Rescue & Animal Care - March/April - Issue 183

Twinkle toes Bill Bailey is ready to bound off to his new abode

Foal born to rescued donkey at Devon Sanctuary Lucky escape for cat trapped in a car engine during school run

Former rescue dog recently returned from a life-saving search and rescue mission in Earthquake that hit Turkey

Beware

of the Dangerous Spring fruits for Dogs

19 months old JossKeeping an ‘Ear out’ for a New Home

Southampton pet superstore launches doggy scholarship scheme

A pet food and accessory retailer based on the south coast has launched a doggy scholarship scheme to help caregivers access dog behavioural support.

The scholarship scheme financially supports owners by paying for three hours of one-to-one training for adopted dogs and their caregivers.

Healthy Pet Store in Totton has welcomed its first four-legged scholar to the scheme, 18-month old Sky, who is a German Shepherd.

The pet retailer paired Sky and her owners, Russell and Ray, with a local behavioural trainer who has provided face to face lessons.

During the cost of living crisis, some owners have struggled to fulfil their responsibilities of dog guardianship which may include paying for dog training.

Managing Director of Healthy Pet Store Deborah Burrows said it is really important for adopted dogs showing early signs of behavioural issues to get

the right help they and their caregivers need.

She added: “In the current climate, we understand that not everyone is in a position to be able to access the right support. That is why we have launched our scholarship scheme. We want to help adopted dogs be supported by the right behavioural approach in order to help them live happy and fulfilled lives.

“Adopted dogs sometimes have behavioural problems which pop up post adoption. This is through no fault of their own, and stems from things such as genetics, their past or illness. It's important they get support from a trainer or behaviourist skilled in positive reinforcement methods.

Sky’s owners Russell and Ray said: “The scholarship scheme has been absolutely fantastic. It has changed our

lives. We really struggled with Sky’s behaviour post-adoption and being able to enrol her into these sessions has made her such a happier dog.

“We are so grateful to Deborah and the whole team at Healthy Pet Store. They paired us with an incredible local trainer who has listened to all of our worries and concerns.

“The sessions have been relaxed, fun and really tailored to what Sky needs. We are going to continue to pay for lessons now we have completed our sessions funded by Healthy Pet Store.”

n Applications for the Healthy Pet Store scholarship scheme are now opencontact info@healthypetstore.co.uk for more information.

Owners Russell and Ray with Managing Director Deborah Burrows

Sky is the first four-legged scholar to take part in the Healthy Pet Store Scholarship scheme

Dear Fluffs, Feathers and Furries,

I was a bit confused earlier today as all the clocks in the house said it was earlier than it said it was on my dogmobile.

I had no idea which time to go for. Whether to take my break and chew my bone or start nagging Mistress for a walk.

Mistress said something about losing an hour and not really knowing what it looked like and how to find it I started looking for it under the settee.

Nothing there other than my squeaky pig who I had been trying to find for the last few days. I gave him a good lick to wash off my dried saliva.

Meanwhile Mistress was hurriedly putting her hair into what she calls a bun, changed into her day clothes and said she had overslept having forgotten to forward the time by an hour on her alarm clock.

Getting little sense from Mistress about this losing time business, in the end I asked ‘Rex’ (‘Siri’ equivalent for humans) on my phone asking why the clocks had just gone forward.

In a nutshell –lighter evenings for longer and more walks for me. Welcome British Summertime!

If you read my last column you will remember I was really unwell with my legs and arthritis but I am feeling a lot better now and able go out for gentle walks

www.annereese.co.uk, hearing I was a bit under the weather sent me the loveliest Cosy Fleece Coat

I have ever had!!!! Here I am modelling it. It fits perfectly and I love the colour.

If you want a fleece like mine, take a look at beautifully handmade Coats, Collars and so much more. Their website is feast for the eyes and their prices are very reasonable for such quality products.

I’ve had a few winks from handsome dogs in the park while wearing my warm and on trend coat. But I only have eye for the gorgeous Border Collie Morris who sometimes walks in the same field as me with his owners so perhaps he will notice me now!

Time for my lunch now and probably a wee snooze. Catch you next month my lovely friends.

Treacle x

Love

Me in my Cosy Fleece Coat from www.annereese.co.uk

Dear Readers,

How lovely the evenings are lighter now giving us more time to walk our dogs. And as it gets warmer I am looking forward to coming out of hibernation, dining al fresco again with friends and enjoying nature’s blessings.

Speaking of hibernation. March and April are the months when most hedgehogs wake up and you may start seeing signs of hedgehog activity in your garden again. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society offers some advice as Britain’s Favourite Wild Mammal starts to wake up from hibernation.

The gorgeous Boy featured on the front cover is called Joss. He’s a resident at The Border Collie Trust GB and thoroughly deserves a lovely new home. Read all about him on page 7.

Just a taste of the features in this issue:-

Meet perfect puppies Alf, Poppy, Coco, Hershey, Imperial and Max who are the first from Medical Detection Dogs’ new breeding scheme. The six puppies don’t know it yet but they’re going to save lives; four as super sniffers with MDD and two with other assistance dog charities.

In a national survey, carried out in January 2023, 32% of respondents in England said that cost-of-living pressures and the need to care for their pet has had a negative impact on their mental health. according to new data from national pet charity, Blue Cross.

Adopted from Dogs Trust Shoreham in 2018, Davey the six-year-old springer spaniel has served with Lancashire Fire and Rescue for nearly five years. During his first international deployment, Davey spent ten days in the city of Antakya in the Hatay province searching for survivors with UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR). He has recently returned from a life-saving search and rescue mission in earthquake hit Turkey.

I hope you enjoy reading your free copy of Rescue and Animal Care

Until next month

Love Jennifer x

Twinkle-toes Bill Bailey is ready to bound-off to his new abode

Three-year-old Bill Bailey is currently being cared for at Dogs Trust Ballymena rehoming centre where he loves nothing more than jumping and running around in the exercise areas. Despite being a very loving boy who loves human company, he is yet to attract any interest.

Conor O’Kane, Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena said: “Bill Bailey has been in our care for over a month now and we are surprised by the lack of interest in him. He is a real sweetheart who is playful and fun with a bright personality. He enjoys meeting new people and

after his favourite pastime of playing with toys, he likes a snuggle and snooze.

“Although he is sociable with people, he isn’t so keen on other dogs so Bill Bailey requires to be the only pet in his new home. A home in a peaceful area with a large garden where he can play would be perfect. We are looking for understanding and patient owners who will build a strong bond with him before he goes to his forever home.

“To anyone currently looking for a loving, energetic and playful dog who has twinkle-toes, we hope they will consider Bill Bailey.”

Lurchers were the third most popular breed rehomed by Dogs Trust last year with 527 finding loving new homes.

Bill Bailey comfortably wears a muzzle when out and about in public, and this would be required when he is adopted. It is preferred that he is rehomed to an adult only home, however he could potentially be rehomed with children aged 14 and over.

n To apply to rehome Bill Bailey click here: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/lurcher/1263691

loveable lurcher who has as much Strictly sparkle as his namesake Bill Bailey, is hoping his fancy footwork will bag him a new home.

19 months old Joss-Keeping an ‘Ear out’ for a New Home

A gorgeous Dog in residence at The Border Collie Trust GB

Can you give Joss the home he deserves?

Meet Joss - 19 months old, neutered tri medium coated collie. As you can see he is a handsome boy! He came into our care due to him being too boisterous for his elderly owner, husband recently passed away. Joss is a friendly boy, he has been good being left on his own for odd hours, he is house trained and crate trained, travels well and knows basic commands. When out on a walk he will lunge at traffic,

Joss is good around other dogs but sometimes will grumble if on a lead. Although he has not lived with children he has met young children and been fine, he has also seen school children on a walk, could possibly live with children over the age of 8 years old.

How Do I go about applying to adopt Joss or other Collies at The Border Collie Trust GB?

All the dogs we rehome are here at our centre in Staffordshire.

It's important to accept the highly complicated nature of many collies whose behaviours are often driven in a way similar to autism and other neuro diverse conditions seen in humans. The time and patience required, especially in the early stages of adoption cannot be underestimated, please do be prepared, even if you've had one, two or ten collies before - you haven't had this one.

Please consider your own lifestyle and circumstances. Are you prepared for the challenges of a breed with those behaviours, that may or may not have been seen in a previous home or at our centre? Are you physically and mentally prepared for the frustrations that might arise in the first days and weeks? Collie ownership can be very special but as with many things in life can take a lot of hard work, please don't underestimate that and make sure you really are ready to adopt.

Still ready to adopt?

Then please complete the Online

Application To Adopt Form. This is the first step in the process https://www.emailmeform.com/builder /form/5e4l42c00df

The Application Forms are reviewed regularly by our Adoptions Team who will contact anyone they wish to discuss further with but please understand that we can't contact everyone who completes the form. That doesn't mean we don't want you to adopt but there can only be one new owner for each dog. Do keep an eye on the website, and if you see another dog, at any time, that you would be interested in adopting then simply email adoption@bordercollietrustgb.org.uk with your name, post code and the dogs name you are interested in. We will then consider you

for that dog. Unfortunately we cannot make an appointment until The Adoptions Team contact you.

n If you still have some questions do take a look at the FAQ section or feel free to contact us on 01889 577058 (Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm) or of course email us. Tel: 01889 577058

www.bordercollietrustgb.org.uk

Joss is a friendly boy, he has been good being left on his own for odd hours, he is house trained and crate trained, travels well and knows basic commands.

Dog Behaviourist’s top tips for Springtime walks: How often and when to walk your

dog

To ensure your pet stays happy and healthy this Spring, Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, PhD, a Dog Behaviourist at Pooch & Mutt, has shared her top tips and advice for your pooch

Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, PhD, Dog Behaviourist at Pooch & Mutt, comments on Springtime walks:

‘Walks are very important for dogs, as they provide physical exercise and mental stimulation. Dogs need physical exercise to stay healthy, maintain their weight, and prevent boredom and taking your dog for a walk is a great way to provide them with the exercise they need. Depending on the breed, age, and health of the dog, the amount of exercise required will vary. However, all dogs need some level of exercise every day.

Walks provide dogs with a variety of sights, sounds, and smells that stimulate their minds. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and a walk can be a great opportunity for them to explore new environments and engage with their surroundings. A lack of regular walks can lead to a range of issues, such as obesity, boredom, and behavioural problems. Therefore, it's important for dog owners to make time for regular walks to keep their furry friends happy and healthy.’

Dr Emma’s Springtime walking tips:

1. Walk at least once a day for 30 minutes:

The frequency and duration of walks for a dog will depend on several factors, including age, breed, size, health, and individual needs. Generally, dogs should be walked at least once a day for 30 minutes to an hour. However, some dogs may require more exercise, and others may be content with less. In addition to regular walks, dogs also benefit from playtime, interactive games, and other forms of exercise. It's important to provide them with a variety of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

2. Monitor your dogs' behaviour:

It is very common for dogs to "ask" to go for a walk through specific behaviours to indicate that they want to go for a walk, such as bringing their leash to their owner, sitting by the front door, or even whining. These behaviours can be a form of communication between the dog and their owner, indicating that the dog is ready for a walk and wants to spend time outside.

Many dogs will naturally develop a routine where they know when it's time for their daily walk, and they may become excited and show signs of anticipation when they see their leash or hear certain words associated with going for a walk, such as "walk," "outside," or "leash."

It's important for dog owners to pay attention to their dog's signals and

respond appropriately. If a dog is showing signs of wanting to go for a walk, it's usually a good idea to take them out for some exercise and mental stimulation. This can help keep the dog happy, healthy, and well-behaved.

3. Stick to a routine:

Dogs can develop a sense of routine and may come to expect walks at certain times of the day. Dogs are creatures of habit and often thrive on predictable schedules. It's important for dog owners to be consistent with their dog's routines and schedule walks at regular intervals. This can help establish a sense of structure and predictability for the dog, which can reduce stress and anxiety.

n https://www.poochandmutt.co.uk/

Dr Emma Scales-Theobald, PhD, in-house dog behaviourist at Pooch & Mutt

Travel by ferry and take your best four legged friend with you

Direct Ferries report pet bookings are up 61% compared to 2019 pre pandemic levels

Britons have been warned of huge price hikes for European summer holidays this year. According to consumer group Which? the price of a holiday has gone up by an average of more than 19% compared to the same time in 2022. The ONS reported that the cost of airfares rose by 44% last year, the largest rise since records began in 1989.

