Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 3rd February 2016
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Charity worried by rise in 'designer' dog rescues
puggle
The number of unwanted crossbreeds and fashionable or 'designer' dogs taken in by the charity is climbing.
Demand for certain breeds could fuel the puppy trade

The RSPCA says it has seen a 'worrying rise' in the number of fashionable, designer dog breeds coming into its centres. Increasing demand for certain breeds is feared to be fuelling the puppy farm trade.

Overall the number of dogs coming into the charity's centres has fallen in recent years - from 3,131 in 2012, to 2,600 last year.

Even typically common rescue breeds, such as Staffordshire bull terriers, lurchers and Jack Russells, are on the decline.

But the number of unwanted crossbreeds and fashionable or 'designer' dogs taken in by the charity is climbing. In 2012, the charity only took in two bichon frise crosses, but last year this figure rose to 22.

Chihuahua crosses needing the charity's shelter also rose from two to 21 in the same period, while pug crosses climbed from six to 14.

The charity has seen fluctuations in husky type breeds over the past few years, thought to be the result of culture trends such as the Twilight films and Games of Thrones series.

The concern is that as responsible breeders cannot keep up with the demand for certain breeds, prospective dogs owners naively turn to puppy farmers, all too often purchasing dogs with health and behavioural problems which end up in the care of charities like the RSPCA.

In October 2015 the RSPCA launched its Scrap the Puppy Trade campaign which aims to tackle irresponsible breeders, traders and importers selling dogs in the UK.

Image © RSPCA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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. 

Click here for more...
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.