http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/ Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:33:55 +0100 MyBB http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1544 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:42:52 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1544
Barney is just four months old and belongs to Simon Cook from Rodbourne.

“He was last seen at 9.30pm on Saturday night flying over Rodbourne,’’ said Simon. “He will be hungry because I was about to feed him when he got spooked by a noisy party next door.’’ The owl took off from Simon’s wrist and flew off in fright and he hasn’t been seen since.

Simon bought Barney from a breeder so he has a grey ring around his ankle. He doesn’t have any distinguishing marks looking like every other barn owl but he is domesticated so has brown leather anklets still attached to his legs.

Anyone who sees Barney should contact Simon on 07931 195856.]]>
Barney is just four months old and belongs to Simon Cook from Rodbourne.

“He was last seen at 9.30pm on Saturday night flying over Rodbourne,’’ said Simon. “He will be hungry because I was about to feed him when he got spooked by a noisy party next door.’’ The owl took off from Simon’s wrist and flew off in fright and he hasn’t been seen since.

Simon bought Barney from a breeder so he has a grey ring around his ankle. He doesn’t have any distinguishing marks looking like every other barn owl but he is domesticated so has brown leather anklets still attached to his legs.

Anyone who sees Barney should contact Simon on 07931 195856.]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1533 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 07:45:39 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1533
The street fashion for dangerous dogs has caused the number of Staffordshire Bull Terriers – or “Staffies” – taken in by the Battersea shelter to rise by 85 per cent since 1996.

Experts said many owners were training the dogs to be so aggressive that they became uncontrollable and had to be abandoned. In some cases owners, saw dogs as being so disposable that they swapped them for MP3 players.

Of the 2,815 dogs put down by Battersea last year, 1,931 were healthy but had to be killed because they were too dangerous to be taken in by new owners.

Battersea, which spent £11 million taking in lost and unwanted dogs last year, only puts a dog down if it is unhealthy or its temperament makes it unmanageable.

But the shelter has been forced to plough hundreds of thousands of pounds into a new behavioural unit set up to retrain uncontrollable dogs in order to avoid a sharp rise in the number that have to be put down.

“Staffies” now account for more than half of the home’s longer term residents – dogs which have to stay at the shelter for up to two years to be rehabilitated.

The scale of the problem emerged in a special investigation for the BBC's Panorama.

Scott Craddock, director of operations at the home, told the programme: “In 1996 we took 396 Staffordshire bull terriers. Last year we took 3,600. For us that’s a huge problem - we can’t actually kennel these dogs with other dogs in many cases. They have to be given an individual kennel. So that has a huge impact on kennel space at the home.

“Battersea is mopping up a lot of the problems that are happening outside of the home. Big society problems; to such an extent that we feel it is time to say enough is enough”, he added

The RSPCA, Britain’s biggest animal charity, is under so much pressure from the influx of dangerous strays that it is no longer accepting dogs that are unwanted by their owners.

Tim Wass, the chief officer of the RSPCA inspectorate, said: “Last year, 2009, we killed 533 healthy dogs. And you'll notice I used the word kill there rather than put to sleep or humanely euthanize. There's been enough euphemism, we really need to tell it how it is and we really need to start doing something to prevent it having to happen in the future.”

The animal rights groups and Metropolitan Police have called on Government to step in to stop irresponsible owners abandoning their dogs by implanting the animals with microchips so they can be traced back to their original homes.

Ian McParland, Head of the London Metropolitan Police Status Dogs Unit, said: “We’ve said licensing is a way forward. To actually have an annual licence for dogs where dogs are micro-chipped. And the owners are required every year to keep the details up to date”.

The Government is currently considering a number of measures aimed to curb the rise in irresponsible dog ownership.

Source: Daily Telegraph]]>
The street fashion for dangerous dogs has caused the number of Staffordshire Bull Terriers – or “Staffies” – taken in by the Battersea shelter to rise by 85 per cent since 1996.

Experts said many owners were training the dogs to be so aggressive that they became uncontrollable and had to be abandoned. In some cases owners, saw dogs as being so disposable that they swapped them for MP3 players.

Of the 2,815 dogs put down by Battersea last year, 1,931 were healthy but had to be killed because they were too dangerous to be taken in by new owners.

Battersea, which spent £11 million taking in lost and unwanted dogs last year, only puts a dog down if it is unhealthy or its temperament makes it unmanageable.

But the shelter has been forced to plough hundreds of thousands of pounds into a new behavioural unit set up to retrain uncontrollable dogs in order to avoid a sharp rise in the number that have to be put down.

“Staffies” now account for more than half of the home’s longer term residents – dogs which have to stay at the shelter for up to two years to be rehabilitated.

The scale of the problem emerged in a special investigation for the BBC's Panorama.

Scott Craddock, director of operations at the home, told the programme: “In 1996 we took 396 Staffordshire bull terriers. Last year we took 3,600. For us that’s a huge problem - we can’t actually kennel these dogs with other dogs in many cases. They have to be given an individual kennel. So that has a huge impact on kennel space at the home.

“Battersea is mopping up a lot of the problems that are happening outside of the home. Big society problems; to such an extent that we feel it is time to say enough is enough”, he added

The RSPCA, Britain’s biggest animal charity, is under so much pressure from the influx of dangerous strays that it is no longer accepting dogs that are unwanted by their owners.

Tim Wass, the chief officer of the RSPCA inspectorate, said: “Last year, 2009, we killed 533 healthy dogs. And you'll notice I used the word kill there rather than put to sleep or humanely euthanize. There's been enough euphemism, we really need to tell it how it is and we really need to start doing something to prevent it having to happen in the future.”

The animal rights groups and Metropolitan Police have called on Government to step in to stop irresponsible owners abandoning their dogs by implanting the animals with microchips so they can be traced back to their original homes.

Ian McParland, Head of the London Metropolitan Police Status Dogs Unit, said: “We’ve said licensing is a way forward. To actually have an annual licence for dogs where dogs are micro-chipped. And the owners are required every year to keep the details up to date”.

The Government is currently considering a number of measures aimed to curb the rise in irresponsible dog ownership.

Source: Daily Telegraph]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1531 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:18:50 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1531
This automatic imitation is a crucial part of social learning in humans.

But Austrian researchers report that the phenomenon - where the sight of another's body movement causes the observer to move in the same way - is evident in many other animals.

They say that it reveals clues about how this type of learning evolved.

The study, which was led by Dr Friederike Range from the University of Vienna in Austria, also suggests that the way in which people interact with and play with their dogs as they are growing up shapes their ability to imitate.

"It's not a spontaneous thing," said Dr Range. "The dogs needed a lot of training to learn it."

She and her colleagues investigated this imitation with a series of trials using a simple door-opening test.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote

This type of learning has obvious evolutionary advantages for animals”

End Quote Dr Friederike Range University of Vienna

The team built a box with a sliding door on the front that could be opened with a knob.