The rising price of flights, accommodation and car hire is seriously impacting the decision as to whether a holiday is affordable. And with over a third of UK households reported to be dog owners, this cost further increases as kennels and dog sitters have upped their charges to reflect the ongoing economic situation.

Depending on where you live in the UK, PetKeen reports that dog boarding costs can be as high as £60 per day, while pet sitters can charge from £30 to £70 for an overnight stay in your home. That means to be away for one week can cost up to £500 on top of the already extortionate holiday costswithout accounting for the price of the extra dog walks needed and - if you have a pet sitter – the additional energy usage.

So, as a dog owner, what is the cheapest and easiest way to travel overseas and still enjoy a much needed break? Travel by ferry and take your best four legged friend with you! Ferry travel is cost effective, sustainable and you can be the master of your own journey, in your own time. Direct Ferries, the world’s largest ferry ticket booking site has reported a surge in searches for travelling with dogs, particularly post pandemic as pet ownership massively increased.

Niall Walsh, CEO at Direct Ferries said: We have noted a marked increase in people travelling with their pets. Pet bookings with Direct Ferries are up 61% compared to the same time in 2019 and we predict this trend to continue. Pets are after all, one of the family, and experts have advised that dogs can benefit from a holiday too. With the rising cost of living adding to pet

owners’ everyday pressures, taking their four legged companions on holiday is not only cost effective but makes for an unforgettable no fly holiday experience.”

Do Plan Ahead

Most ferries companies allow you to bring your pets with you for a small fee –usually between £15 - £30 in Europe and you can enter your pet’s details when searching for ferry tickets. It is imperative however that your pet complies with the regulations and requirements of each country/territory that you are travelling to or from, which you are responsible for. All journeys require your pet to be part of the ‘Pet Passport’ scheme.

If you are travelling to an EU country from the UK, a new animal health certificate or valid pet passport must be obtained that is accepted in the country you are travelling to each time you travel. This must be done by your vet 10 days before you travel. Dogs must be microchipped and have up to date vaccinations, including Rabies. If Rabies needs to be administered, it must be given 21 days before your vet can issue a certificate and then you must wait 10 days before departure. On your return, before entering the UK a vet must treat your dog for tapeworm and record it in the pet passport or health certificate. The treatment must have been given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours (5 days) before you enter the UK. Your dog can be refused entry or put

into quarantine if you do not follow this rule. All necessary information can be found here https://www.gov.uk/takingyour-pet-abroad/travelling-to-an-eucountry-or-northern-ireland

Sleeping Arrangements?

Where your pet will stay during the crossing depends on the length and the type of crossing.

As more pets are travelling with owners, many ferry operators are responding. In 2022 P&O launched its Pet Lounge for owners and and their dogs can relax and enjoy comfort, space and complimentary refreshments on board together with TVs and charging points, as well as a dedicated exercise area on the outside deck for some fresh air and stretching.

Brittany Ferries, DFDS and Stena Line also offer pet-friendly cabins (where your pet can stay with you during the sailing) and onboard kennels on select crossings. Pet friendly cabins are very popular, so it is advisable to book as much ahead in advance as possible.

Woof Woof! We’re in. What next?

Simple! Visit directferries.co.uk and start your canine crossing by selecting your destination, dates, number of people, and pets ( including cats, dogs and guide dogs) travelling and type of vehicle.

Current discounts, offers and incentives from Direct Ferries can be viewed here https://www.directferries.co.uk/offers.htm

Youngster fundraising for LAA with help from her dog!

Local youngster Mia-Nova 'Mimi' is raising much-needed funds for our animals - ably assisted by her mum Natisha and dog Bruce!

Mia-Nova hit on the idea to raise funds for a local animal rehoming centre after being inspired by a story book and by the fact that Bruce, the family dog was adopted from a rehoming centre in Birmingham.

In February, Mia-Nova and mum visited the centre for a guided tour. Since then, dynamic Mia-Nova has been baking cookies to sell to friends and family. Over Easter, she aims to walk 20 miles with Bruce to raise money for our cats and dogs. Hurrah!

Could you get behind Mia-Nova and Bruce? Mia-Nova's Just Giving fundraising page is available below. https://www.justgiving.com/page/mim iandbruce-1678048833872

Leicester Animal Aid is a rescue and rehoming centre for cats and dogs, based in Huncote, Leicestershire.

Every year we rescue and rehome up to 400 animals who are neglected, lost, abandoned or given up because their owners can no longer care for them. We can only help animals in need of forever homes thanks to the kindness and generosity of our supporterd and fundraisers. Your donation could help buy essential items like a microchip for an animal, a warm and cosy bed or a veterinary health check and essential vaccinations.

n For more information visit www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

Mia-Nova's Just Giving fundraising page is available below.

Are you having trouble with your dog?

Do you have a new puppy or rescue dog that is not as easy as the dogs you’ve had before? Let The Dog Guy help you!

Happy pets, Happy humans

We are true engineers of behavioural change in dogs. Whatever shape, size, age or breed, we have helped countless dogs with our UK dog training become better behaved, and become integral parts of their families, massively improving their quality of life. Our reputation precedes us, and we take an agile, mobile approach, constantly improving our service and training to ensure we remain the best in the business, and help the dogs we see as much as we can.

Our highly trained and dedicated team, over the duration of our dog training courses, deliver a solid foundation of general obedience and discipline to ensure you get the best from your beloved dog. Dog training requires repetition, consistency, and reward to ensure that desired outcomes are achieved. We know what it takes, and all you need to do is let us help resolve any challenges you face with your dog to ensure live a happy life together, side by side.

How to train a dog

But how do we do it? Our innovative training method begins with a focus on loose lead work and recall, as well as key commands such as sit, heal, and stay. Dog socialisation in multiple surroundings plays a key part of our training plans. Reactivity and resource guarding can be delivered as part of a bespoke training package too. We can also help with toilet training and separation anxiety to ensure your pet becomes fully integrated into the home.

We offer a number of bespoke training options. To achieve the best results, we always recommend our Residential Dog Training solution. However, One to One Dog Training at our facility or in your home is also available. Our qualified trainers and behaviourists will work with you to determine which solution best suits your needs.

The commands we use here at The Dog Guy include, but are not limited to: Sit, Down, Place, Here (Recall), Heel, Bed, Verbal Markers (Yes, No, Good Boy/Girl) and many more.

Residential Dog Training

Our UK residential dog training courses offer:-

l A pickup service for your dog from your home.

l Accommodation for your dog within a five-star kennel facility.

l A tailored training programme designed to meet your dog’s specific needs.

l Putting the welfare of your dog first, we partner with local vets to ensure any health issues are dealt with promptly.

l Exposure to both male and female trainers.

l Round-the-clock care of your dog as if it is one of our own.

l Training in different social settings – we don’t just train in a field!

l A unique commands video of your dog in action to keep as a reference point.

l Groomers within the team to ensure your dog is kept in immaculate condition.

l Dedicated support team with updates sent to you on a regular basis.

l Unrivalled aftercare packages, providing any support or guidance you may need once training has been complete

One to One Dog Training

A personal touch

Residential training is brilliant, but may not suit all schedules or budgets. Our one to one dog training sessions

are flexible, and can be individually designed around the specific needs of you and your dog. They provide the building blocks to allow your dogs to become an integrated part of the family. In these sessions, you will work directly with one of our training team either at your home or our training facilities. Multiple sessions may be required. Our on-site one-to-one dog training is a popular option for many, but if you’re unable to visit our facilities, please enquire about a home visit instead. Depending on location, surcharges may apply.

Dog Day Training

For those looking for a quick win

Dog day training is an alternative for those who are more mindful of their budget, where your dog spends the entire day in the safe hands of expert dog trainers. Of course, the results are not as drastic as with our other training options, but your dog will still pick up very useful skills on our day training courses, and it has great benefits.

Locations

in the UK

Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, London, Manchester, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Surrey

FAQ’s

Is residential or one to one training suitable for my dog’s needs?

This is ultimately down to the needs of your dog. Our residential training programme is designed to achieve the best results over an intensive period of training. The 3 to 4 weeks of training allows your dog to concentrate on learning new behaviours with consistency without distraction. Dog

owners often look to residential training when other methods have failed, or they simply don’t have the time and ability to build a strong dog foundation of obedience for their dog.

If you’re not sure, then a member of our expert team will guide you towards the most suitable training package. They will discuss your dog’s needs, any current challenges, your ability to commit to training and your budget. We are confident we have a training solution that is right for you –nobody leaves us without a solution!

At what age can my dog be trained?

The simple answer is it is never too early or too late for your dog to be trained. We can train a dog one week af ter its second vaccination, and sooner if we are training within the home.

I have more than one dog that needs training. Can you help?

We often train multiple dogs from the same household. In fact, the only way to resolve some behavioural challenges is to train siblings at the same time.

How do I continue training at home once residential training has concluded?

You will be invited to an in-depth handover session at the end of training. This session allows us to show you the tools and techniques used to train your dog before giving you the opportunity to demonstrate to us you have taken everything on board. We even provide a short video of your dog in training to act as a future point of reference. If required, we can offer additional one to one support either in your home or our training facility to re-enforce training.

Where will my dog be trained?

We begin training all dogs at our training field, as this is a secure environment that we can control. However, as dogs live in the real world, we quickly move training to different environments such as parks, towns and cafes to expose them to all the sights, sounds and smells they will experience once home.

Antibacterial PetCare Essentials!

Naturally Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral Products

Nature's Greatest Secret has the widest range of Colloidal Silver Petcare products and is one of the UK's longest established Colloidal Silver Brands. All new products are developed in partnership with a leading holistic veterinarian.

Nature has always provided us with powerful natural remedies that are often overlooked in favour of modern medicines. One such remedy is Colloidal Silver, a natural antibiotic that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Today, Colloidal Silver is gaining popularity as a natural alternative to chemical-based pet care products.

Colloidal Silver is a suspension of tiny silver particles in water that has been used for centuries as a natural antibiotic. It is known for its powerful antimicrobial properties, which make it an effective treatment for a wide range of fungal and bacterial conditions. Colloidal silver is used to treat a wide range of conditions in pets. It can be used to treat ear infections, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and more. It can also be used to treat cuts, wounds, and other injuries. Many pet care products contain chemicals that

can be harmful to pets, and these products can be expensive. Colloidal silver is a natural alternative that is safe, effective, and affordable. Colloidal Silver is a must-have in any pet owner's natural medicine cabinet.

Best Sellers:

All Natural Colloidal Silver Eyedrops for Pets - 30ml

All natural, hydrating and antibacterial eyedrops developed in partnership with a vet to be most effective. Chemical free and suitable for sensitive eyes, with a high 94% Premium Quality Amber Colloidal Silver to be used on cats or dogs.

Colloidal Silver: is effective against fungi and bacteria because it suffocates the harmful microbes without harming the living tissue of the animal. Can be used to treat infections, allergies, inflammation and tear staining.

Hyaluronic Acid: is used to lower inflammation and speed up healing after surgery. As it is moisturising it can help hydrate eyes.

Euphrasia: has been used in traditional herbal medicine in Europe for centuries. Also known as eyebright, euphrasia is known for soothing red and irritated eyes.

MSM & Vitamin C: When MSM is applied into the eye, the antioxidant sulphur plus Vitamin C aids in excreting metabolic waste away from the ocular lens and retina to lessen free radical damage.

Colloidal Silver Petcare Multi-Purpose Antibacterial Gel – 100g

Introducing our best seller, Colloidal Silver Petcare Multi-Purpose Antibacterial Gel, made with 98% Colloidal Silver. This versatile gel can be used for a variety of skin care needs. It

can be used to treat cuts, wounds, and other injuries, as well as hot spots, dry and itchy skin, and other skin irritations. It can also be used to help soothe and heal insect bites and stings. Try it today and see the difference for yourself!

Colloidal Silver Petcare Ear Drops For Dogs With Essential Oils – 30ml

This formulation has been developed with our veterinary advisor, it contains Colloidal Silver and a blend of five essential oils; Lavender, Cinnamon, Neem, German Chamomile, Blue Yarrow, known for their potent antibacterial and antifungal properties. Specially formulated for dogs.

Colloidal Silver Petcare 20ppm Trigger Spray - 250ml

This potent 20ppm trigger spray covers large areas quickly and easily! Its 20ppm Colloidal Silver content will assist in neutralising a wide range of bacteria, fungi and microbes. Can also be used to help deodorise smelly dog beds and blankets.

