Animal charity backs report’s criticism of Government

The RSPCA has backed criticism of the Government’s failure to properly tackle irresponsible dog ownership, made in a new House of Commons committee report.

Britain’s biggest animal charity supports many of the recommendations the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee (EFRA) today made in its report on dog control and welfare.

Among the recommendations, the committee suggests the introduction of consolidated dog legislation, Dog Control Notices and tighter limits on unlicensed dog breeding.

Charity acknowledges commitment to tackling dog-related issues but slams recommendations to extend breed specific legislation

If you are lucky enough to write a book that captures the heart of the dog world in the way Merle’s Door did, how on earth do you follow it? Well author Ted Kerasote has very wisely left the talking up to his current dog, and the result is Pukka: The Pup After Merle.

Jenny Deakin helps owners understand their "grumpy" dogs and help them to live happy lives.
Photo credit: Ollie Deakin.

Artist Carole Pivarnik created Doggitude, a collection of stunning dog portraits. You can hear an interview with Carole in Episode 141 of DogCast Radio.

Petey's portrait completed. Artist Carole Pivarnik has produced Doggitude a stunning collection of dog portraits. You can hear an interview with Carole in Episode 141 of DogCast Radio.

Carole Pivarnik's portrait of Petey during the painting process. Carole has produced Doggitude, a stunning collection of dog portraits. You can hear an interview with Carole in Episode 141 of DogCast Radio.

Doggitude is a stunning collection of dog portraits by Carole Pivarnik. you can hear an interview with Carole in Episode 141 of DogCast Radio.

Earlier this month, the Government announced that all dogs in England must be microchipped by April 2016. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is offering a free microchipping and name tag engraving service at Windrush Square, Brixton on Monday 4 March, and Ruskin Park, Denmark Hill on Wednesday 13 March from 11am – 4pm.

Less than one third of all dogs arriving at Battersea are microchipped and the charity believes permanent identification of dogs will help to reduce the problem of stray dogs and help reunite more pets with their owners.

After spending two Christmases at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Old Windsor, Fenton a Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been given a new start to life thanks to Veronica and Jim McKnight from Sheerness in Kent.