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Dogs Trust launches this year's National Dog Survey
The survey has been held annually since 2021.
Owners have until 14 June to give their answers.

The charity Dogs Trust is asking dog owners across the UK to take part in this year’s National Dog Survey.

The survey asks owners about their relationship with their dog, their dog's care and training, and any support networks that they call on when help is needed. The results of the annual survey will inform the services and support the charity offers to dog owners.

Last year, 244,478 owners completed the survey, providing information on 348,533 dogs. The results led to Dogs Trust launching its Behaviour Support Line, which offers free advice about dog training and behaviour.

The 2023 survey also provided evidence of the pandemic puppy boom, revealing a large rise in the number of dogs aged one and two years old.  

Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, said: “The National Dog Survey is the largest dog census in the UK, and around a quarter of a million owners responded last year. But, with over a third of UK households now owning a dog, we want to hear from even more this year so we can gain as many insights as possible about dog ownership in the UK, helping us to shape our support for dog owners and improve dog welfare.

“Dogs Trust has been around for over 130 years and in that time so much has changed when it comes to dog ownership. The insights gained from this year’s survey will ensure Dogs Trust can continue to adapt the way we support dogs and their owners, helping them to live the best lives possible together.”

The survey, which is open until 14 June 2024, can be completed on the Dogs Trust website.

Image © Dogs Trust

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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.