The DogCast Radio blog

Leading animal welfare charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has strongly welcomed today’s proposed Government ban on third party puppy and kitten sales in England.

Today’s announcement could prevent thousands of animals from being born into squalid conditions and split from their mothers too young, in order to line the pockets of unscrupulous breeders.

Furthermore, Defra’s consultation into a ban on third party sales could stop such breeders and sellers from operating by making the commercial sale of puppies and kittens less than six months old illegal.

RSPCA deputy chief executive Chris Wainwright said: “We’re delighted that the UK Government has committed to a programme of reforms to animal welfare law, including this announcement on how to bring in the ban on third-party sales of puppies and kittens in England.

“Our work to tackle the puppy trade means we’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact that unscrupulous breeders and third-party dealers can have on dogs and people. It’s disgusting that these sellers can make so much money from the misery of animals and prospective owners.

Here's the latest news from Surf Dog Ricochet, who will be featuring in our August episode:

Tracheostomies and breathing tubes don’t stop these kids!

Blue Cross has begun their annual search for the UK‘s 'Veterinary Nurse of the year' and is calling on pet owners and veterainry practices to help. The charity’s award recognises the dedication of the country’s vet nurses and their invaluable support to their veterinary teams, the nation’s pets and pet owners. The award is given to a vet nurse who not only cares for sick and injured pets but also goes the extra mile to encourage responsible pet ownership and improve pet welfare in their community.

‘Bear’ stole the show last Christmas when she featured on This Morning, and is set to be a star once again this week as her story is told on Channel 5’s The Dog Rescuers.

The story of 11-year-old RSPCA rescue dog Bear, who was rehomed to a couple from Hampshire, will be shown on The Dog Rescuers this week.

Elderly pooch Bear was brought to RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham by an RSPCA inspector in November 2017, after her previous owner was unable to care for her due to her age.

Pippin and Perdy were dumped out of a carrier bag and into a garden in the middle of a cold, wet night.

Two tiny puppies were almost completely bald when they were rescued by the RSPCA having been dumped in the middle of the night in a garden in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

The pups were in such a terrible condition that it was difficult for staff to tell how old they were or what breed they were.

Six ‘reject’ puppy farm dogs rescued by family who couldn’t bear to be parted from them!

A farmer and his family were shocked when their neighbour knocked on the door of their home one lunchtime last summer to say that six puppies had been dumped on their land.

Becky, Charlotte and their parents rushed down to the spot, the entrance to a field just off the road, to find six pups all huddled together in a corner, one yapping and crying.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Old Windsor is inviting proud dog owners along to Windsor Great Park on Saturday 30 June, to see if their pet will be crowned the ‘finest female’ or most ‘dashing dog’.

The search to find the region’s top dog will be the highlight of the charity’s Windsor Fun Day and dogs of any size, breed or age are encouraged to come along and show why they deserve to be a winner.

Beautiful moment between hospital patient Alan and Rolo to be aired as part of new series of Channel 5’s The Dog Rescuers.

The heartwarming moment a Pets As Therapy dog brings a smile to the face of a recovering hospital patient brought tears to presenter Angellica Bell’s face in the new series of Channel 5’s The Dog Rescuers, which kicks off this week.

Pointer cross Snoopy will do anything to find a new home - including climbing 1,345m up Britain’s highest mountain

One rescue dog’s search for a new home has taken her to new heights - 1,345m up Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis to be precise!

Two-year-old pointer cross Snoopy arrived at RSPCA York, Harrogate & District branch in March after being rescued by the charity’s inspectors.

Ruth McCabe, deputy manager at the centre, said: “She came into our care after her previous owner’s health deteriorated.