The owners demonstrated how to open the door by using either their hand or their mouth.

"When the owners used the hand, the dog had to open the door with its paw to get a reward," Dr Range said.

When the owner opened the door with their mouth, the dog had to use the same technique.

Dr Range explained to BBC News: "A second group of dogs had to learn the alternative method - if the owner used their hand, they had to use their mouth, and when the owner used their mouth, they had to use the paw."
'Mirror neurons'

The dogs that had to imitate the same action as their owner learned their task far more quickly.

This showed that the dogs had a predisposition to imitate their owners' hand/paw and mouth/muzzle movements.

She noted that, because dogs have a very different body shapes to people, they also had to interpret what they saw.

"This type of learning has obvious evolutionary advantages for animals," Dr Range said. "They can learn about certain aspects of life without having to learn by trial and error, which always comes with some risk."

The new evidence supports a theory of learning which suggests that a system of "mirror neurons" and the capacity to imitate are forged as an animal learns and develops, rather than this system being inborn.

Source: BBC News]]>
This automatic imitation is a crucial part of social learning in humans.

But Austrian researchers report that the phenomenon - where the sight of another's body movement causes the observer to move in the same way - is evident in many other animals.

They say that it reveals clues about how this type of learning evolved.

The study, which was led by Dr Friederike Range from the University of Vienna in Austria, also suggests that the way in which people interact with and play with their dogs as they are growing up shapes their ability to imitate.

"It's not a spontaneous thing," said Dr Range. "The dogs needed a lot of training to learn it."

She and her colleagues investigated this imitation with a series of trials using a simple door-opening test.
Continue reading the main story
“Start Quote

This type of learning has obvious evolutionary advantages for animals”

End Quote Dr Friederike Range University of Vienna

The team built a box with a sliding door on the front that could be opened with a knob.

The owners demonstrated how to open the door by using either their hand or their mouth.

"When the owners used the hand, the dog had to open the door with its paw to get a reward," Dr Range said.

When the owner opened the door with their mouth, the dog had to use the same technique.

Dr Range explained to BBC News: "A second group of dogs had to learn the alternative method - if the owner used their hand, they had to use their mouth, and when the owner used their mouth, they had to use the paw."
'Mirror neurons'

The dogs that had to imitate the same action as their owner learned their task far more quickly.

This showed that the dogs had a predisposition to imitate their owners' hand/paw and mouth/muzzle movements.

She noted that, because dogs have a very different body shapes to people, they also had to interpret what they saw.

"This type of learning has obvious evolutionary advantages for animals," Dr Range said. "They can learn about certain aspects of life without having to learn by trial and error, which always comes with some risk."

The new evidence supports a theory of learning which suggests that a system of "mirror neurons" and the capacity to imitate are forged as an animal learns and develops, rather than this system being inborn.

Source: BBC News]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1528 Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:17:30 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1528
The canine obesity epidemic has reached alarming levels, meaning five million dogs are unlikely to reach a healthy and happy old age, says the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals.

Too many owners are overfeeding their pets with treats or scraps, or simply not giving them enough exercise, according to its report.

Fat dogs are now such a common sight that many owners have forgotten what a healthy animal even looks like, it adds.

The disturbing findings come from the charity’s annual dog obesity league, compiled from the medical records of 30,000 animals.

PDSA senior vet Sean Wensley said: ‘Overweight pets are less mobile, less willing to play and more likely to develop a serious health condition.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...z0urRNxoOO]]>
The canine obesity epidemic has reached alarming levels, meaning five million dogs are unlikely to reach a healthy and happy old age, says the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals.

Too many owners are overfeeding their pets with treats or scraps, or simply not giving them enough exercise, according to its report.

Fat dogs are now such a common sight that many owners have forgotten what a healthy animal even looks like, it adds.

The disturbing findings come from the charity’s annual dog obesity league, compiled from the medical records of 30,000 animals.

PDSA senior vet Sean Wensley said: ‘Overweight pets are less mobile, less willing to play and more likely to develop a serious health condition.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...z0urRNxoOO]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1527 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:35:55 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1527
Helen Davies from Rainbow Rehoming, a pet charity and rescue organisation, in Co Londonderry, says more and more of her time is spent visiting suspected puppy farms.

The Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals say that hitting bad breeders in the pocket is the best way to stop the trade.

David Wilson from the USPCA said that the situation is at breaking point.

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/l...z0uUbC6OOv]]>
Helen Davies from Rainbow Rehoming, a pet charity and rescue organisation, in Co Londonderry, says more and more of her time is spent visiting suspected puppy farms.

The Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals say that hitting bad breeders in the pocket is the best way to stop the trade.

David Wilson from the USPCA said that the situation is at breaking point.

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/l...z0uUbC6OOv]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1519 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:53:51 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1519
Adventurous moggy Peter, a three-year-old Bengal, was found in the Herefordshire town last week and taken to a vet by someone believing he was a stray.

But after having his microchip scanned it was discovered he was 65 miles from home.

“I phoned the family and they were absolutely ecstatic; they were screaming,” said Kelly Gripton, veterinary nurse at the Marches Veterinary Group on Ryelands Road. “The family had two small children and had given up hope of Peter ever being found.

“They told me they couldn’t bring themselves to get another cat after Peter went missing.”

They travelled to Leominster the following day to collect their nomadic pet, who was in surprisingly good health.

“He was as fit as a fiddle, one of the biggest cats you’ve seen,“ added Kelly. “We think he may have been taken in by somebody.”

Source: Hereford Times]]>
Adventurous moggy Peter, a three-year-old Bengal, was found in the Herefordshire town last week and taken to a vet by someone believing he was a stray.

But after having his microchip scanned it was discovered he was 65 miles from home.

“I phoned the family and they were absolutely ecstatic; they were screaming,” said Kelly Gripton, veterinary nurse at the Marches Veterinary Group on Ryelands Road. “The family had two small children and had given up hope of Peter ever being found.

“They told me they couldn’t bring themselves to get another cat after Peter went missing.”

They travelled to Leominster the following day to collect their nomadic pet, who was in surprisingly good health.

“He was as fit as a fiddle, one of the biggest cats you’ve seen,“ added Kelly. “We think he may have been taken in by somebody.”

Source: Hereford Times]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1515 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 07:12:56 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1515
The new feet are custom-made implants that "peg" the ankle to the foot. They are bioengineered to mimic the way deer antler bone grows through the skin.

The operation - a world first - was carried out by Noel Fitzpatrick, a veterinary surgeon based in Surrey.

His work is explored in a BBC documentary called The Bionic Vet.

The prosthetic pegs, called intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthetics (Itaps) were developed by a team from University College London led by Professor Gordon Blunn, who is head of UCL's Centre for Biomedical Engineering.

Professor Blunn and his team have worked in partnership with Mr Fitzpatrick to develop these weight-bearing implants, combining engineering mechanics with biology.

