First dog to be cloned in the UK
Scientists from Seoul in South Korea say they will be cloning a UK dog for the first time, as part of a documentary to air on Channel 4.
According to the team of scientists at Sooam Biotech, they can clone a dog in just two months by taking a biopsy from the living animal and replicating it to create a man-made embryo. In addition, they say the cells can be banked and activated at a later date.
The technique was reportedly pioneered in 2005 by Dr Woo Suk Hwang, the chief technical officer at Sooam. Despite being one of the most difficult animals to clone, Dr Hwang claims he has now successfully replicated at least 400 dogs - an important step, he believes, in the preservation of rare breeds.
Sooam Biotech say they are the only company in the world currently offering to clone dogs commercially, and have replicated highly trained rescue and police dogs for the South Korean government, as well as pets in the US.
Scientist at the company, Insung Hwang, says: "We can clone any breed, size or shape of canine and are coming to the UK to offer this process to the owner of one very special dog."
The process, however, is not cheap, with a price tag of £63,000 for the cloning of one dog. As part of the Channel 4 documentary, one British dog owner will have their pet cloned for free.
The team at Sooam are open to applications from dog owners looking to win this unusual prize. Prospective winners must contact the company describing what their dog means to them and why they would like it cloned, providing photos and videos.
Channel 4 is set to air the documentary next year, following the process of the UK's first dog cloning.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