Typical Product Reviews for the featured products

EYE DROPS

Helen

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Product

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 September 2022

I have recently used this on two of my dogs - I used it on my old terrier who has weepy eyes, and it really helped to reduce the weeping and make her more comfortable. I also used it on my sight

hound after she got her eye caught on a bramble and it became very sore. The drops were easy to use on both dogs and definitely gave both animals comfort from their conditions. It's now in my first aid kit along with the other products from Nature's Greatest Secret that I use on my animals. (And myself!)

ANTIBACTERIAL GEL

Minjac

5.0 out of 5 stars Miracle gel

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 February 2023

Great gel used for first time needed alternative to expensive vet care and after reading reviews purchased and it's worked wonders. Within couple of days the inflamed lesions on my dogs tummy had all but disappeared. Will definitely use again.

POWER SPRAY

Paul

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable product highly recommend

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 December 2019

Style Name: Power Spray 250 ml

One of my rotties sadly had spine cancer, this is being treated with steroids. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a very dry scale type skin condition. For a week or more she has been just lying around . No matter what I put on her skin it was still very red and dry.

I found this product and

liked the reviews, but to be honest I was still sceptical ..... wow, after using the shampoo and then the power spray for what is now only the second day, the area has no redness at all and her skin softer.

Before using this poor Lexi was just lying in her basket looking awful. Today she has a new spring in her step, the rash must have been driving her mad . I would highly recommend this product.

I believe the spray can also be used on ears. I intend to try it out on lexis brother when his ears need a clean.

EAR DROPS

Ellieamazonacc

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for bulldogs

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 December 2022

Used this on my bulldog after he went swimming in a stinky lake over the weekend. I usually clean his ears out with a water wipe and I went to clean the left one and he yelped and ran away. His ear was hot and he was shaking his head. 3 days later gone. Ears are clear and clean he allowed me to wipe them after no pain. Brilliant stuff!

n For more information, please go to: www.naturesgreatestsecret.co.uk

Vet shares warning against dangerous Easter hazards from Chocolate to Roast Dinners

If you’re unsure how to keep your pets safe this Easter, here are 5 tips recommended by Veterinary Surgeon Dr Linda Simon

1. Keep dogs indoors or on a lead during Easter egg hunts: Whilst you should encourage dogs to run and play in the garden, an Easter egg hunt is one garden activity we should ensure they sit out on. Making sure your dog doesn’t have access to chocolate eggs is very important.

Chocolate is poisonous for dogs, as it contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants that dogs cannot efficiently metabolise, so ingesting even a small amount can make them quite unwell. As we know, dogs have an incredible sense of smell, so it wouldn't take them long to sniff out any hidden chocolate, most likely beating the kids to it.

Once your Easter egg hunt is over, it is a good idea to double-check your garden for any forgotten chocolate before you allow your dog to freely roam the garden unsupervised.

2. In the unfortunate event that your dog ingests some chocolate: It’s important to take them to your veterinary clinic, where they will advise and act upon the next steps. If you want to involve your dog in the Easter games, then hide some of your dog's favourite treats around the garden once the chocolate hunt is over and let them sniff them out. Not only is this one way to stop them from feeling left out, but it is a great source of mental stimulation that can help control stress and curb unwanted behaviours.

3. Avoid sharing your roast dinner: Sharing Easter feasts with our furry friends can be tempting, but this may be doing more harm than good. A traditional UK roast dinner includes chicken, stuffing, gravy, veggies, and Yorkshire puddings - but some of these ingredients can make your pooch quite sick.

While lean chicken meat is absolutely fine to give to our dogs, we need to be cautious of offering too much skin as

chicken skin is high in fat, causing pancreatitis in susceptible dogs. Stuffing is generally a ‘no-no’ for dogs as it contains onion and garlic. If eaten in large quantities, these allium plants can cause red blood cells to break down and can cause anaemia.

Some gravies may be safe, but richer gravies with butter or meat fat are too high in fat and salt and can cause stomach upsets and pancreatitis. Overall, Veggies are the safest option if you want to share, but avoid those cooked in fat or butter. Boiled carrots, parsnips, sprouts, and potatoes are good choices.

4. Supervise your children at all times: Like all animals, dogs have instincts, and they can kick in at any time, which is why we always recommend never leaving children and dogs alone. Even if you think your dog is good with children, there is still cause to remain vigilant when they are together, even more so around high-energy holidays such as Easter.

With the increased excitement and the likely consumption of more sugar than they are generally used to, children can get a little bit hyper, and in turn, they might find pestering the dog a new form of entertainment. Whether it is getting in

the face and smothering them with kisses, or pulling at their tails or ears, like humans, dogs will only withstand so much before they react. So, to avoid unnecessary situations, it is a good idea to keep an eye on how your children interact with your dog.

5. Avoid your dog getting access to your rubbish bins:

Dogs' super-sensitive sense of smell makes them great at finding food, even in the rubbish bin. To prevent potentially dangerous incidents, store your bin out of reach or weigh down the lid when your dog is around.

Easter adds to the risk of food scraps, wrappers, and packaging that could cause blockages or internal damage if ingested. Items such as chicken bones can splinter when consumed. They can cause serious internal damage, and ingestion of wrappers and other nonfood items can cause blockages and other issues that could lead to your dog requiring surgery. So for your sanity and your dogs’ safety, ensuring they do not have access to your bins is advised! Avoid the hassle and keep your dog safe by restricting access to your bins.

n https://www.poochandmutt.co.uk/ Image credit: ©Adobe Stock

SOME

Help to save lives, join Pet Blood Bank’s virtual fundraising challenge around the UK coast!

Starting on Monday 1 May, the virtual challenge begins and ends at the blood bank in Loughborough and aims to raise £10,000. The coastline was chosen to represent the vast distance that Pet Blood Bank travels every year to collect and distribute lifesaving blood for dogs.

Operating very similarly to the human blood service, Pet Blood Bank collects blood donations from donor dogs across the UK which then goes towards helping to save the lives of other dogs in need. Every donation a dog gives can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs. All dogs across the UK have access to the lifesaving blood should they ever need it, so it really is a vital service.

Pet Blood Bank is urging pet owners and lovers to join them on this huge challenge to help support the lifesaving blood bank service. You can participate as a team or as an individual, either way every mile you do will count towards the collective 11,232 mile target as the charity races to complete the challenge in just 30 days.

The funds raised from the challenge will help to save the lives of pets across the country by supporting the blood bank. They will also allow the charity to invest for the future through vital research and education as well as

continue to do things like provide free blood for veterinary charities and subsidise the cost of blood.

n To find out more and join the challenge, please visit www.petbloodbankuk .org/challenge

service, very pleased with tunnels, exactly as described’

‘Great tunnel, great service

good service

Light weight tunnels are suitable for home use with a small dog.

Medium weight tunnels can be used at home or for small clubs where you have a few dogs.

Heavy weight tunnels for use at clubs with a lot of ‘traffic’ or large/boisterous dogs where you need more stability.

Excellent product, good service’ Please

I ordered a tunnel from Naylor's - the website was easy to use, and they took the trouble to contact me about the colours I had chosen to make sure they would match, which was a lovely touch. It was made to order but still came really quickly. Well packaged. The tunnel itself is awesome and my dogs have been having great fun with it. Faultless.’

‘Excellent

‘Great product,

Our dog tunnels are made from heavy duty hard wearing materials which are easy to clean

Protect Your Pup: Beware of These Dangerous Spring Fruits for Dogs

Dog experts at Kennel Store are warning dog owners to keep their furry friends away from a particular Spring fruit following independent research that found a 1,300% increase in Google queries for whether currants, which are in season, are poisonous to dogs. Kennel Store have weighed in and provided the following expert comment on currants, and other Spring fruit that are toxic for dogs, and what owners can do to prevent their pets from becoming unwell.

“When eating Spring fruits, make sure to keep them out of reach of your pets or in some form of container. Many fruits that are currently in season contain some level of cyanide which is safe for humans to ingest, but poisonous for dogs even in small amounts and can cause difficulties with oxygen flow throughout their bodies. Some Spring fruits can also cause kidney failure in your furry friends and may pose as choking hazards.”

What popular Spring fruits are poisonous for dogs?

• Grapes, currants, raisins & sultanas

• Cherries

• Apricots

• Peaches

Grapes, currants, raisins & sultanas

“Grapes and their dried counterpartscurrants, raisins & sultanas - are incredibly toxic to dogs and can lead to acute kidney failure or even death. The dried versions are more likely to cause severe symptoms for your dog. Even a small amount of these fruits could cause severe problems for your dog, no matter their size.”

Cherries

“Cherries contain small amounts of cyanide in their outer shell which can be lethal to dogs if ingested in high amounts. The pits, stems and leaves of cherries can also cause intestinal blockage and damage in dogs. Maraschino cherries are also unhealthy for dogs as the sugar content can cause an imbalance of the bacteria that live in their gut.

Apricots

“The seeds or pits of Apricots contain

cyanide which can be poisonous to dogs if ingested in large amounts and can cause various dangerous symptoms in your furry friend like vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, seizures, and in severe cases, death. The pits of apricots also pose a choking hazard and may cause intestinal blockages.”

Peaches

“Peaches have pits that contain amygdalin, a toxin that can cause kidney failure within dogs and in worst-case scenarios, death. Dogs can experience acute poisoning if they consume a large number of peach pits. Additionally, swallowing peaches that contain pits can cause choking hazards and intestinal blockage in dogs, which can also prove fatal.”

Signs that your dog may have eaten

something toxic:

“If your dog has eaten something toxic, symptoms can appear rapidly in your furry-friend, but could take a few days to

develop in some cases. Be alert for the following:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Breathing difficulties

• Seizures

• Extreme salivation

• Loss of appetite

• Loss of consciousness

• Drowsiness

• Bleeding from orifices”

“No matter the size of your furry-friend, poisoning in dogs is an emergency. If you are concerned that your dog has consumed something poisonous, take your dog to a vet for a professional medical screening and treatment. Take note of your surroundings and what your dog may have eaten and inform your veterinarian so that they can prescribe the best course of treatment.”

n https://www.kennelstore.co.uk

Image credit: ©Adobe Stock

Dachshund puppy becomes 7000th pup on dog welfare study

Ground-breaking research reaches milestone in time for National Puppy Day

Dogs Trust has celebrated National Puppy Day by welcoming the 7,000th puppy onto its ground-breaking Generation Pup study of four-legged friends.

The Generation Pup study, which launched in 2016, tracks puppies through to adulthood, to learn how their early experiences, environment, diet and exercise affects their health and behaviour later in life. It is the first study of its kind, enabling researchers to gain ground-breaking new insights about our canine companions to improve dog welfare for future generations.

Taking the participation numbers to achieve this milestone figure is a Dachshund pup, called Poppy.

Dr Jane Murray, Research Manager for Generation Pup, at Dogs Trust, said: “It is wonderful that we’ve recruited 7,000 dogs and we’re so grateful to all the owners who give up their time to help with the study.

“Generation Pup is ground-breaking, as we believe it to be the only longitudinal study that includes pure and mixed breed dogs and collects data that enables investigation of both behavioural and health problems at different life stages.

“Owners can gain a huge amount of satisfaction in knowing that the information they provide us is helping to make a real difference to the welfare of dogs in the future. Every time a dog is included in one of our studies we award their owner with a 'Certificate of Animal Welfare Science' and a link to

the research.

“We would love to reach 10,000 doggy recruits so please sign up online. The more puppies we have signed up to the study, the greater potential we have to understand more about our dogs and how to help them in the future.”

As well as knowing they are contributing to canine welfare research, puppy owners will receive a newsletter twice a year, be part of an online community through social media and be able to enter competitions to win prizes.

The charity is aiming to recruit a total of 10,000 puppies and is calling on new

owners to celebrate their puppies this National Puppy Day by taking part in this innovative study.

Generation Pup is open to all breeds and crossbreeds of puppies from anywhere in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Puppies need to be registered onto the project before they are 16 weeks old. Puppies that have gone through quarantine can be registered up to 21 weeks of age.

n To find out more about Generation Pup or to sign up your new four-legged friend, visit www.generationpup.ac.uk

Poppy 7000th puppy

George 4000th puppy

Maddie Golden Retriever Puppy 6000th Generation Pup recruit

Whopping £2000 share out to Rescue Centres!