Mr Fitzpatrick explained: "The real revolution with Oscar is [that] we have put a piece of metal and a flange into which skin grows into an extremely tight bone."

"We have managed to get the bone and skin to grow into the implant and we have developed an 'exoprosthesis' that allows this implant to work as a see-saw on the bottom of an animal's limbs to give him effectively normal gait."

Professor Blunn told BBC News the idea was initially developed for patients with amputations who have a "stump socket".

"This means they fix their artificial limb with a sock, which fits over the stump. In a lot of cases this is successful, but you [often] get rubbing and pressure sores."

The Itap technology is being tested in humans and has already been used to create a prosthetic for a woman who lost her arm in the July 2005 London bombings.

"The intriguing thing with Oscar was that he had two implants - one in each back leg, and in quite an unusual site," Professor Blunn told BBC News.

He said that the success of this operation showed the potential of the technology.

"Noel has some brilliant ideas," he added. "And we're continuing to work closely with him to develop new technologies."

Source: BBC News]]>
The new feet are custom-made implants that "peg" the ankle to the foot. They are bioengineered to mimic the way deer antler bone grows through the skin.

The operation - a world first - was carried out by Noel Fitzpatrick, a veterinary surgeon based in Surrey.

His work is explored in a BBC documentary called The Bionic Vet.

The prosthetic pegs, called intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthetics (Itaps) were developed by a team from University College London led by Professor Gordon Blunn, who is head of UCL's Centre for Biomedical Engineering.

Professor Blunn and his team have worked in partnership with Mr Fitzpatrick to develop these weight-bearing implants, combining engineering mechanics with biology.

Mr Fitzpatrick explained: "The real revolution with Oscar is [that] we have put a piece of metal and a flange into which skin grows into an extremely tight bone."

"We have managed to get the bone and skin to grow into the implant and we have developed an 'exoprosthesis' that allows this implant to work as a see-saw on the bottom of an animal's limbs to give him effectively normal gait."

Professor Blunn told BBC News the idea was initially developed for patients with amputations who have a "stump socket".

"This means they fix their artificial limb with a sock, which fits over the stump. In a lot of cases this is successful, but you [often] get rubbing and pressure sores."

The Itap technology is being tested in humans and has already been used to create a prosthetic for a woman who lost her arm in the July 2005 London bombings.

"The intriguing thing with Oscar was that he had two implants - one in each back leg, and in quite an unusual site," Professor Blunn told BBC News.

He said that the success of this operation showed the potential of the technology.

"Noel has some brilliant ideas," he added. "And we're continuing to work closely with him to develop new technologies."

Source: BBC News]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1481 Thu, 27 May 2010 08:10:21 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1481
The appeal has been launched through the Target following the disappearance of at least three Bengal cats in the village of Ruskington in the past few weeks.

Kylie Cowell's seal spotted linx Bengal went out on May 11 and never returned home.

Mrs Cowell, who fears her cat may have been picked up by someone, is devastated and hoping that ten-month-old Alaska will return.

She said: "My three children are all very upset by this. He was a very friendly cat who had been neutered.

"We have had him since he was 13 weeks old. He never wandered far from the house and was always in and out.

"It is my belief that someone has taken him. He was so delightful and we all miss him very much. He was a part of this family and we are all very sad."

Catherine Cooper's family were also devastated when their five-year-old brown marbled Bengal named Souk disappeared sometime between May 13 and 14.

She said: "We are absolutely heartbroken. My last memory was of her playing on the scratching post.

"My daughter is also devastated as we have been looking after the cats for her. We are offering a reward for Souk's safe return as we really want her back home."

The appeal to find the missing cats is being backed by local charity Sleaford And District Cats' Protection and Ruskington vets Foxhall.

Both are urging people to keep a look out for these missing cats.

Vet Stephanie Lange-Cook told the Target: "We have been alerted about a couple of missing Bengals and other pedigree cats. Bengal cats are very curious and are very friendly, but it seems strange that a few have disappeared in the past few weeks in the same area.

"I would urge people to be on the look out for these missing cats and for owners to get their cats identity chipped."

Karen Sheldon of Cats' Protection added: "I would advise anyone who is offered one of these pedigree cats cheap without papers to be very suspicious. I would also advise pedigree owners to be very vigilant with their cats."

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of these cats can call Cats' Protection on (01529) 488749.

Source: This is Lincolnshire]]>
The appeal has been launched through the Target following the disappearance of at least three Bengal cats in the village of Ruskington in the past few weeks.

Kylie Cowell's seal spotted linx Bengal went out on May 11 and never returned home.

Mrs Cowell, who fears her cat may have been picked up by someone, is devastated and hoping that ten-month-old Alaska will return.

She said: "My three children are all very upset by this. He was a very friendly cat who had been neutered.

"We have had him since he was 13 weeks old. He never wandered far from the house and was always in and out.

"It is my belief that someone has taken him. He was so delightful and we all miss him very much. He was a part of this family and we are all very sad."

Catherine Cooper's family were also devastated when their five-year-old brown marbled Bengal named Souk disappeared sometime between May 13 and 14.

She said: "We are absolutely heartbroken. My last memory was of her playing on the scratching post.

"My daughter is also devastated as we have been looking after the cats for her. We are offering a reward for Souk's safe return as we really want her back home."

The appeal to find the missing cats is being backed by local charity Sleaford And District Cats' Protection and Ruskington vets Foxhall.

Both are urging people to keep a look out for these missing cats.

Vet Stephanie Lange-Cook told the Target: "We have been alerted about a couple of missing Bengals and other pedigree cats. Bengal cats are very curious and are very friendly, but it seems strange that a few have disappeared in the past few weeks in the same area.

"I would urge people to be on the look out for these missing cats and for owners to get their cats identity chipped."

Karen Sheldon of Cats' Protection added: "I would advise anyone who is offered one of these pedigree cats cheap without papers to be very suspicious. I would also advise pedigree owners to be very vigilant with their cats."

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of these cats can call Cats' Protection on (01529) 488749.

Source: This is Lincolnshire]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1477 Wed, 12 May 2010 15:53:04 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1477
Liz Hiorns, 72, searched for days after 11-year-old Jack Russell Penny ran away from the family farm near Warwick.

But Liz was stunned when she discovered a dog warden found Penny a week later and handed her in to an animal rescue centre which in turn sold her to new owners for £80.

Liz begged the animal rescue centre to tell her who had bought Penny - but they refused, claiming it was against data protection laws.

Penny was only returned to Liz after she threatened Denamere Animal Rescue Centre with legal action, it emerged.

Liz's family applied to the High Court in Birmingham to force the rescue centre to reveal the identity of jack russel Penny's new owners - who had renamed her 'Angel'.

But the new owners of 'Angel' decided to return her to Liz before the case was heard.

Grandmother-of-six Liz said: 'I'm absolutely delighted, thrilled to have her home.

