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Children wear the trousers on dog ownership, survey finds
One in ten owners say they let their child choose a breed of dog

A quarter of dog owners bought their pet due to pressure from their children, according to a Kennel Club survey which found some worrying trends in the amount of control parents give their children when it comes to dog ownership.

The findings have led the organisation to voice concerns that hundreds of dogs could be bought on a whim in the run up to Christmas, as the survey also revealed one in ten people still buy dogs as presents.

One in ten owners who took part in the survey even admitted to letting their child pick which breed or crossbreed to buy, and the same amount do no research into the care needs of different breeds.

A further 40 per cent of people worryingly said they chose their puppy due to the breed's appearance, while only 17 per cent said their choice of dog was informed by whether it would suit their lifestyle.

According to the Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations, 15 per cent of people who give up their dog say the reason is that the dog is the wrong breed for them or they are unable to cope.

“Children have a major influence on their parents’ decision to buy a dog in the first place, and then over which type of dog they buy," said Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary.  

"In the lead up to Christmas we want families to be thinking carefully about whether a dog is right for them, and if so which breed would suit their lifestyle, rather than buying on a whim."

The Kennel Club has released a Discover Dogs homework pack, ahead of its Discover Dogs event next month, which encourages people to learn about the needs of 200 different breeds of dog.

These are intended to help children get the information they and their parents need on what type of dog to buy, where to buy it from and how to meet all of its needs throughout its lifetime.

The homework pack can be found on the Discover Dogs website.

http://www.discoverdogs.org.uk/buyingadog

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.