Update from owner Sue at East Ruston Cottages

In the last edition we told you about our Charity pot share out. We donate £8/holiday cottage booking to the pot; at the end of every 3 months, we add it up and share it out! We had hoped to raise approx. £1200 but were thrilled to find it was £1500. Not only that but our lovely guests and owners donated another £500, so we had a whopping £2000 to share out!

The charities that got £500 each were:

Dogs On The Streets

Holbrook Animal Rescue

Large Breed Dog Rescue

PawPrints Dog Rescue

We’ll be looking forward to our next charity pot share out at the end of May. Join our busy FB page if you would like to nominate.

In April we are celebrating our 15th birthday. 15 years of offering truly dog welcoming holidays here in Norfolk. Since 2008 we have been leading the way and are always trying to do better, welcome more dogs and give them a very happy holiday here.

We’ll be celebrating with a fun competition and a 15% discount – all in the first week of April so pop over and have a look at our cottages and follow us on social media to be part of it all.

n www.eastrustoncottages.co.uk

Charity appeals to owners to get cats neutered as it cares for litter of eight kittens

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery help Cats Protection provide vital care for cats and kittens in need.

Cats Protection’s Derby Adoption Centre is encouraging owners to get their cats neutered after rescuing a young stray who had given birth to an incredible eight kittens, double the average litter size.

The charity is looking after the feline family until they can either be reunited with their owners, if possible, or found loving new homes.

This work is kindly supported by an award from Postcode Animal Trust thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery, who have been raising funds for Cats Protection since 2018.

One-year-old Mitush was found in a street, along with her eight kittens who were only a few days old, at the end of January. The person that found them contacted the adoption centre team, who were able to take them into the maternity wing straight away.

Despite her young age, Mitush is a very good mother, especially considering the size of her litter which is one of the largest the centre has seen. The kittens are doing well and will be ready to find new homes around early April, once they have been weaned, vaccinated and neutered.

Another young stray cat, now called Feia, and her kitten Lindo came into the centre on 17 January, when Lindo was just two weeks old. Feia is estimated to be around 18 months old and the pair were found in a garden. The owners of the house had a good look around and did not see any more kittens, so managed to bring them inside before

handing them over to Cats Protection.

As the only kitten in the litter, Lindo is thriving and being well looked after. He is getting more and more playful by the day, watched over by his proud mum.

Adoption Centre Manager, Helen Wood, said: “As well as Mitush and Feia, we’ve taken in a heavily pregnant cat and another mum with new-born kittens recently.

“Having started taking in kittens quite early this year, it looks like this kitten season might be a busy one. We’d really encourage cat owners to get their cats neutered to ensure there will be fewer unwanted felines in the future.”

“We recommend that cats are neutered from around four months of age, as this is when they can start breeding. This means that at just six months of age, a kitten could be a mother herself.”

Neutering offers many solid benefits to

cats and owners alike. A neutered cat is less likely to spray, less likely to roam and also less likely to fight. Neutering also helps guard against disease, as fighting cats are more at risk of lifethreatening diseases that can be transmitted through biting and saliva. Cats Protection believes that population control for cats is vital, as felines are prolific breeders. As one unneutered female cat could potentially produce up to 18 kittens a year, owners who do not neuter their cats may unwittingly be contributing to more cats being abandoned in the future.

n More information on neutering, including financial assistance and a database of veterinary practices that neuter cats from four months of age, can be found online https://www.cats.org.uk/whatwe-do/neutering

Cats Protection celebrates compulsory microchipping of cats following long campaign

The UK’s biggest cat charity – which has led the campaign for compulsory microchipping of pet cats – has welcomed the news that the measure will become law next year.

Cats Protection has been calling for all owned cats to be microchipped since the measure was first introduced for dogs back in 2016.

The Government’s announcement on 13 March means that all pet cats in England must be microchipped from 10 June 2024.

Cats Protection’s research shows that across the UK, 2.8 million (26%) cats are not microchipped. In England –where the new law will apply – there are 2.3 million cats that are not microchipped.

The charity’s Head of Advocacy, Campaigns & Government Relations Madison Rogers said the new regulations was a major step forward for feline welfare in England, but said the charity will continue to campaign for the measure to be introduced in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

She said: “After many years of campaigning, Cats Protection is delighted that cats in England will finally be given the same protection as dogs when it comes to microchipping. Our branches and centres regularly reunite owners with their much-loved pets, and in most cases this is only possible thanks to microchips. No matter how far from home they are found, or how long they have been missing, if a cat has a microchip there is a good chance that a lost cats will be swiftly returned home.

“While this is brilliant news for cat welfare, the new law will only apply in England, risking cats in the rest of the UK being left behind. Animal lovers will rightly want to see cats given the same protection in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland so we’re urging politicians to work quickly to make sure this happens as soon as possible.”

Colin Clayton and wife Eva Bellamy, of Birmingham, were finally reunited with their lost cat Big Ginge ten years after the moggy went missing from the

couple’s narrowboat home in 2011.

Colin said: “It was very upsetting when Ginge went missing, and as the months went by we assumed he must have died. It turns out he was very much alive although we don’t know where he was or what he was up to for most of that time. Eventually he was reported to Cats Protection and taken in as a stray, when his true identity was discovered thanks to a quick scan of his microchip.

“We were absolutely thrilled to get him back – it may have taken a long time, but it is better late than never. He immediately settled back to home life, and now it’s like he’s never been gone.

“When we had Ginge microchipped as a kitten, we didn’t even think twice. As far as we’re concerned, it’s just part of the package of pet ownership, like buying cat food. The cost is a tiny fraction of how much you need to spend on a pet during their lifetime, and Ginge’s story shows that it really is money well spent.”

n Cats Protection, the UK's leading feline welfare charity, has helped an average of 166,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years through its national network which includes around 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres https://www.cats.org.uk

Ginge

Warning for cat owners to be vigilant after air gun attacks on Northampton cat

A Northampton cat owner has joined Cats Protection’s calls for air guns to be licensed after her four-year-old cat Wilson suffered agonising injuries after being shot near his home.

Juliet Overland, of Lytham Close, said the black moggy returned home with an injury in late February. Having rushed him to a vet, she was horrified when an x-ray revealed an air gun pellet imbedded in his abdomen, having passed through his colon.

Having spent over £3,500 on veterinary bills, Juliet said Wilson is finally recovering from surgery to repair his colon, though may still need a kidney to be removed.

She said: “The vet was able to remove the pellet and gave it to me, and I felt sick when I saw it. This was not a small pellet, it was one which was designed to cause maximum penetration and damage.

“Whoever did this clearly wanted to cause immense pain without any regard to whether he survived or not. It is so upsetting as Wilson is a very muchloved pet and I’m devastated someone would want to hurt him.

“It is shocking that air guns aren’t licensed and they clearly need to be. This is not just someone messing about shooting tin cans, it’s someone who wanted to cause pain and suffering to a pet cat. It’s been incredibly upsetting and stressful for me, both emotionally and financially.”

Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy, Campaigns & Government Relations Madison Rogers said that sadly Wilson’s was not an isolated case, with the charity’s monitoring of press reports showing that in the last five years, over 550 cats in the UK were reported in the press as being shot with an air gun. With no official data available, this figure is likely to be just the tip of an iceberg.

She said: “Air guns are unlicensed in Wales and England, which means anyone aged over 18 can legally buy

and own such a lethal weapon, no questions asked. This is in contrast with Scotland, which has strict rules in place on who can buy and own an air gun.

“It is clear that Scotland’s laws are working – over 90% of the air gun attacks we see on cats happen in England and Wales, where there are no controls. This is shocking, and shows that there is a problem with air guns being used irresponsibly in Wales and England, with cats frequently being the innocent victims.

“Discovering a much-loved pet cat has been shot with an air gun is deeply distressing for any owner. It is also a great concern for the wider community,

Wilson was rushed him to a vet, she was horrified when an x-ray revealed an air gun pellet imbedded in his abdomen, having passed through his colon.

who will understandably be very anxious that dangerous weapons are being used by individuals living in their area.”

n Cats Protection is calling for air guns to be licensed in Wales and England. To find out more about the charity’s campaign and to sign its petition, please visit www.cats.org.uk/airgunspetition

Cats Protection warns of animal welfare crisis as people cut down on vet visits and insurance

The leading feline welfare charity is seeing a rise in people giving up their cats for financial reasons and is warning there could be an animal welfare crisis as a direct result of the cost of living.

Cats Protection has launched an online hub to support owners in need with a raft of information including how to look after your cat on a budget and how to access help with costs.

One in three* cat owners surveyed said they feel “greatly impacted” by the cost of living crisis, while nearly one in five (18%) said they were spending less on vet services, including missing essential vaccinations or not microchipping their pet.

Meanwhile, nearly one in three (31%) of cat owners said they are concerned about how they would pay emergency vet bills if their cat became sick or injured, with nearly one in five (18%) concerned about paying for routine vet treatment. The charity says this represents tens of thousands of cats whose welfare could now be at risk.

A quarter of cat owners (25%) said they are spending less on pet insurance because of the cost of living and 17% are concerned about paying for insurance in the future.

Alison Richards, Head of Clinical Services at Cats Protection said: “We know the cost of living is having a huge impact on people across the country, with many cat owners making difficult choices to make ends meet. Cutting back on insurance or vet treatment can ultimately lead to higher costs if a cat becomes injured, gravely unwell, or even pregnant.

“We’ve launched a new information hub with lots of tips and ideas for looking after your cat on a budget, with everything from how to make free cat toys to how to access help with costs such as neutering. We want to provide access to information and resources that can help every owner look after their cat.”

Cat owners also reported cutting back on spending, with more than half spending less on eating out or take-

aways, days out, clothes, drinking and holidays. The survey also showed that 60% of owners feel their cat is a source of comfort to them during a difficult time.

Adoption centres are also seeing a rise in people giving up their cats for financial reasons.

Nicola Murray, deputy manager at Cats Protection’s Harrow Homing Centre, said: “The cost of living is having a greater impact on animal welfare than Covid. We’ve got desperate people turning up on our doorstep every week and our waiting lists for people wishing to give their cat up are several weeks long. People need more information and support for managing their cats during this time as no one should have to give up a much loved pet during a time of crisis.”

*Survey of 3,011 cat owners in the UK, conducted by Basis on behalf of Cats Protection. Fieldwork completed in December 2022.

www.cats.org.uk

Cat owners are cutting back on pet essentials such as vet care, vaccinations, and insurance as a result of the cost of living crisis, according to new research from Cats Protection.

Lucky escape for cat trapped in a car engine during school run

A terrified cat travelled five miles wedged under the bonnet of a car during a Monday morning school run and was found only thanks to a random oil check.

Kent granddad David King drove from his house in Berridge Road, Sheerness, to collect his grandchild and take him to school in Minster, unaware of the extra passenger he was carrying in such a perilous position beside the car engine.

When he completed the five-mile round trip, David, aged 65, parked up and, as luck would have it, popped the bonnet of his Vauxhall Astra as his car had recently been serviced and he wanted to check the oil and water. What he actually saw came as quite a shock.

David’s wife Tina, aged 67, said: “He came running in shouting for me to come have a look. I thought whatever’s wrong? What I didn’t expect to see was two eyes staring back at him from a ball of fluff. We weren’t even sure it was alive.

“I gently prodded it with a stick to check it was breathing and saw it was a terrified little cat. It reversed even further into the engine and was stuck. I tried to reach it but it was too far down and there wasn’t any way I could coax it out. My husband couldn’t touch it as he’s allergic to cats.”

The retired couple called their roadside assistance service and, when they were unable to help, rang a local vet, who suggested that they appealed to Cats Protection to rescue the trapped moggy.

Kim Braysher, Welfare Team Leader at Cats Protection’s Swale Branch, took the call and was on the scene within minutes. “When we opened the bonnet, we saw two wide eyes staring back at us. She was understandably frightened and trembling.

“She must have been petrified all the time the car was driving on the busy school run. It was no wonder she was so wary after such a traumatic morning. We tried to calm her but she backed away, burying herself deeper into the engine cavity. We just couldn’t reach her. It was clear we’d have to try something more drastic if we were to

coax her out.

“Tina agreed that my husband Simon could jack the car up and take the front wheel off so that I could get underneath, reach in and pull the cat out without causing her any injury. All the time we were talking to her, trying to keep her calm so that she didn’t get even more stuck.”