'The last month has been extremely stressful but I am just so relieved it is all over. I will certainly be keeping a close eye on Penny in future.

'This should never have happened and I am very angry with the local council who were too quick to palm her off onto someone else.' Stratford District Council, which is responsible for what happens to stray dogs when they are picked up by the warden, apologised for the cock-up.

A spokesman said: 'This is the first time such an incident has happened and the district council regrets this and will use its best endeavours to ensure this does not happen again.

'Sadly, the district council picks up a number of dogs weekly and scans the dogs routinely for identification in the form of a microchip or any other distinguishing marks.

'This all helps with the process of reuniting the dog back with its rightful owner.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...z0nj8vQQgq]]>
Liz Hiorns, 72, searched for days after 11-year-old Jack Russell Penny ran away from the family farm near Warwick.

But Liz was stunned when she discovered a dog warden found Penny a week later and handed her in to an animal rescue centre which in turn sold her to new owners for £80.

Liz begged the animal rescue centre to tell her who had bought Penny - but they refused, claiming it was against data protection laws.

Penny was only returned to Liz after she threatened Denamere Animal Rescue Centre with legal action, it emerged.

Liz's family applied to the High Court in Birmingham to force the rescue centre to reveal the identity of jack russel Penny's new owners - who had renamed her 'Angel'.

But the new owners of 'Angel' decided to return her to Liz before the case was heard.

Grandmother-of-six Liz said: 'I'm absolutely delighted, thrilled to have her home.

'The last month has been extremely stressful but I am just so relieved it is all over. I will certainly be keeping a close eye on Penny in future.

'This should never have happened and I am very angry with the local council who were too quick to palm her off onto someone else.' Stratford District Council, which is responsible for what happens to stray dogs when they are picked up by the warden, apologised for the cock-up.

A spokesman said: 'This is the first time such an incident has happened and the district council regrets this and will use its best endeavours to ensure this does not happen again.

'Sadly, the district council picks up a number of dogs weekly and scans the dogs routinely for identification in the form of a microchip or any other distinguishing marks.

'This all helps with the process of reuniting the dog back with its rightful owner.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...z0nj8vQQgq]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1467 Thu, 15 Apr 2010 09:52:40 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1467
Jackie Gargan was at home when a neighbour sent her a text message to say he had spotted the animal on his way to work.

So Mrs Gargan sprung into action, grabbed a cat carrier and set off towards St Peter’s Way.

Mrs Gargan, aged 42, of Thornham Drive, Sharples, said: “I panicked because I know how busy that road is at that time of the morning. I dashed there as soon as I could. There is no way I could have left it.”

Neighbour Robert Greenwood sent the text when he saw the kitten as he travelled to work at 7am on Tuesday.

He tried to stop, but the weight of traffic meant it was not possible.

Mrs Gargan, an IT manager, stopped on the A666, near to the Raikes Lane turn-off, holding up traffic behind her.

She said: “I slowed down in the heavy traffic, put my hazards on and blocked the left lane while I went to rescue her.

“Luckily nobody beeped at me, I think they could see what I was doing.”

The grey cat, thought to be around six months old. had suffered a injury to its leg and tail and was taken to Pennine Vets in Tottington where staff agreed to open early to treat the animal.

Nicola Severs, head nurse at the surgery, said: “She is doing well, but is not out of the woods yet. We suspect the cat was attacked by a fox, rather than hit by a car.

There was no collar or microchip, so we don’t know where the cat is from.

“She will be going in to a foster home tomorrow.”

Mrs Gargan, who has two cats and 26 rabbits, has since been to see the injured kitten at the vets and said: “She has had a very lucky escape.”

Source: This is Lancashire]]>
Jackie Gargan was at home when a neighbour sent her a text message to say he had spotted the animal on his way to work.

So Mrs Gargan sprung into action, grabbed a cat carrier and set off towards St Peter’s Way.

Mrs Gargan, aged 42, of Thornham Drive, Sharples, said: “I panicked because I know how busy that road is at that time of the morning. I dashed there as soon as I could. There is no way I could have left it.”

Neighbour Robert Greenwood sent the text when he saw the kitten as he travelled to work at 7am on Tuesday.

He tried to stop, but the weight of traffic meant it was not possible.

Mrs Gargan, an IT manager, stopped on the A666, near to the Raikes Lane turn-off, holding up traffic behind her.

She said: “I slowed down in the heavy traffic, put my hazards on and blocked the left lane while I went to rescue her.

“Luckily nobody beeped at me, I think they could see what I was doing.”

The grey cat, thought to be around six months old. had suffered a injury to its leg and tail and was taken to Pennine Vets in Tottington where staff agreed to open early to treat the animal.

Nicola Severs, head nurse at the surgery, said: “She is doing well, but is not out of the woods yet. We suspect the cat was attacked by a fox, rather than hit by a car.

There was no collar or microchip, so we don’t know where the cat is from.

“She will be going in to a foster home tomorrow.”

Mrs Gargan, who has two cats and 26 rabbits, has since been to see the injured kitten at the vets and said: “She has had a very lucky escape.”

Source: This is Lancashire]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1462 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:05:44 +0100 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1462
Tiger is said to have scratched postal workers and chased them down the garden path at his home in High Bank Street, Farsley, over the past few weeks.

Owner Tracy Brayshaw, who must now pick up mail from the nearest sorting office, said the ban was "a bit silly".

She added: "We're talking about a 19-year-old geriatric cat here who likes lazing out in the sun."

Mrs Brayshaw, 43, a pharmacy dispenser, said the black-and-white cat slept for 20 hours a day but was always ready to pounce on unsuspecting staff.

'Not a monster'

She said: "There have been three incidents where Tiger's jumped through the cat flap and is said to have scratched a postie, so they've decided to suspend our post.

"He's never done anything like this before."

Mrs Brayshaw's daughter, Amy, 17, said: "Tiger sleeps, he drools when he sleeps and he likes climbing trees, but in the space of three weeks we've had our post banned because he has attacked the postman.

"Apparently he attacked one postman on the leg and on the arm and chased him down the garden path.

"He is very territorial but he's just an average cat really. We are all saying it's health and safety gone mad.

"He wakes up in the middle of the night meowing because he just wants some attention. He's not a monster."

In a statement Royal Mail said: "We are sorry for the inconvenience to Mrs Brayshaw and, as we want to resume delivery of mail to her address as quickly as possible, we're trying to agree a way to do this and avoid our employees suffering further nasty injuries, as has happened three times already."

Source: BBC News]]>
Tiger is said to have scratched postal workers and chased them down the garden path at his home in High Bank Street, Farsley, over the past few weeks.

Owner Tracy Brayshaw, who must now pick up mail from the nearest sorting office, said the ban was "a bit silly".

She added: "We're talking about a 19-year-old geriatric cat here who likes lazing out in the sun."

Mrs Brayshaw, 43, a pharmacy dispenser, said the black-and-white cat slept for 20 hours a day but was always ready to pounce on unsuspecting staff.

