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Charities respond to 'heartbreaking' article
dog
The RSPCA said the article sends 'a dangerous and very irresponsible message to children'. (stock photo)
Owner admits to getting rid of four dogs in four years
 
Animal charities have responded to a Daily Mail article that prompted outrage among dog lovers. In it, the author Shona Sibary admits: 'I get rid of dogs as soon as they stop being cute puppies'.

She claims to have got rid of four dogs in as many years, for various reasons.

Husky cross Juno was said to have been rehomed in 2012 as he dug in the garden and leaped 6ft fences; Rhodesian ridgeback Albus became aggressive towards other dogs; dachshund Pippa killed pheasants, ducks, doves and a heavily pregnant sheep; and Labrador-collie cross Cookie, with Pippa, killed a breeding ram.

Shona now owns whippet cross cocker spaniel, Clover, who was named by Shona's young daughter.

Some have questioned the truth of the article, however, as it contradicts a previous article Shona wrote for the Daily Mail in 2012: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2081502/Stray-dogs-There-345-day-hard-dog-loving-home.html

The RSPCA called her latest article 'heartbreaking', saying it sends 'a dangerous and very irresponsible message to children'.

The Dogs Trust, however, urged animal lovers to 'harness the outrage this article has prompted and turn it unto something positive for dogs'.

In a statement, the charity said: 'We urge everyone who has been angered, appalled or disgusted by her attitude to visit our rehoming website, sponsor one of our dogs, volunteer or make sure everyone you know who is thinking of getting a dog, thinks Rescue First.'

The charity has invited Shona, her family and the Daily Mail, to visit one of its 20 rehoming centres. Its training and behaviour team are keen to show her the damaging impact of early abandonment on some dogs.

Taking a similar approach, the Kennel Club said the article is a good example of 'what not to do' - pointing out that Shona buys breeds that do not fit her lifestyle, from irresponsible breeders and does not see the litter with their mother.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.