New breeding regulations to improve the welfare of dogs in Wales
New breeding regulations for dog breeders in Wales have been unveiled, if accepted the measured will see changes to the current rules on dog licensing and breeding.
The measures have been thought up in an effort to improve the welfare of dogs and propose regulations that will help to stop rogue breeding and ensure that dog welfare is a primary concern for all licensed breeders.
Proposed measures include; compulsory micro-chipping for all dogs residing at the premises of a licensed breeder and a minimum of one staff to every 20 animals, ensuring that dogs are properly looked after.
The proposals will now undergo a 12 week long public consultation and if accepted they will replace the "Breeding of Dogs Act 1973" with the new policy the "Animal Welfare (Breeding of Dogs) (Wales) Regulations 2011".
The Welsh Assembly’s Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones announced the proposal.
Speaking in the Western Mail Mr Jones said:
“The Assembly Government is fully committed to raising the welfare standards for dogs in Wales, and I am determined to take action to tackle bad practice in the dog breeding industry.”
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Award for Dog-and-Owner look-a-like competition
It is often said that dogs look like their owners and now one dog/human duo have won the award of best dog and owner resemblance.
The award was given out in the PDSA’s Pet Gallery competition and went to a Nicky Walton and her Dachsund Tyler.
For some winning a dog look-a-like award may be considered an insult and judges might have been a little worried over Nicky’s reaction when they learnt the pair had been entered by one of Nicky’s friends.
However, judges choose the duo because they shared the same glossy auburn hair and brown eyes, features which make both Nicky and Tyler attractive in their own right.
Tyler is not just an attractive dog but it would seem her is a great companion to Nicky.
Speaking in the BBC she said:
"I've had Tyler since he was a puppy and he follows me around wherever I go…He's very loving and loyal and has me wrapped around his paw!"
Have you just purchased a puppy from a breeder registered with the Dog Breeders Association? Make sure you activate your FREE 12 weeks Breeder Choice Insurance. Cover must be activated within 48 hours of collecting your puppy. You can choose between Essential Insurance, which provides protection for up to 12 months following illness or injury, or Essential+ Insurance, which offers ongoing protection covering ongoing illnesses. Visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk to find out more.
Dognapped puggle is rescued in slick rescue operation
When Ben Legah from Birmingham let Louis his designer puggle worth £1000 out to run around in his back garden he was completely shocked and dismayed when he realised that 5 minutes later that he was gone.
In the days that followed Mr Legah searched frantically for his lost pooch. He emailed 50 vets in the area, put up posters with Louis’s photo on it and phoned all animal shelters and kennels.
Just when Mr Legah was coming to terms with the fact that Louis was not coming back, he received a harrowing telephone call from an unknown man demanding £ 500 for Louis’s safe return. Desperate to see Louis, Mr Legah agreed to meet him in a car park bear his home.
When the dognapper didn’t show up, Mr Lageh called the police for help.
Mr Legah told the Daily Mail, “The police told us to arrange with the dognapper to bring Louis to our house, then one of the officers posed as me. As soon as the dognapper arrived in his van, and opened the door, the officer burst through it and scooped up Louis. At the same time the unmarked police cars pulled in around his vehicle so he couldn't drive off. “
'It was amazing - like something out of a film. But the officers were all fantastic.'
He added: 'Louis ran yelping into my arms as fast as his tiny little legs would carry him. We were all crying with relief and Louis was licking the tears off our faces.'
He added: 'The thought some stranger is holding your pet prisoner is the ultimate nightmare. Now I don't let Louis out of my sight.'
What would you do in this situation?
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Puppy rescued by British Royal Marine arrives in Walthamstow
A puppy rescued in Afghanistan by a British Royal Marine has finally touched ground in the Uk.
Alex Mutch from Walthamstow found the puppy with both his ears cut off whilst on patrol in the Sangin area of Afghanistan. The Royal Marine launched a campaign to bring the puppy back to the Uk. Within less than a month supporters from Waltham Forest managed to raise £4000 in funds to pay for a rescue mission to bring the puppy back.
The puppy has been named Dave after Marine Mutch’s late comrade David Hart. The pup will have to spend a minimum of 6 weeks in quarantine before he can live with Marine Mutch.
His sister Heather said, “The whole thing has been amazing from start to finish. Again we just want to thank everyone that donated.”
He added, “ We’ve been spoling him with treats –he’s had such a rough life but now things are going to get better for him.”