When Rose was finally freed, Kim scanned for a microchip and, thankfully, a chip was found. Despite the chip’s registered contact number being out of date, the owner’s home address was nearby so Kim drove there with Rose.

Rose’s luck was in again and her relieved owner Allison Webster answered the door.

“I explained that I was from Cats Protection and asked if their cat had recently gone missing,” said Kim. “She was overjoyed when I said we’d found her cat but shocked to hear the danger she’d been in. It was an emotional reunion, thanks to Rose being microchipped. It’s also a lesson to keep your contact details up to date on the chip’s database.”

Four-year-old Rose had escaped from her home in Sheerness on Sunday, leaving her owner anxious about how the indoor-only cat would survive on the chilly streets.

Little did they expect that Rose would

find a snug place to hide inside the engine cavity of a car and be forced to survive an ordeal that proved that she is #MoreThanJustAMoggy.

Allison, aged 48, said: “On Monday morning, I thought she was asleep in my son’s bedroom on his windowsill but I felt something was wrong after he left for school and she never appeared. She always gallops around the house after being fed. So I was surprised but relieved when I answered the door to Cats Protection.

“Rose is my family and she had quite an experience with all that she went through. She must have been so afraid when the car was moving along the roads. I feel so blessed that she had Cats Protection as well as a lovely couple who were willing and able to bring Rose home to me.”

Rose appeared unscathed by her ordeal and her microchip details have been updated, Allison said: “Rose is back to galloping around the house as if nothing happened but I’m pretty sure she has used up one of her nine lives. Bless her, she’s a very lucky cat and I’m lucky to have her.”

#MoreThanJustAMoggy

https://www.cats.org.uk/morethanjustamoggy

Walk-in Chalet

The standard unit you will need for your licenced cattery, also used and approved by leading rescue groups throughout the UK.

The fully lined and insulated walk-in sleeping quarter measures 4ft wide x 4ft deep x 6ft high and has a vinyl floor for easy cleaning. Two removable UPVC shelves, a fully adjustable air vent, lockable cat flap and a fully opening window leading to a sunning shelf and ladder, make this a firm favourite with customers and cats alike!

A 6ft long exercise area gives your cats plenty of space to explore and relax. A second sunning shelf provides another area to watch the world go by as it is near the front of the pen.

THE UK’S PREMIER CATTERY AND KENNEL MANUFACTURERS

Champion Penthouse

With a fully lined and insulated raised sleeping area, our Penthouses have extra run space underneath. There is a large viewing window in the front door of the sleeping compartment, a white, removable uPVC internal shelf and a fully adjustable air vent. A cat flap leads to sunning shelf one which has a detachable ladder leading down to the exercise run and a second sunning shelf is at the safety porch end.

Lift out shutters are fitted to the top half of all exterior walls which, when removed leave just the galvanised mesh allowing your cats to enjoy a truly outdoor experience.

If you are having more than one pen, full height sneeze barriers will be fitted between each pen and you will have the choice of solid white or clear acrylic for these. Our Champion range of cat pens come in standard 3ft and 4ft widths

Premier Champion Penthouse

Our Premier Champion range of cat pens come in a 3ft or 4ft width and, to the naked eye, look exactly like our standard Champion range. These though, are fitted with a seamless fibreglass module, exclusive to Lindee Lu, in the sleeping compartment offering ultimate hygiene and durability.

These pens are perfect for breeders, private cat owners and charity fostering pens, being an absolute necessity if you have elderly or unwell cats or kittens who cannot manage a ladder.

The Premier range is also available with an additional downstairs module, so each pen has two sleeping areas, both of which are able to accommodate a panel heater.

CLASSIC HOUSE CAT PENS FOR BREEDERS

Our hand made Catteries are manufactured in the UK

4ft Classic House

Our Classic House has a full-height walk in sleeping quarter – much the same as our standard 4ft Chalets but these are manufactured for those wanting a single pen which will be installed up against a fence, hedge or boundary wall.

The Classic benefits from a full, solid insulated roof and a solid timber back wall providing ultimate protection and ‘classic’ good looks!

The sleeping area of the Classic House has an additional opening window to the 4ft Chalet, for added ventilation, which is secured using galvanised mesh when open. Two sunning shelves in the exercise area and two, removable uPVC shelves in the sleeping area give your cat plenty of choice on where to hang out.

Our Classic House also benefits from a raised floor throughout, fully covered with vinyl which not only looks very smart but it’s warm underfoot and very easy to clean.

Caring for Older Cats

Cats may need a little extra help as they age

Caring for elderly cats

As your cat ages, they may benefit from a few changes to their environment, such as making resources easier to reach. And by understanding their changing needs you can help them lead a happier and more healthy life.

Older cats make great pets. Some people specifically adopt older cats because they tend to enjoy hanging out at home more. There are a few steps you can take to ensure your older cat is happy and healthy during their twilight years.

You and your elderly cat

Elderly cats (12+) may need a little extra help as they age, but older cats often make fantastic companions who love to spend much of their time enjoying your company at home. In fact, many people choose to adopt older cats because they spend less time roaming and more time closer to home. Owners often comment on the special relationship they have with their older pet.

By understanding your cat's changing needs you can ensure that they are content, comfortable and free from pain. Cats can be good at hiding their symptoms and suffering, so talk to your vet if you notice any change in your cat's behaviour. Many conditions are treatable and your vet can often help to reduce pain and improve your cat's quality of life.

The ageing process

What happens as cats age?

l activity levels decrease and muscle tone reduces

l appetite and/or fluid intake may change

l vision and/or hearing may become less effective

l bowel and urinary system functions may change

l immune system may weaken

l light sleep may increase but deep sleep decreases

l coat condition may deteriorate

l age-associated disorders may develop, such as arthritis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism or renal impairment

l psychological and behavioural changes can occur, such as senility,

aggression, increased dependence or excessive vocalisation

Preventative healthcare for senior cats

Elderly cats usually need more frequent vet visits than younger, healthier cats, particularly if they have any ageassociated symptoms or diseases. Ask your vet how regularly your cat needs a health check. Some surgeries run special geriatric clinics for older cats.

Regular weight checks are important, as are booster vaccinations to support your cat's weakened immune system.

Feeding older cats

As your cat gets older, they may benefit from a senior cat food that is designed to meet their precise nutritional needs. You can make life easier for your cat by providing fresh food and water in a variety of locations around your home, including upstairs and downstairs.

Watch how much food your cat eats. A change in their appetite can indicate an underlying health condition. Talk to your vet if your cat starts eating more or less.

Cats may eat less if their sense of smell weakens. Warming their food may help to increase the aroma and entice them to eat.

Surgery considerations

Surgical procedures on older cats may carry a risk of causing other health problems, so they should be considered carefully. Your vet will carry out a preoperative assessment to check your cat's overall health, and can advise on any specific concerns.

Time to call the vet?

Many health conditions affecting older cats are treatable, so call your vet if you notice any change in your cat's behaviour. Treatment can improve your cat's quality of live and could extend their life.

Health issues affecting older cats

Cats can suffer from a wide range of health conditions as they age. Cats often try to hide their suffering, so you will need to be alert to small clues that your cat is not right. This might be changes in their movements eating, drinking, sleeping or toileting. Talk to your vet if you notice any changes. Prompt treatment may help to reduce suffering and may also extend your cat's life

https://www.claycountycatcare.com/old er-cats

REMIUM CAT SNACK

Neglected Pony, rescued from field and twelve month on- with the use of a Boett Blanket just look at the difference!

What is Sweet itch?

Approximately five per cent of equines in the UK suffer from sweet itch. It results from hypersensitivity against salivary antigens from biting midges (Culicoides) and, to a lesser extent, the larger Simulium equinum, a member of the black fly family.

It is a common and well-described seasonal allergic dermatitis between March and October, reflecting the presence of insects and may affect all equine species.

Intervention should begin as early as possible in the season – the climate appears to be playing havoc with our seasons, and our milder and damper winters are allowing the midge breeding season to start earlier (midges were seen in January this year).

Symptoms

Typically, sufferers can be observed excessively rubbing and scratching the mane, tail, withers, head, back and belly, or, in severe cases, the whole body. This persistent, self-

inflicted trauma can cause damage, such as scaling, excoriation, hair breakage, alopecia, hives and ulcerations. The skin will become thickened and ridged if this pattern is repeated yearly and the risk of secondary infection is high.

Other signs include lethargy or agitation, lack of concentration and head shaking. Weight loss is another possible clinical sign in severe cases. It is thought signs will worsen with age.

Prevention

It is widely documented there is no cure for sweet itch; the only true prevention is to completely eliminate the insects’ contact with the horse. Culicoides have a short flying distance of 100 metres and their breeding sites are wet soil, moist, decaying vegetation, clay soil and marsh land, so where possible, sufferers should be kept away from muck heaps, old hay, rotting leaves, streams and wet ground. Windy hillsides, chalk-based grassland or coastal areas are unsuitable environments for Culicoides, making them useful turnout environments for sweet itch cases.

Neglected Pony before using the Boett Blanket

Bio-Plus capsules for horses

These improve general health, reduced stress, stronger immune systems and resistance to disease. Visit www.itchyhorse.co.uk

THE NATIONAL SWEET-ITCH CENTRE

Tel: 07825 152490

email: info@itchyhorse.co.uk

Stabling at dawn and dusk is often advised but horses can do themselves more damage whilst stabled, as the environment lends itself to areas they can rub on. A good sweet- itch rug (Boett) with good protection and leaving the horse out in a suitable environment is preferable.

Antihistamines may bring some relief, but increasing high doses are required and the effects are variable. They can make the horse drowsy and, therefore, are not ideal for long-term use.

A highly successful form of prevention is the Boett Blanket (available from The National Sweet Itch Centre, www.itchyhorse.co.uk) which offers maximum body coverage. Recommended by many Vets and even covered by many insurance companies on the alternative therapy part of their policy.

BioPlus capsules have been available for several years based on bacterial protein that are designed to re-educate the immune response (immunotherapy), good results are being reported. (available from The National Sweet Itch Centre, www.itchyhorse.co.uk)

The development and science behind this product and the work of Professor Stanford (BioEos) can be seen on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh6lj4D4-f0

Boett Blanket

The same Pony after using the Boett Blanket

Springtime Hedgehogs – British Hedgehog Preservation Society

As the nights start to get shorter and the weather (hopefully) starts to warm up, Britain’s Favourite Wild Mammal, the hedgehog, will start to wake up from hibernation.

During hibernation their bodies cool and their heart rates drops to just a faint 20 beats per minute. Their body temperature which is normally 35°C drops to 10° or less and they only breathe about once every few minutes. They will have spent the winter tucked up in nests made of dry leaves, grass and other vegetation maybe under hedges or piles of wood, inside compost heaps or under sheds or decking.

So don’t be too tidy in the garden in the spring. Be careful when doing that first cut of the grass – keep an eye out for any unusual mounds in the grass or hedge bases and check them carefully for sleeping hedgehogs before you get out the mower. Don’t go raking carelessly through any piles of leaves which could be prime hibernation spots for hedgehogs. If a corner of your garden has gone a bit wild over the winter, why not leave it to provide some shelter for wildlife and a habitat for the

invertebrates that hedgehogs feed on. March and April are the months when most hedgehogs wake up and you may start seeing signs of hedgehog activity in your garden again. This is a key time for hedgehogs; they need to replenish their fat reserves after their long winter sleep so food will be the first thing on their agenda. If they wake early, natural foods (beetles, caterpillars, worms etc.) can still be a bit scarce. So now is the time to start putting out supplementary food and water for them again. Offer meaty cat, dog or hedgehog food or dry cat biscuits alongside a shallow dish of fresh water each night.

Once they’ve eaten and drunk, the next thing will be the need to find a mate. So make sure your garden and your neighbours’ gardens are linked up to make a “hedgehog highway”. The more gardens that you can link up the greater the chance of hedgehogs being able to meet up. It only needs a 13cm square gap at the bottom to allow a hedgehog

through and once you’ve created your hedgehog highway you can log it on the BIG Hedgehog Map at www.bighedgehogmap.org - the map also accepts sightings of hedgehogs! Hopefully come the summer the next generation of hoglets will be out and about in your garden and the cycle can begin again.

n For more information about helping hedgehogs please see www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk

Photos credits: British Hedgehog Preservation Society

Charity braced for more litter reports as warmer weather set to

finally return

RSPCA recruiting ‘Wildlife Friends’ to help tackle the “frustrating” problem

An animal welfare charity is recruiting volunteers to help it tackle the scourge of litter on the nation’s wildlife - as it fears the problem could soon get “even worse”.

