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RSPCA

Not all mums will get the love they deserve this Mother’s Day

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.

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RSPCA welcomes European Parliament resolution to end illegal trafficking of pets

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.

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Demand for designer pups through the roof as responsible breeders fail to keep up

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.

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RSPCA launch appeal to find owners of dog found alone in the cold

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.

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Is your dog a little 'Ruffs' around the edges?

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.

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Is giant Jagger the biggest dog RSPCA has ever seen?

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.

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Joint plea for dog owners to act responsibly around sheep

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.

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RSPCA sees worrying rise in rescues of fashionable ‘designer’ dog breeds

The number of designer crossbreeds coming into RSPCA centres is on the rise.

The RSPCA has had an influx of fashionable dog breeds and ‘designer’ crossbreeds arriving at its national centres.

The worrying trend reflects an increasing demand for specific breeds which the charity is seeing within the puppy market and which is the focus of its latest campaign.

Sadly, these popular breeds and crossbreeds can later be abandoned or are not cared for properly.

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Oliver Twist wants to become one of the family

Starved dog given a Dickens name because he loved food glorious food

A starving dog dubbed Oliver Twist because he yowled for more food is looking for a new home.

The emaciated boxer cross was rescued by the RSPCA after he was tied to tree in a graveyard in Leyton, East London.

He was taken to the charity’s Harmsworth Animal Hospital, where staff discovered he weighed 17.8kg about half the ideal weight of a dog his size.

Vicky Coleman, dispensary supervisor at Harmsworth, said: “I have never seen a dog so skinny, it was absolutely horrendous.”

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50,000 people join RSPCA in call to Scrap the Puppy Trade

Tens of thousands of people have signed RSPCA petition calling on Westminster government to introduce mandatory licensing for anyone selling puppies

Just three months ago, the RSPCA launched a national campaign to tackle the puppy trade in England.

The main aim of the Scrap the Puppy Trade campaign is to encourage the government to introduce laws in England to combat puppy dealers selling sick and dying puppies.

The RSPCA launched its campaign in October along with a petition which has since been signed by 50,000 people.

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DCR 294 - Great British Dog Walking Challenge and the Imports Bill

In this podcast we're talking dog welfare. Amazing Mitch Hutchcraft is taking on Great British Dog Walking Challenge to raise money and awareness around illegal breeding and overpopulation in animal sanctuaries. Ben Parker from Battersea reveals why the Imports Bill is great news for animal welfare.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.