News 

The following message was submitted by a dog owner who had left it too late to have their bitch neutered. They hoped in some way that their story may help others in making their decision on whether to have their animal neutered or not. We also hope that this story will make you stop and think. We would like to thank 'J' for taking the time to send this message to us.

'J' wrote: 

"I have just read about the importance of neutering on your web site. I can only say that I wish that I had seen this before. I had a Staffie bitch named Lucy. She was the kindest and most loving animal I had ever come across. I then rescued a male Staffie called Archie. Unfortunately Lucy fell pregnant and developed problems and gave birth to one stillborn puppy. A week or so later she became desperately ill. I struggled to pay the vet's bills, but I wanted what was best for her. The vet found that she had a severe infection in her uterus. Lucy was operated on and had her uterus removed. Two weeks later she got worse and was very ill again. I took her back to the vets. The previous infection had caused her kidneys to fail. The vet said that there was little hope and left me with the biggest and hardest decision that I have ever had to make. After some reluctance, I decided that I would have to let poor Lucy go and have her put to sleep. She passed away slowly in my arms. This was over twelve months ago, yet I still think of her every single day. I miss her very much and I am sorry that I was not thinking in my little Lucy's best interests and made her suffer the consequences of my actions. I wanted to send this message to you in the hope that in some way it may make people stop and think about what is best for their animals, and to emphasise what you are trying to achieve. I didn't listen to warnings, I didn't consider the consequences of not getting poor Lucy neutered. As a result of this, I am left to live with the fact that I am personally responsible for Lucy's death and I betrayed her trust."

 

Animal Welfare Act 2006

When does the new law come into effect?

From 6 April 2007 in England, and in Wales from 27 March, animal welfare law is being improved.

It is still against the law to be cruel to an animal. But now you must also ensure that all the welfare needs of your animals are met.

What does the new law do?

It makes owners and keepers responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met.

These include the need:

1. For a suitable environment (place to live)
2. For a suitable diet
3. To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
4. To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
5. To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

The new law also increases to 16 the minimum age at which a person can buy an animal and prohibits giving animals as prizes to unaccompanied children under this age.

Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare needs, may be banned from owning animals, fined up to £20,000 and/or sent to prison.

More details of how the new Act affects people are available here.

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The Anti-Docking Alliance.

Animal Welfare Act 2006 (England and Wales) - Docking
As from April 2007 it will be illegal to dock puppies' tails (other than for therapeutic reasons or if a breeder can submit evidence to a Veterinary Surgeon that the dog is of a specified type to be used for work, rescue, armed forces, police, pest control).
Regulations pertaining to this law will be approved by April 2007 by England and Wales separately.  It will not be permissible for docked dogs to be shown at fee paying shows

Animal Welfare Act 2006 (Scotland) - Docking As from 30 April 2007 it will be illegal to dock puppies' tails in Scotland (other than for therapeutic reasons) or to travel across borders to have them docked.  Regulations pertaining to this law will be approved by April 2007. Wyre Forest Animal Trust fully supports the alliance. You too can help the anti-docking alliance by visiting their website and registering your support. For further information please click this link: http://anti-dockingalliance.co.uk/

 

 

 

 

 

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UK Cats In Road Traffic Accidents
every two minutes.

New figures released by pet insurer Petplan indicate that a cat is run over on UK roads every two and a half minutes. According to their figures, drivers hit 630 cats every day, that's nearly a quarter of a million in the last year alone.

Petplan research also indicates that kittens are most at risk with half of all the cats involved in road traffic accidents, (RTA) being aged between seven months and two years old.

Petplan's research also found 35% of drivers admitted to either hitting or nearly missing a cat and three out of four drivers confessed to having no idea what to do if they were to hit a cat. Almost one in ten Brits felt the best course of action rather than seek professional help, was to stop and apply first aid themselves. While a meaner 13% would leave the cat for dead.

Simon Wheeler, Head of Marketing, Petplan, said:

"The luckier cats that do survive often suffer terrible injuries. Last year our most expensive claim came in at over £10,000 which illustrates just how crucial pet insurance is. It enables pet owners to make life saving decisions when tragedy strikes."

Petplan paid out over £1million on RTA claims involving cats last year and quotes the average vet bill for treatment of RTAs at around £500.

55% of drivers feel that cat owners should take further steps to look after their animals. 85% of people believe a reflective collar is a good preventative measure to make it safer for cats and drivers on the streets, whilst 64% say keep cats indoors at night.

Petplan's free guide to cat care is available by calling 0800 316 0207.