The RSPCA already receives thousands of reports every year about incidents where birds and mammals have been maimed or even killed by carelessly discarded rubbish - and is worried more calls could be on the horizon with warmer weather finally forecast in the coming weeks.

To tackle the problem, the charity is urging animal-lovers to sign up to become Wildlife Friends as part of the RSPCA’s involvement in the King’s coronation volunteering initiative ‘Big Help Out’ - with litter-picking one of a number of ways volunteers can pitch in to help protect wild animals.

Shocking new data from the charity has revealed that it has taken 10,483 reports about litter-affected animals in the past three years. One of the options for Wildlife Friends is litter-picking, which will help reduce litter-related incidents that the RSPCA has to deal with, which range from swans swallowing fishing hooks and hedgehogs maimed by elastic bands to drinks can tabs caught on ducks bills and fox cubs getting their heads caught in old plastic bottles.

RSPCA wildlife officer Evie Button, from the RSPCA’s wildlife team, said: “Litter is one of the biggest and most frustrating hazards our wildlife faces today. It’s a problem on all of our doorsteps - from city centres to the countryside and beaches - and our officers see all too often what a significant problem this is for animal welfare.

“Our army of Wildlife Friends - who have signed up as part of the RSPCA’s involvement in the King’s coronation community volunteering ‘Big Help Out’ initiative - will also be doing their bit, litter-picking in local hot-spots where it

is a particular problem.”

The RSPCA has previously urged people to do their bit to pick up litter and protect animals this year, by getting involved in Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean’s ‘Big Bag Challenge’, starting on Friday 17 Marchand now fears the problem could become even more acute with warmer weather reportedly on the way.

One of the thousands of recent incidents reported to the RSPCA included a fox in desperate need of help in Willesden (pictured), after getting his head stuck inside a discarded plastic bottle. The alarm was sounded to the RSPCA - after locals reported seeing the fox with his head stuck for as long as four days.

RSPCA inspector Dale Grant rushed to the stricken fox's rescue - and thankfully was able to catch the frightened animal using his rescue pole and carefully pull the bottle from his head. Sadly, however, not all animals impacted by litter are so lucky. Weather experts claim that the UK could be basking in warmer temperatures by the end of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend - following a lengthy cold spell.

Evie added: "With warmer weather on the way in the coming weeks, and people due to spend more time outside, we're worried we could soon receive yet more reports about animals in trouble because of litter - and that's why we really need the public's help, before this problem gets even worse. "As we head into a warmer spell, it'll also be a time where we see more baby wildlife starting to be born - and young animals are particularly at risk of carelessly discarded litter." The Big Help Out is planned to be the biggest volunteering event of 2023 - and those interested in becoming a Wildlife Friend can get involved via the charity's website.

Chris Sherwood, the RSPCA’s chief executive, added: “We can all do our bit to help wildlife this Spring and Summer and by working together we can help even more animals.

“We all share our neighbourhoods with wonderful wildlife and we need to protect them - by becoming an RSPCA Wildlife Friend, people can learn how to join with their community to make their area a safe space for the animals sharing our world. From litter picks, to building nest boxes, planning wildlifefriendly plants, or even sharing our wildlife advice online, there's so many ways to get involved. “The RSPCA's Royal connection goes back more than 180 years, and we're proud to be part of the Coronation celebrations and the Big Help Out. Our volunteers are delighted they can be a part of Coronation celebrations through the Big Help Out.”

Join the RSPCA’s vice president, Steve Backshall, on May 8 for the Big Help Out by signing up to be a Wildlife Friend at www.rspca.org.uk/thebighelpout

n To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website www.rspca.org.uk/give or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.

Trapped fox

Foal born to rescued donkey at Devon sanctuary

The grey and white foal was soon finding his feet after being safely delivered at the sanctuary in Sidmouth early on the morning of 6 March.

The foal, who is yet to be named, was born to rescued donkey Rosie, who along with four companions was discovered in muddy, rain-swept conditions in Cornwall in April 2022.

The donkeys were huddled in kneedeep mud and were soon transported to The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, where they received urgent veterinary attention.

The veterinary checks also confirmed that Rosie, and two of the other rescued

donkeys, Bluebell and Maggie, were pregnant.

Bluebell welcomed her foal Chief a few months after she arrived at the sanctuary’s New Arrivals Unit, with Maggie giving birth to Cubby Leo at the end of September.

Sara Blair-Salter, the sanctuary’s New Arrivals Manager, said: “We couldn’t guess when Rosie was due because as we didn’t know when she was in season and had mated, so we made sure to monitor her closely, checking any changes in her shape, weight and demeanour.”

As the time neared, Sara and her colleagues noticed that Rosie’s udders

had begun to swell as milk was produced, and just before 7am last Monday, her foal was born.

Sara says: “Rosie’s birth went very smoothly, and it was quite quick. Within 15 minutes of his arrival, her foal was on his feet and exploring his surroundings.

“Rosie knew exactly what she was doing from the off – she was cleaning her foal and nudging him towards her udder and encouraging him to feed.”

Rosie’s foal has already ventured out into his field and has been running around confidently and exploring his new home in the Devon countryside.

n www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Staff at The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon have welcomed the patter of tiny hooves as a donkey they rescued last year gave birth to a gorgeous fluffy foal last week.

Rosie with her new foal pictured in their cosy stable on Thursday 9 March.

Photo Credit: The Donkey Sanctuary

Dog Friendly Clinic scheme provides positive visits for pets

Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA) have launched a Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme for practitioners to ensure that dogs and their owners have a positive experience when visiting clinics.

Many dogs find vet visits stressful, which can result in them being unwilling to enter clinics, being difficult to examine, and worried during treatment. The Dog Friendly Clinic scheme helps practice staff develop dog behaviour knowledge and skills so they can recognise and address early signs of anxiety and improve the welfare of dogs whilst in the clinic. This means improved safety for staff and customers and helps the client-clinic bond.

Through the scheme, created by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity with the BVBA, canine experts provide the tools for clinic staff to learn more about dog behaviour, including how pain and health conditions can be contributing factors to behaviour, and how to reduce the impact of visiting the vet for dogs.

Through the subscription service, available to all veterinary professionals, advice is provided on how to help dogs

remain calm in clinics as well as guidance for dog owners on preparing their pets in advance. Benefits of the Dog Friendly Clinics membership include access to dog behaviour CPD, a certificate and badge to demonstrate a commitment to clients to improve the clinic experience for dogs.

Dr Rachel Casey, Director of Canine Behaviour and Research at Dogs Trust said:

“Veterinary care is an essential part of dogs’ lives, but some find visits to the vets stressful. We are very pleased to collaborate with the BVBA to create the Dog Friendly Clinic scheme to help veterinary practices embed the principles of behavioural medicine into clinic life.

“Vet clinics are at the forefront of recognising and preventing the development of problem behaviours in dogs, and this scheme will help them

develop the skills and knowledge to optimise the wellbeing of the dogs in their care.”

Chris Laurence, Chair of BVBA said: “Dog anxiety when visiting the vet can be traumatising for everyone involved and may even put off owners seeking veterinary help when needed. Encouraging welfare-friendly treatment of dogs in veterinary practices is one of our primary objectives so every additional practice means many more dogs will benefit.

“By joining our dog friendly community, veterinary practices are helping to ensure every dog has as positive an experience as possible within their clinic.”

n To find out more about the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme visit www.dogfriendlyclinic.org.uk

RSPCA hails ‘amazing team effort’ as dog is pulled from culvert after 40-hour operation

Martha, an English bull terrier, had become stuck in the drainage tunnel

The RSPCA has said it will be nominating those involved in the rescue of a dog - trapped down a culvert in West Yorkshire for two daysfor an animal welfare award. Martha, a two-year-old English bull terrier disappeared inside the drainage tunnel in Black Carr Woods, Pudsey, while out on a walk with her owner Paul Millicent at about 4.30pm on Friday (17 March).

She was eventually brought to the surface at about 9.30am on Sundaymore than 40 hours later - after being located 20 metres (65 feet) down by thermal imaging and she was dug out by an excavator which worked through the night to reach her.

Dehydrated, with a few minor cuts and scratches, she’s now recovering at her home with Paul and his wife Susan, who spent most of the time in the woods anxiously waiting for news as the rescue operation progressed.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service had initially been out on Friday night but were unable to reach Martha and the RSPCA was asked to go the following morning.

Animal rescue officer Rebecca Goulding assessed the situation and contacted the local council, whose emergency planning department gave the go ahead for digging to start. The RSPCA officer then arranged for Yorkshire Water to attend the scene and one of their thermal imaging cameras successfully located Martha about 15 metres (49 feet) down.

Further calls and enquiries were made by the RSPCA and local drainage firm Dr Drainage agreed to help, hiring an excavator to help bring the dog to safety.

Rebecca, who was helped by her colleagues, animal rescue officer Kris Walker and inspector Taylor, stayed at the scene with Martha’s owners until about 1am on Saturday night.

She said: “It was the longest and most complex operation I have ever been

involved in and it was heartwarming to see so many different organisations working together, totally focused on rescuing this little dog.

“At first the Yorkshire Water teams used rods to try and reach her but because a bit of the pipe had broken further down the tunnel they were unable to get the equipment past that point and it was then I realised she would probably have to be dug out.

“She’d moved further along the pipe, but couldn’t turn around, and the excavator had to dig down about 20 metres in the end to reach her.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved, especially Yorkshire Water who attended with their specialist imaging equipment, as well as the staff from Dr Drainage who carried on excavating throughout the night, James Hemingway of WCG Environmental Services and building contractor Karl Houchen.

“We’d also like to recognise the efforts of the fire service who were the first organisation on the scene and the local authority who very promptly gave us permission to dig on their land. It was a long and complex operation but no-one

gave up, it was an amazing team effort.”

Mr Millicent, who lives locally, said he feared the worst when the fire brigade were unable to reach Martha. “We’ve been walking our dogs here for about 30 years and nothing like this has ever happened before,” he said. “She just didn’t re-appear and what was supposed to be a three-mile, hour-long walk turned into a two-day rescue operation.”

“I sat there and thought, what are we going to do? On Saturday morning I felt there was no hope but Rebecca started ringing around and it was her positivity and determination to get Martha home that lifted us and made things start to happen. We’re amazed by everyone’s efforts, it really does reaffirm your faith in humanity.

“Martha is oblivious to it all of course but she really is one very lucky dog. Knowing her as we do she’s unlikely to learn from her mistakes though and she’ll be off for another look down the tunnel, so we’ll be keeping her on a lead or maybe avoiding the woods although for the time being.”

Martha is recovering at home

Martha being rescued

The Fledgling Guide

afar.

It’s a normal aspect of their development for fledglings to be unable to take flight for a short while so don’t worry – not unless you can physically see that it’s injured or ill.

Every nesting season, many animal centres – wildlife and clinics – are often brought several fledglings by people who just wanted to help but don’t know much about birds. So fledglings are unnecessarily removed by well-meaning people from the wild. It’s important to really consider if the bird is a nestling or a fledging before any actions are taken.

What is a ‘Fledgling’ Bird?

The next step after nestling is fledgling. This is when a bird leaves the nest for the first time and will instead take cover on branches or just stay on the ground. It’s the first part of birds’ growth toward independence.

However, it’s still a very vulnerable stage and the survival rate for them drops massively without having immediate protection in the nest. That’s why it’s very typical for the parent birds to stay close by and continue feeding their babies throughout the days.

Most fledglings can either fly for a very short time or not fly at all in the beginning, but they can hop and walk around so they’re still mobile. As they are no longer nestlings, it also means they’ve had time to grow into some of their feathers. Rather than having bald spots, fledglings are fully feathered. See this photo guide for examples.

When Does a Fledgling Need Help?

Fledgling birds are learning to be independent so the typical advice is to leave them alone. If you see them out of the nest, it’s natural – they no longer need to stay in the nest. So if you were to find one and put it back in it’s nest, the chances are it will just hop back out.

However, they doesn’t mean that they never need any help. As birds are known prey to predators like cats, if they have been caught by one or injured they will likely need urgent help.

It is also okay to remove them from an area if the environment seems risky and they’re exposed to many predators and place them somewhere safer. Low branches on trees or somewhere with plenty of shrub coverage is the most ideal. But it can’t be moved too far away as a fledgling’s parents remain close by to it.

