Renowned celebrity and royal hair stylist, Nicky Clarke, preened and pampered Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s rescue hounds into belles of the ball as he prepared them for their red carpet debut at the charity’s star-studded extravaganza, the Collars & Coats Gala Ball, on Thursday 7 November.

Dogs from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home have gone from rags to riches after following in the paw prints of some of Tinseltown’s most-loved canine movie characters.

Hounds from the world famous animal charity have been mimicking legendary movie star mutts as the Home gears up for its Hollywoof themed Collars & Coats Gala Ball on Thursday 7 November.

The animal welfare charity rescues thousands of animals a year from abusive situations - many of these animals have been subjected to horrific injuries from the use of weapons such as metal bars, knives, guns and crossbows.

For example, RSPCA figures reveal that air rifle injuries on animals had leapt up by almost 40 per cent to almost 800 attacks reported to the charity in 2012. The horrific attacks include several cats shot in the face and whose eyes had to be removed and others who did not survive after being shot.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is offering a walk in the park with a top Hollywood movie star, an international supermodel, or a stroll with a chart-topping singer with an incredible eBay auction www.collarsandcoats.org.uk/ebay offering bidders the money can’t buy experience of going on a dog walk with some of the UK’s biggest names from stage, screen, and catwalk.

Fears owners could face up to five years in jail

Dog owners whose pets accidentally injure someone could face up to five years in jail under new Government proposals for tougher sentences, the RSPCA fears.

Britain’s biggest animal welfare charity welcomed this week’s proposals in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill to increase the maximum sentence for those irresponsible owners who fail to control their dogs in a way that puts the public and other animals in danger.

Leading animal charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home cautiously welcomes today's new Government proposals to increase the maximum penalties for dangerous dog offences.

Under the new proposals dog owners could face a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment if a person dies as a result of their dog attacking and five years’ imprisonment if a person is injured by their dog attacking. However Battersea is disappointed that the Government is not going far enough to prevent such offences at an earlier stage.

O Little Town of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will be decking the halls with bow wows of holly for a carol concert yule be sorry to miss this December.

The Animal Health Trust (AHT) is urging pet owners to familiarise themselves with the signs of antifreeze poisoning in their pets to avoid unnecessary deaths.

As winter approaches, more and more people will be topping up the antifreeze coolant levels in their vehicles, and just a few spilt drops can cause serious harm to cats and dogs.

Key signs to stay vigilant for in your pet include:
• Vomiting
• Seizures (fits)
• Increased urination
• Excessive drinking.

I've just come back from walking Buddy, and I'd like five minutes of
your time to get something off my chest.  Buddy is a wonderful
companion, and although I am sure he would be as outraged as I am if he
understood the situation, all he knows is that he met a friendly,
energetic dog and a man who petted him a little on his morning walk. I
am left to fume alone - but feel free to join me.

British actress, theatre star and TV presenter Amanda Holden has become an Ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, pledging her continuing support for the world-famous animal charity.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge, proud owner of a Yorkie-Russell cross called Rudie and cat Muffy, visited the iconic south London rescue on Monday 30 September and enjoyed a waggy tailed welcome from some of the Home’s 450 canine residents.