'Not a monster'

She said: "There have been three incidents where Tiger's jumped through the cat flap and is said to have scratched a postie, so they've decided to suspend our post.

"He's never done anything like this before."

Mrs Brayshaw's daughter, Amy, 17, said: "Tiger sleeps, he drools when he sleeps and he likes climbing trees, but in the space of three weeks we've had our post banned because he has attacked the postman.

"Apparently he attacked one postman on the leg and on the arm and chased him down the garden path.

"He is very territorial but he's just an average cat really. We are all saying it's health and safety gone mad.

"He wakes up in the middle of the night meowing because he just wants some attention. He's not a monster."

In a statement Royal Mail said: "We are sorry for the inconvenience to Mrs Brayshaw and, as we want to resume delivery of mail to her address as quickly as possible, we're trying to agree a way to do this and avoid our employees suffering further nasty injuries, as has happened three times already."

Source: BBC News]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1449 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:57:34 +0000 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1449
The border collie cross - the first rescue dog to become a regular fixture on the BBC show - will make her final appearance on 30 March.

Presenters Andy Akinwolere, Helen Skelton and Joel Defries broke the news of her departure on Wednesday's show.

"With mixed emotions we are going to be saying goodbye to Mabel," said Defries.

"She'll be retiring at the end of the month and we're going to give her a massive, massive send off," he added.

Viewers of the show are being asked to send in poems, pictures and letters for Mabel, to mark her time on the show.

During her career Mabel has starred alongside 14 different presenters, starting with Katy Hill, Stuart Miles and Tim Vincent.

She first featured on the programme in January 1996 during a film item about the RSPCA and she officially joined the show a month later.

Her name was based on RSPCA inspector Mark Buggie's initials, who drove her to the studio.

Mabel, who is the second longest-serving dog on the CBBC show after Petra's 15-year appearance, will spend her retirement at home living with a former member of the production team.

"It will be a sad day for us all when we have to bid a fond farewell to our studio mate Mabel. We all wish her a very happy retirement," Skelton said.

"Mabel is a legend. She has spent 98 dog years working on Blue Peter and we will all miss her dearly," Defries added.

Source: BBC News]]>
The border collie cross - the first rescue dog to become a regular fixture on the BBC show - will make her final appearance on 30 March.

Presenters Andy Akinwolere, Helen Skelton and Joel Defries broke the news of her departure on Wednesday's show.

"With mixed emotions we are going to be saying goodbye to Mabel," said Defries.

"She'll be retiring at the end of the month and we're going to give her a massive, massive send off," he added.

Viewers of the show are being asked to send in poems, pictures and letters for Mabel, to mark her time on the show.

During her career Mabel has starred alongside 14 different presenters, starting with Katy Hill, Stuart Miles and Tim Vincent.

She first featured on the programme in January 1996 during a film item about the RSPCA and she officially joined the show a month later.

Her name was based on RSPCA inspector Mark Buggie's initials, who drove her to the studio.

Mabel, who is the second longest-serving dog on the CBBC show after Petra's 15-year appearance, will spend her retirement at home living with a former member of the production team.

"It will be a sad day for us all when we have to bid a fond farewell to our studio mate Mabel. We all wish her a very happy retirement," Skelton said.

"Mabel is a legend. She has spent 98 dog years working on Blue Peter and we will all miss her dearly," Defries added.

Source: BBC News]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1446 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:58:11 +0000 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1446
Police and local authorities could also be given powers to force owners of dangerous dogs to muzzle them or even get them neutered.

Ministers say the consultation responds to concerns about the use of animals to intimidate or threaten people.

But the Tories say Labour has allowed the problem to grow in recent years.

Each week, more than 100 people are admitted to hospital after dog attacks.

There has also been a reported rise in levels of dog fighting and illegal ownership, particularly by gangs who are using dangerous dogs as status symbols.

Compensation

Coming a few weeks before a general election is expected, the government has launched a consultation on amending the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.

This legislation banned four types - the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino and the fila Brasileiro - from public places.

The government's consultation suggests also banning them from people's homes.

Ministers argue this will also protect postal workers, telecoms engineers and other people whose work takes them on to private land.

Should all dogs be insured?

Another proposal is to introduce compulsory third-party insurance for dog owners to ensure attack victims are compensated.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said he was concerned that some owners were keeping dogs with the sole purpose of intimidating other people.

He told BBC News: "What most dog owners recognise is that what's going on is cruelty to animals.

"Other dogs are being treated abysmally because of this fashion for 'status dogs', which has been the main issue over the last five or six years."

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: "There is a lot of public concern about dog attacks, including the recent tragic deaths of young children, and about the rise in the number of so-called status dogs used to intimidate or threaten people.

"This is a serious issue of public safety. The government wants to hear what people think about the law as it stands and what more we might do to protect people from dangerous dogs."

Serious debate

The CWU postal union welcomed the proposals as "long overdue", with general secretary Billy Hayes saying: "Thousands of our members are attacked at work every year. This reform cannot come soon enough."

The RSPCA said a serious debate on the issue was needed, concentrating on curbing irresponsible pet ownership.

The charity's government relations manager, Claire Robinson, said: "There is a real need for updated legislation that enables enforcers to tackle the problem effectively and prevent serious incidents from occurring rather than waiting till after a tragedy or penalising certain dogs just because of their breed or type."

The Conservatives said the government had allowed the problem to get worse, with the number of people convicted for allowing their dogs to cause injury more than doubling in the past decade.

Peter Tallack, a former Metropolitan Police dog handler, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that owners of dangerous dogs had "a lack of understanding of what potential they've got on their hands".

"It's become a major problem now. It's become a bit of a cult.

"It's very difficult for the police. With all the resources in the world we couldn't tackle the problem at the moment."

He added: "I don't think there's a choice other than dog registration over the next few years."

The proposed insurance plan would not apply in Scotland. However, a backbench bill proposed by the SNP's Christine Grahame is currently being examined by the Scottish Parliament.

The Control of Dogs Bill would allow councils to impose restrictions on owners who failed to control their pets.

The Dangerous Dogs Act, which was passed by Parliament in 1991 after a spate of attacks, brought in destruction orders for banned dogs in England and Wales.

In 1997, another parliamentary act amended the law, removing the compulsory destruction orders and giving courts discretion over the issue and the sentencing of owners.

Source: BBC News]]>
Police and local authorities could also be given powers to force owners of dangerous dogs to muzzle them or even get them neutered.

Ministers say the consultation responds to concerns about the use of animals to intimidate or threaten people.

But the Tories say Labour has allowed the problem to grow in recent years.

Each week, more than 100 people are admitted to hospital after dog attacks.

There has also been a reported rise in levels of dog fighting and illegal ownership, particularly by gangs who are using dangerous dogs as status symbols.

Compensation

Coming a few weeks before a general election is expected, the government has launched a consultation on amending the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.

