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Animal welfare sector facing crisis, warns Dogs Trust
“Dog owners have told us they’re going to struggle this Christmas, and many more are really worried about what 2023 is going to bring" - Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust.

The charity has taken its 50,000th request to rehome a dog. 

Dogs Trust has warned the animal welfare sector is facing a crisis, with more animals being abandoned than it has the room to care for.

The caution comes after the charity passed the bleak milestone of 50,000 requests this year from desperate owners asking the organisation to take in their dog. The figure is the highest number of handover requests in its history.

Dogs Trust claims it is the most stretched it has been in 131 years, managing an influx of dogs whose owners can no longer afford them. It fears that some 350,000 could need to find new homes as the cost of living starts to bite.

A YouGov poll carried out on behalf of Dogs Trust has also revealed that a third of UK dog owners are concerned that, as bills continue to skyrocket, the crisis will impact on how well they can take care of their dog next year.

Almost half of respondents (46%) said veterinary bills had been their greatest financial worry in 2022, followed by the cost of dog food (18%) and pet insurance (16%).

Dogs Trust chief executive Owen Sharp said: “Although it was inevitable that we would reach 50,000 calls from owners no longer able to care for their dogs, it’s still a shock and a stark signifier of the animal welfare crisis the UK now finds itself in.

“Through our December poll, dog owners have told us they’re going to struggle this Christmas, and many more are really worried about what 2023 is going to bring.

“We’re doing as much as we can at Dogs Trust to reach out and help dog owners who have been worst hit by the crisis. We’re expanding our help and support all the time so, if you’re having a hard time looking after your dog, please reach out to us before it’s too late - there are lots of ways that we can help.

“Our utmost priority is to keep as many dogs with their families as we can – and stop people having to make that heart-breaking decision to give up their dog.

To help struggling pet owners, Dogs Trust has established temporary dog food banks at six of its 21 centres. The charity invites anyone struggling to feed their animal to drop in and collect supplies.

Image (C) Martin Phelps/Dogs Trust.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.