of campaigns designed to prevent people buying dogs on impulse or as gifts.  One such campaign is the "Where's Mum" campaign launched on Mother's Day which will run throughout the summer, endorsed by celebrities, their Mum's and their dogs which will continue to raise awareness until Pup Aid on September 8th.

Surprisingly it is not illegal in England or Wales to give a live pet away, it is only illegal to give a pet away to a child under 16 without their parent's consent.  However, it is illegal in Scotland, where the show was also shown, which means that ITV displayed a prime time entertainment show depicting an illegal act.  

It shouldn't surprise you that it was ITV who irresponsibly decided to air their Super Tiny Animals show in the run up to Christmas fuelling the lust for miniature pets just as children were compiling their Christmas lists.  They still haven't responded to the numerous complaints condemning them for this behaviour and have simply ignored many concerned viewers and animal organisations.

In my complaint to OFCOM I told them that I didn't think a competition prize of a live animal was acceptable and not comparable to giving away a flat screen TV or games console.  I also asked ITV to make clear where they got the pug puppy from (how can we be sure they didn't purchase it from a puppy farm?)


What do other animal welfare campaigners think?

The Dogs Trust have released the following statement 

"Dogs Trust was shocked and disappointed to see a puppy being given as a prize on Keith Lemon's show, Lemonaid. It is highly inappropriate to promote the frivolous gifting of dogs in this fashion and we are concerned that viewers may follow suit without giving any thought to the life-long commitment that dogs command. It was irresponsible to allow such a flippant competition to air on a prime time entertainment television slot. Sadly, animal welfare charities like Dogs Trust often deal with the fallout when dogs are bought on a whim and discarded when the novelty wears off. This poor attempt at entertainment was ill-judged and we urge ITV to issue a full and considered response on this matter.

For more information and advice about rehoming a dog please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk"

Debbie Connolly Animal Behaviouralist at Safe Pets UK blog post.


More statements including The Kennel Club and RSPCA.

Check out Beverley Cuddy's coldwetnose blog for a description of the show and further information.  It will also be possible to watch the show on ITV Player for a limited amount of time.

Please join the Facebook campaign Keith Lemon's Puppy Prize Protest and invite your friends too.

Please complain directly to ITV at by e-mailing viewerservices@itv.com or the producer susan.wilks@talkbackthames.tv, alternatively you can write to them at Viewer Services ITV Plc, Gas Street, Birmingham B1 2JT.  Feel free to copy and paste this blog post into the message, although stating your opinion in your own words would make more of an impact.

Please complain to OFCOM about this utterly irresponsible TV show by clicking here.  The show was called Keith Lemon's LemonAid and was on ITV at 18.15 on Saturday 28th April.

Please sign this petition calling for The Animal Welfare Act to be amended making it an offence to give away an animal as a prize.

Fluffy Friday #45

This Fluffy Friday is dedicated to all the animals who have sadly been dumped now that Christmas is well and truly over and the reality of owning a living breathing pet has sunk in.


A lot of the animals disregarded are dogs. Some cross breed puppies that were bred specifically to sell around Christmas time for prices as much as £500 have been dumped after not being sold.  The recession is being blamed for this, but I blame people for not preparing themselves properly to get a pet in the first place and for treating animals like disposable toys.  


A few days ago I was horrified to see someone on Facebook friend asking if anyone wanted to adopt his two puppies.  At the end of last year I witnessed another person on Facebook trying to get rid of her elderly and unwell cat which was very sad and seemed very callous.

Ashley, a Staffie Cross. 

Shih Tzu Crossbreeds Jim and Jane with their puppies Jade, Jess and Jack.
Found dumped in a cardboard box.

Seven Staffies seeking new homes.

Sam, a 12 week old Springer Spaniel who is recovering from a painful case of mange.

To enquire about any of the above dogs please contact North Clwyd Animal Rescue on 01745 560546. 

This is Bunny, aged 1 year from The Blue Cross.

There are hundreds of dogs, cats and rabbits needing homes at the rescue centres listed below.  Please check them out!

Oldies Club
RSPCA
RSPCA Special Appeals
Dogs Trust
Cats Protection
The Mayhew Animal Home
Scruples
The Blue Cross
Retired Greyhound Trust
Farplace Animal Rescue
Fat Fluffs Rabbit Rescue

There are also countless more animals being given away to strangers, sold or even swapped(!) on websites  like Gumtree and Facebook.  Please do consider opening your home to a rescue pet and giving them a new lease of life.


If you do see or know of any friends trying to off load pets using sites like Facebook and Gumtree please do say something.  Be polite but firm and let them know that letting their pet go to a stranger without a home check is basically sentencing them to a potentially unhappy, unhealthy and even life threatening future.

Thank you.

A pet is for life, not just for Christmas.

The famous slogan "A dog is for life, not just for Christmas" was created by the Chief Executive of the Dogs Trust back in 1978 and I am sure that you will agree that it is still relevant here in 2011.

The Dogs Trust's campaign raises awareness to the consequences of treating dogs like presents which will soon be discarded when the novelty wears off.

I think a pet is for life, not just for Christmas.  This applies to other animals we humans like to keep as pets; cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, parrots e.t.c.  All animals need (and deserve) love, care and attention throughout their lives so if you are thinking of adopting/buying a pet as a Christmas gift please stop and think seriously before doing so.