How Long Do Birds Look After Their Fledglings?

Commitment to looking after their fledglings can vary between birds. Garden birds, at least the majority of them, usually stick around and feed their young for about two and half weeks before they leave them alone. Whereas Starling fledglings are left alone after just a matter of days.

Can A Fledgling Survive Without Mother?

When baby birds are old enough to be considered fledglings, they are old enough to survive on their own. Unlike nestlings, they are full feathered so they have enough to stay warm on days where the temperatures are cooler. This is quite a significant factor because without mother, a father will still continue providing food but won’t do much in terms of providing warmth. Without both mother and father, however, those chances of survival start to decrease until they’re very slim. If there are other fledglings, from an earlier brood of the same parents, they can make sure the babies are staying warm and have a food source. Otherwise, the survival rate is very

low, sitting at just 30% –40%, mostly due to predators.

What Should I Feed A Fledgling?

When the fledgling birds are no longer receiving food from their parents, it’s okay to leave food out for them.

Baby birds need plenty of energy in order to develop properly as they grow. Therefore most of their diets are heavily consisting of insects. You can also leave fruits and vegetables for them, though. See our guides what do baby birds eat and is bird food a choking risk to fledglings.

Birdseed and very small, fine nuts are good supplements for baby birds, too. Take a look at what Kennedy Wild Bird Food can supply here.

Other Things You Need To Know

If you spot fledgling birds in your garden, you should avoid letting your pet outdoors (if you have any) for at least 1 – 5 days. This ensures that the fledglings are given an appropriate time to be safe while learning to fly. It also gives them a higher chance of survival.

Healthy animals cannot be removed from the wild so don’t expect a wildlife centre to offer to move them for you.

Should you need to handle a fledgling bird at all, make it a delicate yet quick affair. Too much handling can send the birds into a fatal state of shock which is why you should only intervene if it’s absolutely necessary.

Kennedy Wild Bird Foods are dedicated to total customer satisfaction so if you have any suggestions or comments for us, please get in touch by sending an email to info@kennedywildbirdfood.co.uk.

n Alternatively, call us on 01778 342 665 if you have any questions for us.

When we see baby birds, it’s most commonly a fledgling as they’re slightly more grown, more independent, and require less help. They’re the opposite of nestling birds, which require help if they’re found outside of their nest, as it’s best to monitor them from

www.kennedywildbirdfood.co.uk

Supplying the UK with high-quality wild bird food and bird seed

We are a family run wild bird food and wild bird seed supplier based in rural Lincolnshire. We supply only the finest quality products.

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Split Peanuts Economy wild bird mix Superior high energy mix

Small blanched, split peanuts (skins removed). Extra rich in both protein and oils, thus making an excellent and essential food for all year feeding. Peanuts are suitable and liked by most species of birds, and have long been the most popular of wild bird feeds. All our peanuts are certified as nil detectable signs of aflatoxin. £46.50/25kg

SUITABLE FOR A WIDE RANGE OF WILD BIRDS

With our specialised blending of a number of nutritional seeds, this mix is suitable for a large variety of birds. High in black sunflower thus providing oil and protein and meeting all essential feeding requirements. Suitable for all year round feeding. £29.50/25kg

Small fatballs

The best, fattiest fat balls on the internet. Small Fat balls (no nets) offer a wide range of wild birds a nutritious and important source of energy specifically during winter and nesting season. Each fatball at approx 95g available in a box of 100. £27.75

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Suet special blend mix

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An extremely high energy mixture blended with the highest quality seeds. Suitable for all small birds and ideal for all year round feeding. Best fed from a seedfeeder or scattered on a bird table. Contains nowheat. £42.25/25kg

Dried mealworms

Dried mealworms are a tasty treat for garden birds with all the nutrition of live mealworms without the 'worm factor'. Attractive to robins, blackbirds, thrushes and all other insect eating birds. Available in sizes ranging from 250g to 10kg. £33.50/3kg

ALL YEAR ROUND FEEDING

Sunflower hearts

Bakery grade premium sunflower hearts. No unsightly husk. A food that is loved by most species of birds being high in both protein and oils. Makes a most desirable all year round food. £49.75/25kg

Won’t grow mix

Blended with 60% bakery grade sunflowerhearts, this energy rich mixture has been blended to ensure no re-growth under your feeding station. Suitable for all year round feeding. Best fed from seed feeder, scattered on bird table or from ground feeder. Contains no wheat. £46.75/25kg

Superior finch mix

This classic mixture was blended specifically with finches in mind. Contains a wonderful selection of the finest seeds and is suitable for all year round feeding. Best fed from seedfeeder or scattered on a bird table. Contains no wheat. £39.95/25kg

10% off first order for new customers use promo code NEW10 at checkout

News ... Products

4pets PRO dog cage, size 1

Suitable for small breeds, this cage looks great and is TUV crash tested. Visit https://www.roofbox.co.uk/dogs-pets-carriers/4pets-pro-dog-cages.php

Bully Sticks

Sometimes known as pizzles) are the er... manhoods... of bulls.

They make a great long lasting, all natural chew that's very easy on the tummy. Ours are thick, low odour & extra long-lasting so they're great for large dogs and champion chewers! Because they're so digestible they're suitable for sensitive dogs and they're great at promoting oral health. £8.45. Visit www.cifood.co.uk

CystArk+

Supports lower urinary tract wellbeing in dogs and cats. Triple action formula, one complete solution for urinary health. Easy to administer, palatable powder and tablets. Visit www.vetark.co.uk

CoproStop

Stops your dog or cat from ingesting their own faeces or each others. Helps prevent potential parasite eggs from being ingested by your pet. Visit www.vetark.co.uk

BRAND NEW PRODUCTS

Nature's Greatest Secret has the widest range of Colloidal Silver Petcare products and is one of the UK's longest established Colloidal Silver Brands. All new products are developed in partnership with a leading holistic veterinarian. Colloidal Silver Eyedrops for Pets, Colloidal Silver Tick and Flea Repellent, Colloidal Silver Petcare Ear Drops For Dogs With Essential Oils, Colloidal Silver Petcare 20ppm Trigger Spray,Visit www.naturesgreatestsecret.co.uk

Our kids play tunnels are lightweight and flexible Weatherproof and waterproof the tunnels are suitable for indoor play and durable enough for all year outdoor play too. The PVC material makes them easy to clean. They concertina down for easy storage. Visit www.nayloragility.co.uk

Westcotts Treats

Suitable for Digestive, Skin & Coat, Dental & Oral Care, General Health & WellbeingDelicious, natural treats for healthy, happy dogs. No added flavourings, preservatives or colourants. For canines of all shapes, sizes, and age. Four varieties to choose from: Our original Westcotts Treats with our own Hypercoat Prime Hemp Seed Oil. 100g, Peanut butter paws 150g, Cheese & Chicken Biscuits 150g, Salmon Biscuits 150g, £2.99 per 100g. Visit www.animal-health.co.uk

Animal Shampoo Baby Powder

An effective skin and fur cleanser for professional use.

Provides a 1:45 dilution. Our luxurious formula is nonsticky, easy to use and easy to rinse away leaving no residue build-up. £15.00

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Sensitive Shampoo Bar

The Sensitive bar is pH balanced to your pet’s skin, and is scent free for as kind and gentle wash as possible. £8.95 Visit www.animal-health.co.uk

2023 Easter Bunny Bags

A great value little bundle for a bit of Easter doggy fun. Each bag contains a 200g bag of assorted treats (chicken & grain free), a fabulous Rosewood bunny plush toy with squeaker (around 40cm), a strong, yet lightweight 'confetti ball', which really can withstand a lot of chewing (but it won't stand up to ball 'rippers'), and a handy gizmo for hanging full poo bags onto. All in a lovely reuseable jute bag. £19.99. Visit www.cifood.co.uk

4pets Caree

A really smart looking and easy to use travel home for cats and small dogs. Perhaps most importantly, it's been crashtested and approved by the German TÜV. It fits to any car seat, using the seat belt (pets to 15kg), but, if your car has ISOFIX latching points, https://www.roofbox.co.uk/dogs-petscarriers/4pets-caree.php

Leather Dogmatic Headcollar

It will not ride up, under or into the eyes fits comfortablly and securely. £39.99

Visit www.dogmatic.org.uk

Phenomenal Service Dog adopted from Dogs Trust returns from first international deployment

A former rescue dog adopted from Dogs Trust has recently returned from a life-saving search and rescue mission in earthquake hit Turkey.

Adopted from Dogs Trust Shoreham in 2018, Davey the six-year-old springer spaniel has served with Lancashire Fire and Rescue for nearly five years. During his first international deployment, Davey spent ten days in the city of Antakya in the Hatay province searching for survivors with UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR).

Alongside his handler and UK ISAR

Canine Team Lead, Lindsay Sielski, Davey was part of Red Team One working on the ground. They arrived within 72 hours of the earthquake with Davey searching around 40 buildings per day. He helped to find three survivors and provided vital intelligence for the rest of the team about where to focus their rescue efforts.

Davey is the only rescue dog within a team of eight dogs qualified to work internationally with UK ISAR. Another rescue dog from Dogs Trust, a Labrador from Loughborough rehoming centre called Bailey, is following in Davey's footsteps and is also excelling during his training.

Also there as part of the UK ISAR team was Victoria Phillips, Dogs Trust Veterinary Surgeon Manager, who volunteers with the search and rescue team as veterinary support. Victoria’s role is to take care of the incredible rescue dogs like Davey who are trained to locate people caught up in disaster zones.

Speaking about Davey and the rescue mission, Lancashire Fire and Rescue

Canine Team Lead Lindsay Sielski said: “Our dogs and the work they do is so important in the harshest of environments. Hatay was an assault on the senses with the noise, sights, smells, dust and shattered glass everywhere, but the dogs weren’t distracted from their purpose of finding people alive.

“We worked 18-hour days during which Davey searched tirelessly. He

located a female casualty on the first day of searching who went on to be successfully rescued.

“Davey is a very special search dog. He is so agile and his dexterity is phenomenal. He doesn’t get overly excited on searches, he doesn’t give wrong answers, he works effortlessly and methodically - it is beautiful to witness. He has the magical on-off switch. He comes home at the end of the working day with me as part of the family and is a different dog.

“Search dogs like Davey play such a vital role that not only protects the health and safety of all Fire and Rescue teams, but they also protect our mental health by searching in areas we can’t. Davey and the other three dogs deployed to Turkey carried out their work flawlessly.”

Davey arrived at Dogs Trust Shoreham

in March 2018 as a one-year-old youngster after his owner could no longer care for him. One month after being handed into Dogs Trust's care, Davey was a search dog in training in Lancashire. He successfully completed 12 months training to become a live casualty search and rescue dog. His everyday job with Lancashire Fire and Rescue involves searching collapsed buildings throughout the UK and he also works with Lancashire Police searching for vulnerable missing people.

Assistant Manager Operations at Dogs Trust Shoreham, Vicky Grylls, spotted his potential instantly. Vicky said: “Davey was an active, fun dog who loved a tennis ball so we knew straight away he could be ideal as a service dog. We could see he was a quick learner and we were aware Lindsay was looking for a dog to train up. Davey was a perfect fit and has been a total star ever since. We are proud to have played a small part in his amazing journey. Davey is a very special boy.”

Davey on a search site

Lindsay holding Davey at Airport along with vet Victoria Phillips

Most dog owners would struggle to pay an unexpected £500 vet bill

More than one in ten (13%) dog owners said they either cannot afford, or are struggling to afford, the costs of owning a dog in the current climate, shows new research by Dogs Trust.

In research carried out by You Gov on behalf of the UK’s largest canine charity, owners were asked how easy or difficult it would be to pay vet bills of varying amounts.

15% of pet owners – more than one in ten – said they would struggle to pay an unexpected vet bill of just £100, with 10% and 5% respectively saying they would find it ‘fairly difficult’ or ‘very difficult’.

The majority of dog owners - 64%said they would find it ‘difficult’ (28% fairly difficult, 36% very difficult) to pay an unexpected vet bill of £500.

This research comes at a time when the charity is receiving record high numbers of enquiries from owners asking to hand over their dogs. It received an average of 188 handover requests per day in February, equating to more than 5,000 (5,566) handover requests last month.

This is an increase of 33% on the average of 141 handover requests per day in 2022, which was itself a recordbreaking year in terms of relinquishment enquiries, ending in over 50,000 for the year.