This legislation banned four types - the pit bull terrier, the Japanese tosa, the dogo Argentino and the fila Brasileiro - from public places.

The government's consultation suggests also banning them from people's homes.

Ministers argue this will also protect postal workers, telecoms engineers and other people whose work takes them on to private land.

Should all dogs be insured?

Another proposal is to introduce compulsory third-party insurance for dog owners to ensure attack victims are compensated.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said he was concerned that some owners were keeping dogs with the sole purpose of intimidating other people.

He told BBC News: "What most dog owners recognise is that what's going on is cruelty to animals.

"Other dogs are being treated abysmally because of this fashion for 'status dogs', which has been the main issue over the last five or six years."

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said: "There is a lot of public concern about dog attacks, including the recent tragic deaths of young children, and about the rise in the number of so-called status dogs used to intimidate or threaten people.

"This is a serious issue of public safety. The government wants to hear what people think about the law as it stands and what more we might do to protect people from dangerous dogs."

Serious debate

The CWU postal union welcomed the proposals as "long overdue", with general secretary Billy Hayes saying: "Thousands of our members are attacked at work every year. This reform cannot come soon enough."

The RSPCA said a serious debate on the issue was needed, concentrating on curbing irresponsible pet ownership.

The charity's government relations manager, Claire Robinson, said: "There is a real need for updated legislation that enables enforcers to tackle the problem effectively and prevent serious incidents from occurring rather than waiting till after a tragedy or penalising certain dogs just because of their breed or type."

The Conservatives said the government had allowed the problem to get worse, with the number of people convicted for allowing their dogs to cause injury more than doubling in the past decade.

Peter Tallack, a former Metropolitan Police dog handler, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that owners of dangerous dogs had "a lack of understanding of what potential they've got on their hands".

"It's become a major problem now. It's become a bit of a cult.

"It's very difficult for the police. With all the resources in the world we couldn't tackle the problem at the moment."

He added: "I don't think there's a choice other than dog registration over the next few years."

The proposed insurance plan would not apply in Scotland. However, a backbench bill proposed by the SNP's Christine Grahame is currently being examined by the Scottish Parliament.

The Control of Dogs Bill would allow councils to impose restrictions on owners who failed to control their pets.

The Dangerous Dogs Act, which was passed by Parliament in 1991 after a spate of attacks, brought in destruction orders for banned dogs in England and Wales.

In 1997, another parliamentary act amended the law, removing the compulsory destruction orders and giving courts discretion over the issue and the sentencing of owners.

Source: BBC News]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1444 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:50:13 +0000 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1444
The fire broke out in the Brantano footwear store at the Peel Centre at about 1830 GMT on Saturday evening.

Smoke filled three other units, including a Pets at Home outlet where staff worked frantically to get the animals out of the building.

A fire and rescue service spokesman said investigations were under way to establish the cause of the blaze.

Pets at Home area manager Angela Ravie praised the work of her store team.

She said: "They've done everything they can to evacuate the pets, they're obviously absolutely devastated at what has happened.

"They have managed to rescue quite a few of the animals and the guys in store have done everything they can.

"It's tragic, there may be some animals in there - the guys are devastated that they might have had to leave some - but they were overcome by fumes and the fire brigade told them it was no longer safe to be in there."

Source: BBC News]]>
The fire broke out in the Brantano footwear store at the Peel Centre at about 1830 GMT on Saturday evening.

Smoke filled three other units, including a Pets at Home outlet where staff worked frantically to get the animals out of the building.

A fire and rescue service spokesman said investigations were under way to establish the cause of the blaze.

Pets at Home area manager Angela Ravie praised the work of her store team.

She said: "They've done everything they can to evacuate the pets, they're obviously absolutely devastated at what has happened.

"They have managed to rescue quite a few of the animals and the guys in store have done everything they can.

"It's tragic, there may be some animals in there - the guys are devastated that they might have had to leave some - but they were overcome by fumes and the fire brigade told them it was no longer safe to be in there."

Source: BBC News]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1440 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:59:43 +0000 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1440
'Giant' George claimed the prestigious title after Guinness Records officials measured him up at 43 inches from paw to shoulder, or 7ft 3in when 'standing' on his back legs.

The four-year-old great dane weighs a staggering 17.5 stone and consumes 110lb of food each week.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnew...z0h20sb4CL

]]>
'Giant' George claimed the prestigious title after Guinness Records officials measured him up at 43 inches from paw to shoulder, or 7ft 3in when 'standing' on his back legs.

The four-year-old great dane weighs a staggering 17.5 stone and consumes 110lb of food each week.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnew...z0h20sb4CL

]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1435 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:12:29 +0000 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1435
People with cats are more likely to have university degrees than those with dogs, according to a scientific survey of pet ownership.

The study also revealed that the combined cat and dog population of Britain is more than 20.8 million - 50 per cent higher than previously thought.

Researchers at the University of Bristol say that the superior intelligence of cat owners is unlikely to be caused by their exposure to the famously cunning and selfish pets.

Rather, more educated people tend to work longer hours and choose a pet to fit their lifestyles. Unlike dogs, cats require no walking and can manage with little human company.

Dr Jane Murray, Cats Protection Lecturer in Feline Epidemiology, who led the study, said: "We don't think it is associated with income because that was one of the variables we looked at, and there was little difference.

"Cats require less time per day than a dog, so they are more popular with educated people who work late and have long commutes."

Homes with degree-holders were 1.36 times more likely to have a cat than other households. The same homes were less likely to have a dog than households where no-one went to university.

The study, published in the Veterinary Record journal, also found that cat owners were more likely to be older and female. Both cat and dog owners were more likely than the general population to live in households with gardens in rural areas.

As part of the study 2,980 people were interviewed about their pet ownership, geography and educational background. Combining the results with census information produced new figures for Britain's pet population - 10.3 million cats and 10.5 million dogs. The numbers do not include strays.

Previous estimates had put the totals at 7.2 million and 7.3 million respectively

Dr Jane Murray said: "We are confident that our figures are the most accurate yet. The other estimates are produced by the pet food industry and have not been published in peer reviewed journals. We are not saying there has been a huge spike in the cat and dog populations - we are just getting better at counting them."

Researchers at the university's Department of Clinical Veterinary Science hope to repeat the study 2011, to monitor any changes in population numbers and ownership trends.

The popular myth of cat intelligence was dented last year with the publication of a study showing that they did worse than dogs at a simple reasoning task. Cats presented with two pieces of string, only one of which was attached to a food reward, could not tell which one to pull for their treat.

Source: Daily Telegraph]]>
People with cats are more likely to have university degrees than those with dogs, according to a scientific survey of pet ownership.

The study also revealed that the combined cat and dog population of Britain is more than 20.8 million - 50 per cent higher than previously thought.

Researchers at the University of Bristol say that the superior intelligence of cat owners is unlikely to be caused by their exposure to the famously cunning and selfish pets.