Are you thinking of buying a new puppy? If you purchase a puppy from a breeder registered with the Dog Breeders Association we will give you 12 weeks Breeder Choice Insurance FREE. Cover must be activated within 48 hours of collecting your puppy. You can choose between Essential Insurance, which provides protection for up to 12 months following illness or injury, or Essential+ Insurance, which offers ongoing protection covering ongoing illnesses. Visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk/ to find out more.
West End star’s dog is stolen twice in a month
Star of West End Show Legally Blonde Sheridan Smith was reunited with her beloved Shar Pei dog after she lost for a second time this month.
Sheridan’s dog was lost and returned earlier in the month but it was stolen again last Thursday. She used the social networking site to shine a light on her plight. The actress wrote on Twitter after discovering that Enid has gone, “I just don’t know how to get through this.”
Smith told the press that “ The police are convinced that this is a repeat offense and that the last time was no accident”. Sheridan was very upset especially due to the fact that End requires medication.
The dog who is micro chipped was found in Daggenham and taken to Battersea Dogs Home where the London staff recognised her from her photos on her online appeal.
Some Twitter followers have no been so forgiving about the actress losing her pooch more than twice in a month. One wrote: ‘ Got no sympathy. To get it stolen once is terrible, but twice is completely stupid on your part. Didn’t u learn your lesson.”
Ms Smith wrote, “ She was stolen from my home! How could I stop them?! You heartless cruel human being. I genuinely hope no one ever breaks into your home and steals something you love.”
Are you thinking of buying a new puppy? If you purchase a puppy from a breeder registered with the Dog Breeders Association we will give you 12 weeks Breeder Choice Insurance FREE. Cover must be activated within 48 hours of collecting your puppy. You can choose between Essential Insurance, which provides protection for up to 12 months following illness or injury, or Essential+ Insurance, which offers ongoing protection covering ongoing illnesses. Visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk/ to find out more.
70 dogs rescued in Missouri
Last week, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Society of Missouri rescued over 70 dogs from an overrun puppy mill in Missouri.
The dogs which were rescued included Dachshunds, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Huskies and Boxers—were transferred to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri in Springfield and HSMO in St. Louis, where they received medical treatment and will be cared for until they’re ready for adoption.
ASPCA Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response, Tim Rickey said, “This case was unique in that the dogs were voluntarily relinquished by the kennel owner who could no longer afford to feed them.”
Missouri which is known as the “Puppy Mill Capital of America,” is home to more than 3,000 commercial dog breeding facilities and provides more than 40 percent of all dogs sold in pet stores nationwide. He explained, “We see some of the worst conditions in Missouri puppy mills,” explains Rickey. “The dogs, often very ill, are forced to live in overcrowded, filthy conditions.”
Are you thinking of buying a new puppy? If you purchase a puppy from a breeder registered with the Dog Breeders Association we will give you 12 weeks Breeder Choice Insurance FREE. Cover must be activated within 48 hours of collecting your puppy. You can choose between Essential Insurance, which provides protection for up to 12 months following illness or injury, or Essential+ Insurance, which offers ongoing protection covering ongoing illnesses. Visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk/ to find out more.
Degree in Guide Dog training
A new academic qualificati
on is being launched by Chester Univerisity, the subject is far from a traditional one and is unlikely to see students gathering round a Bunsen burner or testing their mathematic skills with a calculator.
The degree has been set up in conjunction with the Guide Dogs for the Blind and will see students graduating with a degree in assistance dogs training.
The degree programme hopes to lead the way and set new standards in the training of Guide and other assistant dogs in the UK.
After 3 years students will gain a foundation degree, a fourth year will earn them a BSc.
The course will not just be made up of practical lessons; students will also have to study stock management, breeding, rehoming and general dog care.
Graduating students will be hoping the degree gives them a helping hand to entre the world of professional dog training or to take up a role that sees them working closely with dogs.
Meanwhile the industry hope to benefit from highly trained graduates entering the profession.
Have you just purchased a puppy from a breeder registered with the Dog Breeders Association? Make sure you activate your FREE 12 weeks Breeder Choice Insurance. Cover must be activated within 48 hours of collecting your puppy. You can choose between Essential Insurance, which provides protection for up to 12 months following illness or injury, or Essential+ Insurance, which offers ongoing protection covering ongoing illnesses. Visit www.dog-breeds.co.uk to find out more.