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'A dog is for life, not just for lockdown'
Dogs Trust fears there could be a spike in people giving up their dog when life returns to normal.

Online searches for 'buy a puppy' have increased by 120 per cent.

Dogs Trust has temporarily changed its famous strapline to ‘A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Lockdown’ following a significant rise in online searches to get a puppy during COVID-19.

Figures released by the charity show that online searches for 'buy a puppy' increased 120 per cent in the month following lockdown, while 'adopt a puppy' saw an even bigger rise of 133 per cent.

Whether people are getting a dog for companionship, or because they are around more to train them, Dogs Trust fears there could be a spike in people giving up their dog when life returns to normal.

“Dog ownership can be so rewarding, but it’s also a huge responsibility which is why we are reminding people today that ‘A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Lockdown’”, said Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust chief executive.

“Like Christmas, when people are at home more, they might think now is the perfect time to get a dog. For some people, this will be the case, but we’re asking people to consider when the lockdown lifts how your life will need to change to accommodate your four-legged friend.”

Dogs Trust has compiled an online quiz for potential new dog owners to help them decide if they are 'dog ready'. Besides questions such as 'Are you ready to forego lie-ins'? It also asks more serious questions about veterinary care and preparing for emergencies.

The campaign is being supported by television presenter and Dogs Trust supporter  Graham Norton, who said: “Please remember that life will go back to ‘normal’ at some point with people returning to work and school, and when this happens you need to think about whether you can still fit a dog into your life.

"Taking a look at Dogs Trust’s ‘are you dog ready’ test is a great place to start if you’re thinking about getting a dog.”

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.