The DogCast Radio blog

Hundreds of dog-lovers entered their pets into this year’s Ruffs competition - and five finalists were chosen for the ‘Best Transformation’ category

Hundreds of pet owners entered and thousands of votes have been cast - and now, one of the winners in the RSPCA’s alternative dog show, Ruffs 2016, has been revealed.

Ruffs celebrates the country’s dogs for their health and happiness unlike conventional dog shows which look at their appearance and breed standard.

The RSPCA is calling for legislation to tackle the illegal trade in puppies and to improve welfare for bitches used for breeding

Motherhood is one of the most beautiful and natural things in this world. And Mothering Sunday is a time to celebrate that, as well as the bond mums share with their babies.

But for some dogs, motherhood is a nightmare which never ends.

European Parliament adopts resolution calling on European Commission to stop illegal trade in dogs and cats

The RSPCA has welcomed the European Parliament’s adoption of a resolution formally calling for action to tackle the growing illegal trade in pets.

The Parliament (EP) is calling on the European Commission to take action to try to stop the illegal trafficking of dogs and cats.

The issue has become a major concern for the RSPCA, and other animal welfare organisations, since the Pet Travel Scheme was introduced in 2003.

Friendships come in all shapes and sizes yet this unlikely pair of pooches have become the best of pals after joining the ranks of the longest stay dogs at Battersea Brands Hatch - spending a combined time of nearly 900 days in the Kent kennels.

Tenacious Theo is a three year old large Alaskan Malamute and double the size of feisty little Fudge, a two year old Jack Russell Terrier who makes up for his size with heaps of love and excited energy. These two abandoned dogs have struck up a pawsitively beautiful bromance as they’ve bonded in their endless quest to find new homes.

RSPCA report reveals buyers are turning to other sources to fulfil their desire for certain breeds of dogs

The root cause of the puppy farming problem is the huge demand for puppies of certain breeds, an RSPCA report has revealed.

The demand for pups - particularly popular ‘designer’ breeds - drastically outweighs the numbers coming to market via legitimate and responsible sources, such as reputable breeders and rescue centres.

Dalmatian Harvey may be missing from owners in Wales

The RSPCA has launched an appeal to find the owners of a Dalmatian.

The Dalmatian, named Harvey was found alone and freezing cold at a bus stop near Shedfield Common in Hampshire.

He was then taken by a member of the public to Animed Veterinary Practice in Shedfield - vets there struggled to register his temperature as he was so cold.

Harvey, believed to be around three years old, also had severe diarrhea - he was so weak he could barely lift his head or wag his tail.

Ruffs - our alternative online dog show - is back for 2016, and we’re calling for entries from you!
Friday 12 February marks the launch of RSPCA Ruffs 2016 - our alternative online dog show. And we’re calling on the UK public to enter their dogs!

To challenge the traditional beauty pageant style dog shows, which judge dogs primarily on looks, ‘Ruffs’ celebrates our canine friends for the right reasons - their welfare and happiness.

Great Dane-cross Jagger is looking for a home - and he’ll need a lot of space!

The RSPCA is searching for a special home for one of the largest dogs the charity has ever had to rehome.

Three-year-old Great Dane-cross Jagger will be dancing in the street when he finally secures a new home.

Poor Jagger ended up with the RSPCA as part of a cruelty case. He was abandoned, tied to a lamp post in Sheffield.

An RSPCA inspector managed to track down his owner through his microchip, who admitted Jagger had been kept outside as he was too big for them to cope.

A lonely Greyhound Collie cross at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has celebrated his two year anniversary in the charity’s care, with potential owners continuing their daily lives without him.

Millions of milestones have occurred while Bud has been in kennels – a national election, water found on Mars and the Sochi Olympics – with around 10,000 Battersea dogs finding loving homes during this time.

NATIONAL SHEEP ASSOCIATION and RSPCA JOINT PRESS RELEASE

Joint plea for dog owners to act responsibly around sheep

With the traditional lambing season approaching and reports of dog attacks on sheep increasing, the National Sheep Association (NSA) and RSPCA have teamed up to urge dog owners to take extra care.

Every year sheep are killed, maimed and miscarry because of being chased and attacked by dogs. This is a serious animal welfare concern and also caused a great deal of emotional stress and financial cost to sheep farmers around the country.