In response, Dogs Trust is doing all it can to keep dogs at home with the people who love them. It has set up dog food banks at some of its rehoming centres across the UK, which are open to anybody having trouble stretching to a canine mouth to feed. The charity is also offering a discounted rate on its Dog School training classes, to help owners who might be experiencing behavioural problems.

Dogs Trust is also asking the Government to do its bit by pausing the VAT on pet food and veterinary services. It is asking people to sign its petition asking The Chancellor to Paws the VAT and, when pet owners were asked, as part of this week’s poll, to what extent they would support or oppose the Chancellor removing VAT from vet care and pet food in next Wednesday’s budget, 61% said they would support it, with 36% of those saying they would

strongly support it.

Owen

“We may be slowly emerging from winter and into brighter times, but the situation for dog owners only seems to be getting worse. The majority of dog owners now say they’d struggle to pay an unexpected vet bill of £500 and at Dogs Trust, we’re receiving an astronomical number of calls from desperate owners who feel they simply can’t keep their dogs.

“With the majority supporting a cut in VAT on vet care and pet food to help them through the crisis, I reiterate our call to the Chancellor – please help our dog loving nation so that we don’t have to see more households lose their beloved pets.”

People can sign Dogs Trust’s petition to Paws the VAT here.

n Dogs Trust’s Contact Centre can be contacted Monday -Friday, 9am-5pm on 020 7837 0006 or at

info@dogstrust.org.uk

www.dogstrust.org.uk/contact

Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, says:

New research by UK’s biggest canine charity exposes dog owners’

struggles

Dogs Trust is urgently seeking people with space in their homes and hearts for dogs that are more difficult to find forever homes for.

Pawsitively Perfect: 5 Cars for Dog Lovers and Their Furry Friends

Just like cars, dogs come in all different shapes, sizes and colours, which can make it challenging to find the perfect vehicle if you have a furry, four-legged passenger.

In fact, it’s important to keep your faithful friend comfortable and happy as you embark on an exciting road adventure.

Firstly, dogs should always be suitably restrained when travelling in your car, or else you could face a hefty fine. This is because loose pets could distract the driver from the road or get in the way of the steering wheel, putting everyone’s safety at risk.

What’s more, the RSPCA says your best friend needs to have enough room to stand up at full height, sit and lie easily, and even turn around. Harnesses, crates and dividers to keep your pooch in the boot can all do the trick.

But what cars would best suit a waggly traveller? cinch, leading expert in online car trading, looks at some of the best vehicles for dog owners and their loyal passengers.

Skoda Octavia Estate

The back of a Skoda Octavia Estate is a treat for humans and pooches alike. Rear passengers can benefit from handy USB sockets and plenty of legroom, while dogs can unwind in its 590-litre boot – the size of two standard fridges!

This makes the Skoda Octavia a great – and affordable – option for drivers. Medium to large pets, such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Boxers and standard Poodles will have heaps of space to stretch and curl up.

Skoda models also come with useful pet packs, which include seatbelts for dogs, hammock-style seat covers, double-sided boot mats and a rear bumper protector.

BMW 3 Series

If you’re the proud owner of a smaller breed, such as a Beagle or French Bulldog, the BMW 3 Series Touring is an excellent choice.

This proud, smart piece of engineering comes with a variety of helpful gadgets to keep your four-legged friend safe. Its 500-litre boot contains tie-down hooks for your dog and its leads, a folding floor mechanism and an independently opening window.

So, if you’ve gone food shopping, you can load your bags inside the car without worrying about your Border Terrier or Cocker Spaniel jumping out of the boot.

In proper BMW 3 Series fashion, the Touring model tackles bends and corners very smoothly. This means that your dog won’t end up rolling from one side of the boot to the other, making even longer drives a worry-free experience.

Nissan X-Trail

When it comes to pup-friendly vehicles, the Nissan X-Trail is certain to make your furry friend wag its tail in approval.

As well as an ample boot that can accommodate all small- and mediumsized dogs, this model is available with an optional ‘Paw Pack’. This includes a luxurious dog bed, non-spill water bowl for thirsty pooches, storage compartments for leads and treats, and much more.

The pack also features a handy ramp that allows both smaller and less mobile dogs to climb into the boot by themselves.

So while you make the most of the Nissan X-Trail’s infotainment system, your adorable Jack Russell can enjoy the ride too.

Land Rover Discovery

Want to take your St Bernard for a trip in the mountains aboard a spacious, hill-riding car?

With a boot capacity of more than 1,000 litres, the Land Rover Discovery can chauffeur even the largest of dogs in style. If you and your Great Dane have a soft spot for outdoor adventures, this is the perfect vehicle for you.

The Land Rover Discovery can also be fitted with a portable shower, comprising a shower head and a large bag.

This way, after a day of running and rolling in the mud, you can give the dog a good wash and then drive them home spotlessly clean.

Mini Countryman

Mini UK has partnered with Dogs Trust to help furry passengers travel happier. Whether they’re chilled, hyperactive, snooze-lovers or mud-seekers, the Mini Countryman is an excellent option for your waggly friend.

With a surprisingly generous boot and rear space, the Mini Countryman delights a wide variety of breeds, from terriers to sighthounds.

It can also be equipped with useful accessories – such as dog guards and boot dividers – to keep your pet away from the driver… and your picnic!

Don’t worry if you have a long drive ahead – the Mini Countryman is renowned for its smooth, gentle cruising. This means that your canine companion will be happy and relaxed from the moment you turn on the engine to when you park up.

Remember to always prioritise the wellbeing of your precious passenger when choosing the right car. Take into consideration their size, temperament and specific needs.

With the perfect vehicle and a little bit of preparation, your four-legged friend can be a constant companion on all your driving adventures

https://www.cinch.co.uk/usedcars/bmw/3-series

First edition of Black Beauty to raise money for a horse charity to be published by the University of East Anglia

The University of East Anglia (UEA) is publishing a special edition of Black Beauty in collaboration with Redwings Horse Sanctuary, which will raise funds to help the horses, ponies, donkeys and mules in their care.

The UEA Publishing Project, based in Norwich, and Redwings, the largest horse sanctuary in the UK - who last year took on guardianship of the author’s birthplace, Anna Sewell House in Great Yarmouth - made the announcement today (Thursday 30th March) on what would have been her 203rd birthday.

There have been countless editions of the novel – one of only a handful of works to have sold more than 50 million copies around the world and remain in print 150 years after publication – but never before has its sale been used to directly benefit the animals Anna loved so much.

The special edition will be published in November and is available for pre-order here now for the advance price of £8 (usual price £9.99). Half of all proceeds will go to Redwings.

It has a foreword by eminent children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson, creator of Tracy Beaker and lifelong Black Beauty fan, and an afterword from Professor Thomas Ruys Smith of the UEA, a specialist in 19th century literature. It is being produced to mark the 40th anniversary of Redwings in 2024.

Lynn Cutress, Redwings Chief Executive, said: “We are so excited about this amazing collaboration.

“Anna said her aim in writing this book was to “to induce kindness, sympathy, and an understanding treatment of horses”. Black Beauty is credited with changing attitudes around how we see and work with these magnificent creatures, including helping to bring about a ban on the use of the bearing rein, a cruel piece of tack she highlighted in her novel.

“This, though, is the first time its sale has directly benefitted horses in need, with 50% of the proceeds from every copy sold directly supporting Redwings’ work across the UK. Last year we gave a home to 109 horses and ponies who needed help and our field officers

identified and intervened in 175 cases, improving the lives of 622 of these wonderful animals.

“We are very grateful to the UEA for this opportunity and all their kind support and feel sure this is something Anna would have approved of.”

Anna spent a great deal of time in Norfolk during her life. She was born on this day – 30th March, 1820 - in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk in what is now called Anna Sewell House. Her novel was published by Jarrold of Norwich, shortly before she passed away in 1878 in Old Catton. Nearly 150 years later, Redwings – who are responsible for over 2,000 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules - became the caretakers of her birthplace, using it to showcase Anna’s animal welfare legacy, and their own work. This new edition of her iconic

book cements that relationship.

Professor Thomas Ruys Smith said: “This has been an incredible project to work on. Black Beauty is a book with so many wonderful connections with Norfolk and the world of animal welfare and it has been fascinating to unearth both its local history and its global legacies for this new edition. The text is based on the first edition of Black Beauty that Anna hand-dedicated to her aunts, which is now located at the Norfolk Heritage centre. It is designed to be as accessible as possible, produced in a font commissioned by the Braille institute, and will be entirely produced and printed in Norfolk. We hope that this special Redwings edition, putting Anna’s novel to work in the service of the horses she so loved, means we might finally be able to come to a proper reckoning with Norfolk’s most successful literary export.”

n To find out more, visit www.redwings.org.uk

Gulliver with Black Beauty book at Redwings Aylsham Visitor Centre for PR

Bonnie Rose and Redwings social media manager Jennie Roberts with Black Beauty book at Redwings Aylsham Visitor Centre for PR

Owner ignored bulldog’s wounds after ear cropping procedure left dog in agony

The RSPCA prosecuted after two dogs seized by police

A woman who failed to get vet treatment for her dog after she suffered an infection following an ear cropping procedure has been banned from keeping canines for three years.

Babyface, a six-month old XL bully type breed, suffered from infected suture wounds after undergoing the procedure, which is illegal in the UK. Her owner, Jade O’Brien, claimed the canine was ear cropped abroad and said she didn’t take her to a vet for treatment as she knew “she would get into trouble”.

O’Brien (D.o.B 08.08.1987), of Ack Lane, Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog in that she failed to provide adequate veterinary care for the wounds under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. She appeared for sentencing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on March 8.

As well as the disqualification, magistrates imposed an 18-month community order on the defendant, who was told to attend 30 rehabilitation activity days.

Another defendant has pleaded guilty to an animal welfare offence and will be sentenced at a later date.

RSPCA inspector Beth Fazakerley said in a witness statement presented to the court that she went to Aspen Valley Kennels near Accrington on September 1, 2021 to examine two dogs who had been seized by police as part of an investigation under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

One of the canines was Babyface, whose ears had been recently cropped. They were prominently scarred from the sutures applied as part of the procedure and a staff member confirmed that when she arrived at the kennels two weeks before she was suffering with open wounds to both ears.

Inspector Fazakerley stated: “You could clearly see multiple horizontal scars and I was told that when she was seized she still had sutures that were cutting into her skin due to how

inflamed and infected her ears were.”

When the inspector spoke to O’Brien at her home later that month, the defendant claimed the dog was imported from the U.S and she was bought with her ears already cropped.

She administered one dose of antibiotics to Babyface before the police seized the dog from her home along with another female bully breed.

“O’Brien informed me that she bought Babyface from America as she buys her dogs from there and she said she likes the cropped-eared look,” added the inspector. “She said she’d only had Babyface a few days and she’d bought her with her ears already cropped.

“I asked if the dog had seen a vet and she said she didn’t want to take her as she knew she would get in trouble. But she’d asked her gardener, who breeds dogs, for help and he provided her with some antibiotics.”

After she was seized, Babyface was taken to a vets where her sutures were removed and she was treated with painkillers as well as antibiotics.

A vet’s expert report stated the

wounds on each of the dog’s ear pinnas appeared to be less than a week old and were severely infected with a pus-like discharge. The sutures had become too tight and were cutting into the surrounding ear tissue.

“Most surgical procedures involving the placement of sutures require them to be removed 10 days after the surgical procedure is performed or this can lead to the ears reacting to the sutures as foreign bodies with secondary bacterial infection, creating an acute inflammation with hot, swollen, painful tissues and discharge,” said the vet, who concluded that Babyface would have been in pain for at least five days as she had not received any pain-killing medication.

Babyface was moved into the care of RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk and District Branch on September 15, 2021 and staff there will now begin a search to find loving new owners for her.

In mitigation, the court was told that O’Brien had been influenced and she has health issues. She was also ordered to pay £400 court costs and a victim surcharge of £95. The magistrates made deprivation orders on Babyface and the other bully breed dog.

Speaking after the case, inspector Fazakerley said: “When we took Babyface into our care her wounds were starting to heal as the sutures had been taken out. But she still had scars going down from where they had cut into her ear. It was upsetting to see, but the branch staff in Southport have done a lot of work on her and she has come on so well.

“Ear cropping is all about image and owners who do this to their dogs or take on ownership when this procedure has already been done don’t seem to realise the repercussions for the animals in terms of how it affects their behaviour or the dreadful pain they go through.”