Rather, more educated people tend to work longer hours and choose a pet to fit their lifestyles. Unlike dogs, cats require no walking and can manage with little human company.

Dr Jane Murray, Cats Protection Lecturer in Feline Epidemiology, who led the study, said: "We don't think it is associated with income because that was one of the variables we looked at, and there was little difference.

"Cats require less time per day than a dog, so they are more popular with educated people who work late and have long commutes."

Homes with degree-holders were 1.36 times more likely to have a cat than other households. The same homes were less likely to have a dog than households where no-one went to university.

The study, published in the Veterinary Record journal, also found that cat owners were more likely to be older and female. Both cat and dog owners were more likely than the general population to live in households with gardens in rural areas.

As part of the study 2,980 people were interviewed about their pet ownership, geography and educational background. Combining the results with census information produced new figures for Britain's pet population - 10.3 million cats and 10.5 million dogs. The numbers do not include strays.

Previous estimates had put the totals at 7.2 million and 7.3 million respectively

Dr Jane Murray said: "We are confident that our figures are the most accurate yet. The other estimates are produced by the pet food industry and have not been published in peer reviewed journals. We are not saying there has been a huge spike in the cat and dog populations - we are just getting better at counting them."

Researchers at the university's Department of Clinical Veterinary Science hope to repeat the study 2011, to monitor any changes in population numbers and ownership trends.

The popular myth of cat intelligence was dented last year with the publication of a study showing that they did worse than dogs at a simple reasoning task. Cats presented with two pieces of string, only one of which was attached to a food reward, could not tell which one to pull for their treat.

Source: Daily Telegraph]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1434 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:54:47 +0000 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1434 Five-year-old Harvey was attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier in his field in Penwortham. The dog was being walked along Bee Lane by a man and a woman when he got into the paddock and attacked Harvey.

Horrified neighbours who saw the incident contacted Harvey's owner Pam Moon and the police. Mrs Moon arrived minutes after the attack at 5.45pm on Thursday, but the dog and his owners had fled.

The mother-of-two, of Laburnum Avenue, Lostock Hall, said: "I didn't see what happened but a man who lives near the field did and called me. He said it was horrific. The dog had locked onto his bottom jaw and couldn't be shaken off.

"There was a lot of blood coming out of his mouth. Harvey was very distressed and sweating."

The dog managed to get through the fence and into the paddock, where he launched the vicious attack. The owners of the dog called out to their pet, believed to be called Charlie, but the attack continued.

Harvey, who suffered severe mouth, nose and neck injuries, broke down a fence to a neighbouring field containing Mrs Moon's three other donkeys to try to escape.

She added: "The police arrived and tried to find the dog, to no avail.

"The vet came within 20 minutes and treated Harvey with an anti-shock steroid and pain killer and prescribed antibiotics. The worst injury was Harvey's gum being torn away from his tooth and there are many puncture wounds and minor tears to his lower lip.

"He is very jumpy and wary to go to the top of his own field."

Pam's son Philip, 14, a pupil at Lostock Hall High School and Arts College, ran into the field to comfort the pet, despite not knowing whether the dog was still around.

She added: "This was obviously an uncontrollable dog that really needs identifying and its owners pursuing."

The couple were believed to be in their twenties. The dog is described as a large black bull terrier.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said the incident was still being investigated.

Anyone who may have seen the attack or knows who the dog belongs to should call 08451 253545.

Source: Blackpool Gazette]]> Five-year-old Harvey was attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier in his field in Penwortham. The dog was being walked along Bee Lane by a man and a woman when he got into the paddock and attacked Harvey.

Horrified neighbours who saw the incident contacted Harvey's owner Pam Moon and the police. Mrs Moon arrived minutes after the attack at 5.45pm on Thursday, but the dog and his owners had fled.

The mother-of-two, of Laburnum Avenue, Lostock Hall, said: "I didn't see what happened but a man who lives near the field did and called me. He said it was horrific. The dog had locked onto his bottom jaw and couldn't be shaken off.

"There was a lot of blood coming out of his mouth. Harvey was very distressed and sweating."

The dog managed to get through the fence and into the paddock, where he launched the vicious attack. The owners of the dog called out to their pet, believed to be called Charlie, but the attack continued.

Harvey, who suffered severe mouth, nose and neck injuries, broke down a fence to a neighbouring field containing Mrs Moon's three other donkeys to try to escape.

She added: "The police arrived and tried to find the dog, to no avail.

"The vet came within 20 minutes and treated Harvey with an anti-shock steroid and pain killer and prescribed antibiotics. The worst injury was Harvey's gum being torn away from his tooth and there are many puncture wounds and minor tears to his lower lip.

"He is very jumpy and wary to go to the top of his own field."

Pam's son Philip, 14, a pupil at Lostock Hall High School and Arts College, ran into the field to comfort the pet, despite not knowing whether the dog was still around.

She added: "This was obviously an uncontrollable dog that really needs identifying and its owners pursuing."

The couple were believed to be in their twenties. The dog is described as a large black bull terrier.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said the incident was still being investigated.

Anyone who may have seen the attack or knows who the dog belongs to should call 08451 253545.

Source: Blackpool Gazette]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1424 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:06:08 +0000 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1424 The animal, which belongs to a local resident, was seen bouncing down Preston New Road, near to Junction 4 of the M55.

Police slowed traffic while RSPCA inspectors attempted to catch the animal.

The Lancashire Police helicopter was also scrambled to the scene.

The drama began at 8.55am after several alarmed motorists called 999.

It ended four hours later when a vet was drafted in from Blackpool Zoo to sedate the wallaby with a tranquiliser dart.

The animal, which was cornered by police in a garden, is now safely back with its owner.

Insp Alistair Campbell of Blackpool Police: "We had nine officers at the scene and the police helicopter was also deployed. We slowed traffic on the motorway down to 30mph.

"Eventually we were able to usher the wallaby away from the M55.

"It's fair enough to say we've never had a situation like this before. We had to consult the RSPCA to help us work out how to capture the wallaby."

Source: Blackpool Gazette]]> The animal, which belongs to a local resident, was seen bouncing down Preston New Road, near to Junction 4 of the M55.

Police slowed traffic while RSPCA inspectors attempted to catch the animal.

The Lancashire Police helicopter was also scrambled to the scene.

The drama began at 8.55am after several alarmed motorists called 999.

It ended four hours later when a vet was drafted in from Blackpool Zoo to sedate the wallaby with a tranquiliser dart.

The animal, which was cornered by police in a garden, is now safely back with its owner.

Insp Alistair Campbell of Blackpool Police: "We had nine officers at the scene and the police helicopter was also deployed. We slowed traffic on the motorway down to 30mph.

"Eventually we were able to usher the wallaby away from the M55.

"It's fair enough to say we've never had a situation like this before. We had to consult the RSPCA to help us work out how to capture the wallaby."