Before committing ask yourself the following questions:

TIME... Do you have the time and commitment to spend with your pet?  Look into what your animal will need on a daily basis and decide on whether you can provide this.  Are you available to exercise your dog regularly?  Do you live in a place suitable for a cat?  Are you able to clean out your rabbits home regularly?

Pet ownership is a long term commitment, dogs can live for around 15 years and I have known dogs to live a lot longer.  The same goes for cats who on average live around 12 to 15 years and quite possibly a lot longer.  Before getting a pet research the life span and ask yourself honestly if you can commit to them for the duration of their life.

MONEY... Pets cost money, food, toys, vaccinations, insurance, vet bills...  Are you able to afford this?

CARE... Are you prepared to arrange for someone to care for your pet if you go away on holiday?  If you go abroad every year then you will need someone to look after your pet whilst you are away.

YOUR LIFESTYLE... Is this the right time for you to consider getting a pet?  Life is full of surprises and all sorts of things can happen, your pets must be considered.  It isn't fair for them to join your family in the midst of upheaval.  Are you planning on moving house?  Pregnant or planning to be pregnant?  Have any significant health concerns?  Away from home or travelling regularly?  

OTHERS.. You need to ensure that everyone in your home is happy about a new addition, including any other pets you may already have.  Introducing a new playmate may not be what they wanted for Christmas!

Source.

If you have asked yourself all these questions and can provide a stable, loving, forever home for an animal then please consider adopting from an animal sanctuary in your area.  There are all sorts of unwanted animals waiting to be re-homed so investigate the possibility of adoption before anything else.   

BEWARE!  

If you are set on buying a puppy, please ensure that you buy from a proper breeder.  There is a high possibility that if you buy a puppy from a pet shop, an advert in the paper or from an unreliable source that you will be contributing to the puppy farming industry.

Remember, a pet is for life - not just for Christmas.

Countdown to Christmas #2

{Source}

I am the proud owner of a donkey and a seal, although the seal doesn't live in the bath and the donkey isn't grazing in the garden but technically I have adopted them.  My adoption of Oscar the donkey was a birthday present from my Mum as part of the Adopta Donkey scheme at Elisabeth Svendsen’s Trust for Children and Donkeys; Kitto the seal was a Christmas gift from my Mum and the Gweek Seal Sanctuary. 

As part of adopting Oscar I receive a regular newsletter about how Oscar is getting on, as well as a certificate, birthday and Christmas cards and the option of popping along to the Sanctuary to visit him if I arrange an appointment.  My sister adopted Donk Dean from the same Sanctuary as Oscar so for my birthday one year we all went to visit them and it was lovely.

My Nan adores whales and dolphins so one year I adopted a dolphin called Whiskey for her, she received a video of Whiskey as well as a certificate and newsletter.  She was thrilled to bits with it and I think she was seriously considering making room in her bath for him!

It really is a fantastic idea to sponsor or adopt an animal for an animal lover this Christmas (maybe even treat yourself!), as well as spreading joy to the receiver - the gift of sponsorship or adoption can make a huge difference to the life of the animal.

Many organisations run sponsorship or adoption schemes which all offer something different depending on your preference.  For more information I recommend the following links:

World Wildlife Foundation (WWF)

Born Free

Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS)

Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

London Zoo

Dudley Zoo (or your local zoo)

Dogs Trust

Cats Protection League

RSPCA

Always make sure you buy your adoption or sponsorship directly from the animal organisation concerned to ensure your money is going to the right place.

I would love to hear from any of you that do decide to adopt or sponsor an animal this Christmas.

Seasons Greetings!

List - 5 Small Ways to Make A Difference

There are many ways available to make a small difference without putting too much effort in, obviously the more effort the better but I know life sometimes gets in the way. Here are five small ways to make a difference to the lives of animals and the environment:

1. If you are selling on eBay then allow at least 10% of your profit to be donated to charity, I did this recently and made a very small amount for The Dogs Trust and Cats Protection League. Even though it was a small amount it would have helped a little.

2. Pick up litter. Litter can be dangerous for small animals who can hurt themselves and get trapped inside. For example the plastic stringy can holders from multi-packs of cans. These are possibly the most damaging type of litter. I have seen pictures of birds and ducks with them trapped round their necks. If you do see one lying about please pick it up, break it into pieces and put it in the dustbin.

3. Sign up for Action Alerts, if you visit websites such as IFAW, PETA etc you are able to sign up for Action Alerts, they will e-mail you with any causes needing action. The actions are simply taking a few minutes to sign a petition or enter your details on a readily prepared letter. They do send messages asking for donations but as I can never afford to donate I stick to doing the other things to help.

4. Spread the word. Forward the Action Alerts to your friends, share it on Facebook, tell people you know why they shouldn't buy seafood imported from Canada. You'll be surprised what a difference this can make. There is a chance that your friends will tell their friends and so on.

5. Treat your loved ones and make a difference at the same time. Perhaps one of your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews would like to adopt a dolphin for their birthday this year, or perhaps the person who has everything would like to sponsor a dog from The Dogs Trust for a year? A few years ago I adopted a donkey from The Donkey Sanctuary called Oscar and received cards and newsletters on how he was doing, I even got to visit him once.