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Heroic terrier saves owner’s life
Battersea
Iain, Jane and Dexter.

Raised alarm after owner suffered anaphylactic shock  
 
A six-year-old terrier has gone from rescue dog to superdog after helping to save his new owner’s life.

Dexter the Patterdale Terrier was rehomed to Jane and Iain in Barnehurst, Kent, after spending almost at month at Battersea Brands Hatch.

While out running one morning, Iain was stung by a bee, which resulted in him going into anaphylactic shock and collapsing. This severe allergic reaction is very serious and can often prove fatal.

Luckily, Dexter was with Iain at the time and was able to draw attention to his owner's plight by barking and running frantically back and forth until another dog walker found them.

The dog walker called for an ambulance and, following some time in hospital, Iain has thankfully made a full recovery.

Iain Rowland said: “Jane and I are so proud of Dexter and we have a lot to thank him for. He played a critical part in raising the alarm by finding help and stayed by my side until the ambulance turned up.

"He has more than demonstrated his loyalty to us and we are so glad we decided to come to Battersea Brands Hatch to rehome another rescue dog, Dexter is now the third dog that we have rehomed from Battersea since 1995. Our Dexter says that every home should have a dog, as they may just save your life!”
 
Michelle Bevan, rehoming and welfare manager of Battersea Brands Hatch, said: “We were absolutely delighted to hear Dexter’s story after getting to know him whilst he was in our care and we were relieved to hear that Iain has made a full recovery.
 
“We rehome around 400 dogs every year and love to hear how they are settling into their new homes but were especially pleased to hear about Dexter’s brave behaviour. This is an amazing example of what rescue dogs can be like and we would urge people to consider coming to our centre to give the rest of our courageous canines the second chance in life they all deserve.” 

Image (C) Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.