Source: Blackpool Gazette]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1413 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:53:03 +0000 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1413
Joel White, from Machen, Caerphilly county, strangled the 10-week old pet after it fell off a ceiling lampshade where he had made it perform tricks.

He denied causing unnecessary suffering but was convicted of animal cruelty at Cardiff magistrates' court.

He was also disqualified from owning or keeping an animal for 10 years.

Deputy district judge Mark Layton told him: "You threw the kitten and then placed it on a lampshade but it fell off. You then strangled it and caused it to die.

"The kitten was in a great deal of pain prior to its death."

White's girlfriend Joanne Bettridge, 42, who owned the kitten called Pepsi, previously told the court: "He snapped my kitten's neck in front of me - he just wrung Pepsi's neck."

Joel picked him up and wrapped him in a pillow case and took him out of the room and put him into the freezer
Joanne Bettridge

She described how Pepsi, one of her three pet kittens, was killed by White who then threw it in the freezer at her home in Cardiff.

"He started to threw Pepsi against the curtains," she said.

"The claws were digging into the curtains. Then he put the kitten into the lampshade to see if it could do any tricks.

"But then it fell down to the floor. There was hardly any movement.

"I thought his back was broken, he was crawling across the floor. So Joel then killed Pepsi.

"Joel picked him up and I was crying my eyeballs out.

"Joel picked him up and wrapped him in a pillow case and took him out of the room and put him into the freezer."

'Emotional problems'

Miss Bettridge said that while she was White's girlfriend, their relationship was "mainly platonic".

The court heard he "used her for money, food and somewhere to live" when he lost his own rented house.

White claimed the kitten was alive when he was asked by police to leave the house after Miss Bettridge's colleagues contacted the Women's Aid support charity.

The court had heard that White, who is bisexual, made Miss Bettridge jealous by visiting gay clubs and socialising with gay men.

White, who is unemployed, said: "I felt bad for her but did everything I had to do to survive.

"I'm selfish. I didn't want to hurt her but I had no-one else. It was convenient for me at the time."

He said she falsely accused him of killing the pet because she was "broken-hearted when she saw photos of him with his partner".

Ed Mitchard, defending, said: "He used her. He had a lot of emotional problems."

Source: BBC News]]>
Joel White, from Machen, Caerphilly county, strangled the 10-week old pet after it fell off a ceiling lampshade where he had made it perform tricks.

He denied causing unnecessary suffering but was convicted of animal cruelty at Cardiff magistrates' court.

He was also disqualified from owning or keeping an animal for 10 years.

Deputy district judge Mark Layton told him: "You threw the kitten and then placed it on a lampshade but it fell off. You then strangled it and caused it to die.

"The kitten was in a great deal of pain prior to its death."

White's girlfriend Joanne Bettridge, 42, who owned the kitten called Pepsi, previously told the court: "He snapped my kitten's neck in front of me - he just wrung Pepsi's neck."

Joel picked him up and wrapped him in a pillow case and took him out of the room and put him into the freezer
Joanne Bettridge

She described how Pepsi, one of her three pet kittens, was killed by White who then threw it in the freezer at her home in Cardiff.

"He started to threw Pepsi against the curtains," she said.

"The claws were digging into the curtains. Then he put the kitten into the lampshade to see if it could do any tricks.

"But then it fell down to the floor. There was hardly any movement.

"I thought his back was broken, he was crawling across the floor. So Joel then killed Pepsi.

"Joel picked him up and I was crying my eyeballs out.

"Joel picked him up and wrapped him in a pillow case and took him out of the room and put him into the freezer."

'Emotional problems'

Miss Bettridge said that while she was White's girlfriend, their relationship was "mainly platonic".

The court heard he "used her for money, food and somewhere to live" when he lost his own rented house.

White claimed the kitten was alive when he was asked by police to leave the house after Miss Bettridge's colleagues contacted the Women's Aid support charity.

The court had heard that White, who is bisexual, made Miss Bettridge jealous by visiting gay clubs and socialising with gay men.

White, who is unemployed, said: "I felt bad for her but did everything I had to do to survive.

"I'm selfish. I didn't want to hurt her but I had no-one else. It was convenient for me at the time."

He said she falsely accused him of killing the pet because she was "broken-hearted when she saw photos of him with his partner".

Ed Mitchard, defending, said: "He used her. He had a lot of emotional problems."

Source: BBC News]]> http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1412 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:18:36 +0000 http://www.nationalpetregister.org/forums/showthread.php?tid=1412
Sandy the ginger tom went missing from his home in Lee-on-Solent on 10 December.

He was discovered on the vehicle deck of the Pride of Bilbao as it docked at the Spanish port on Monday morning and returned to the UK the next day.

Sandy's owners face a bill of about £2,000 for fees while the cat spends six months in quarantine.

Luckily Sandy had been micro chipped so staff on the P&O ferry were able to find out where he was from.

'Sting in tail'

Sandy's owner Tim Austin believes his cat was stolen.

He said: "My wife went and delivered leaflets through doors but he was out of the country all the time.

"We were surprised that he was on a ferry because there was no way he could have got there by himself.

"Without the chip, almost certainly the animal would have been put down and we would have never known."

Sandy was returned to the UK on Tuesday evening but was met by DEFRA officers and has to stay in quarantine for six months.

Mr Austin said: "The fact that the cat is now in quarantine is just something that has to happen.

"But, quite surprising and a sting in the tail, is that it will cost about £2,000 by the time all the bills are paid including the kennel fees if he has to stay there for six months.

"He didn't leave the boat but he left UK waters and that's the issue but we don't have a problem with that. We are allowed to appeal and we will do that and whatever the result, we will abide by that."

Source: BBC News]]>
Sandy the ginger tom went missing from his home in Lee-on-Solent on 10 December.

He was discovered on the vehicle deck of the Pride of Bilbao as it docked at the Spanish port on Monday morning and returned to the UK the next day.

Sandy's owners face a bill of about £2,000 for fees while the cat spends six months in quarantine.

Luckily Sandy had been micro chipped so staff on the P&O ferry were able to find out where he was from.

'Sting in tail'

Sandy's owner Tim Austin believes his cat was stolen.

He said: "My wife went and delivered leaflets through doors but he was out of the country all the time.

"We were surprised that he was on a ferry because there was no way he could have got there by himself.

"Without the chip, almost certainly the animal would have been put down and we would have never known."

Sandy was returned to the UK on Tuesday evening but was met by DEFRA officers and has to stay in quarantine for six months.

Mr Austin said: "The fact that the cat is now in quarantine is just something that has to happen.

"But, quite surprising and a sting in the tail, is that it will cost about £2,000 by the time all the bills are paid including the kennel fees if he has to stay there for six months.

"He didn't leave the boat but he left UK waters and that's the issue but we don't have a problem with that. We are allowed to appeal and we will do that and whatever the result, we will abide by that."

Source: BBC News]]>