The DogCast Radio blog

Animal welfare charity to work with Government as they consider new laws.

The RSPCA has welcomed the announcement that Defra is considering a ban on the third party selling of puppies.

The animal welfare charity - the largest and oldest in the UK - has long been calling for changes in legislation to better protect dogs and puppies.

Leading animal welfare charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has today welcomed the Government’s new proposals to crack down on cruel and irresponsible pet breeding practices.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home attended the annual People’s Postcode Lottery Charity Gala last week to celebrate the award of an incredible £800,000 to Battersea in 2017 – all thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery meant that the world-famous animal rescue centre was able to expand its Volunteering and Fostering Department and help even more abandoned and unwanted animals.

So here's something new - a dating app for dog lovers. Well, it is easier to get along with someone who loves your dog too, isn't it? So if you're a dog lover who's looking for love of a two legged kind, but with someone who can appreciate your four legged friend, Dig might be just what you need.

Here's a press release from Dig:

NEW YORK, NY - Forget “shake”, it’s time to teach your dog to find you a date. Dig, the best mobile dating app specifically for fans of man’s (and woman’s) best friend, officially launches February 10. Created by two sisters, Casey and Leigh Isaacson, Dig’s goal is to connect people through the one thing that’s already crucial to them – their love for dogs.

German shepherd cross lurchers had lice and worms.

The RSPCA is appealing for information after six puppies were dumped near the canal in Rishton, Lancashire.

The three boys and three girls - thought to be German shepherd cross lurchers - were found last Tuesday (23 January) in a compound used for storing cars on Harwood Road.

RSPCA inspector Nina Small said: “The owner of the compound confined the puppies in a car until I could get there.

“When I opened the car door they were all huddled together on the back seat.

Here are the top myths that Debs and her colleagues at Scarsdale Vets deal with on a regular basis that you might find surprising:

Scarsdale Vets busts common myths about neutering your pets.

We all think we know about when it is and isn’t right to neuter our pets and the impact it will have, don’t we? Well perhaps not, as Scarsdale Vets launches a campaign this February which allows pet owners to access the correct information surrounding neutering surgery.

RSPCA urges restrictions on private firework use to traditional celebration dates

The RSPCA has renewed calls to restrict the private use of fireworks to particular dates in a bid to reduce the fear and distress caused to many animals throughout the year.

Sadly Staffies are the most likely breed of dog to be found in a rescue centre - and these four at RSPCA Coventry and Nuneaton branch are hoping someone can give them a home to make them smile again.

There are many rescue staffies desperately looking for their fur-ever homes. Figures show that 15% of the 14,707 dogs cared for by staff and volunteers at the 17 national RSPCA animal centres in 2016 were Staffordshire bull terriers while a further 7% were Staffie-crosses. This means the breed is much more likely to end up in a rescue centre.

Leading animal welfare charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that it will be banning electric shock collars.

In a Holyrood debate today, MSPs debated the use of these training aids, with Cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham stating that the Scottish Government had listened to concerns raised by animal welfare groups and the Scottish public, and will ban their use after a short consultation on how to enforce the plans.

The RSPCA receives thousands of calls a year about poisonings.

The RSPCA is warning about the hazards to pets from an ingredient called Xylitol often found in sweet treats and some makes of peanut butter.

Xylitol is a low calorie sweetener and it is used as an alternative to sugar. It is also known as E967 and can be commonly used in baking.

Some brands of peanut butter do not use this ingredient so the RSPCA are warning dog owners to check the label before giving their pet a taste of this treat.

Xylitol is also regularly found in chewing gum including sugar free gum and nicotine gums.

In 2017 the RSPCA received 1,152 calls about potentially poisoned animals and a further 95 calls asking for advice around poisons. This compares to 1,225 calls about poisoned animals in 2016 and 110 calls asking for advice.

RSPCA Behaviour and Welfare expert Alice Potter said: “Sometimes owners may be harming their pets without realising.

“You might think saving a bite of cake for your dog is harmless but actually you could be feeding them something toxic.
“What is ok for you to eat may not be ok for your dog or cat. Some of the more common foods like onions or chocolate many pet owners are aware of but we are receiving too many calls about poisonings so we need to raise awareness about the dangers of this artificial sweetener.

“It really is a secret poison - many people just aren’t aware of the dangers.

“Always check the ingredients of anything you feed your pet and if you think your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have then you should ring your vet straight away.”

This Peanut Butter Day try baking your dog a tasty treat by following this recipe for dog biscuits, always ensure you use safe ingredients. (See video above)