A rabies outbreak involving 10 human cases, has prompted authorities in China’s northwest Shaanxi Province to order a cull that has already seen as many as 30,000 dogs brutally slaughtered on the streets of Hanzhong and surrounding areas. This is one in 10 of the city’s dogs and numbers are rising. The authorities have blindly continued with the cull, despite receiving solid advice from International and Chinese experts that culls do nothing to eradicate rabies.

Despite best efforts, the dogs are still being brutally hunted down by gangs of men and women wielding bloody sticks, metal hooks and ropes, then heartlessly clubbed to death. Some of the killers are local men, ordered by the authorities to help in the slaughter. Others are taking part willingly, even laughing as they brutalise the dogs. Some are cherished family pets, while others are strays that have already suffered enough in their cruel, short lives on the streets.

The gutters are running with blood, rotting carcasses scatter streets and waterways, but it’s the hands of the Hanzhong authorities that are stained. The slaughtered dogs were on the streets only because these people still refuse to act on the evidence before their eyes – that the only way to manage stray-dog populations (and therefore rabies and other diseases) is to implement broad vaccination and trap, neuter, release (TNR) programmes.

Over the past two weeks, families have sobbed and fallen to their knees as their beloved dogs were snatched from their arms, roughly collared with rope and beaten to death before their eyes. Often the dogs wag their tails once or twice and look up pathetically between careless heavy blows to the face, head and spine. The dogs’ cries are spine-chilling.

Some animal lovers have formed an organisation to lobby their local authorities to adopt stray-dog management measures. Other municipalities are listening. Just last month, Animals Asia – along with other animal-welfare groups – was able to convince officials in Hehei, Heilongjiang Province to abandon a similar cull.

Dawn Hawkins of Scissal added “ Animal Asia have done wonderful work in China and are passionate about their work with the animals and people they are trying to help. Scissal has supported Animal Asia in the past and feel this is such a dire situation that needs urgent help to assist their vital TNR programmes”.

Dog Control Order On Dog Owner’s Own Land: A pub landlord in Honiton Devon was shocked when he opened his local newspaper and read that East Devon District Council had imposed a dog control order on his own pub, the Vine Inn Yard.

Local reports claim that Mr Hedley Hawkins, who owns the pub’s car park, was oblivious to plans to enforce people to keep dogs on leads there.

Mr Hawkins spoke to the local media and said:

“I own a dog and there’s no way I’m going to restrict my dog on my property.”

“I think the council should have consulted, rather than just do it.”

The decision was announced after the recent county council elections in which a large number of district councillors won seats. He has owned The Vine Inn for 33 years and says: “Vine Yard and Vine Passage, which leads to Vine Yard, are two different things.

“I don’t own Vine Passage, however, nor does anybody else. It is deemed a footpath but was originally only an access for the residents,”

“No one else has got rights to the passage. I look after it and make sure it’s clean and tidy and re-paved where necessary.

“I own the garden off of Vine Passage and the yard at the back, where there is also a footpath.

Dog owners have been urged to keep their pets cool this summer to avoid the heartbreak of losing a much-loved companion.

Last year the RSPCA received more than 3,000 calls from members of the public relating to 4,589 dogs locked in hot cars at supermarkets, outdoor events and on the streets. During one recent hot weekend (Friday, 29 May to Monday, 1 June) the RSPCA received 175 calls involving 237 dogs.

The Society is hoping there is no repeat of tragedies such as at last year’s Appleby Horse Fair when two dogs were literally cooked alive inside a car. The dogs’ body temperatures were so high that they exceeded the maximum thermometer reading of 42°C (108°F)*.

With the outdoor events season about to get into full swing the RSPCA has issued its regular appeal to owners to keep their dogs safe in the sun. But this year people are being reminded that it isn’t just cars that pose a risk to dogs, but also conservatories and caravans.

RSPCA chief veterinary adviser Mark Evans said:

“A hot car can be a death trap for dogs, it is as simple as that. Leaving your dog in a car, even on an average warm, even cloudy summer day, can put your pet at huge risk of suffering and even death.

“This is not a new warning, but sadly too many people still don’t appreciate how dangerous it can be to leave a dog in a hot car, conservatory or caravan. Don’t let your dog be the one to find out the hard way.”

The temperature inside a car can soar to 47°C (117°F) within 60 minutes, even when the outside temperature is just 22°C (72°F). Opening a window or leaving a bowl of water for your dog will make little difference and still leaves dogs in serious danger of suffering from heatstroke, which can be fatal.

Other hidden heat dangers include

Cloud cover can disappear quickly.
All dogs will suffer, but some dogs are more prone to heatstroke. For example, dogs that are old, young, short nosed, long-haired, overweight or heavily muscled are more at risk, as well as dogs with certain diseases.
Temperatures in air conditioned cars can reach the same temperature as outside within just five minutes of the air conditioning being turned off.

The most obvious sign of heat stroke in dogs is excessive panting and profuse salivation. Other signs include:

Overly red or purple gums
A rapid pulse
Lack of co-ordination, reluctance or inability to rise after collapsing, seizures, vomiting or diarrhoea
Coma or death in extreme instances

Owners who fear their dog may be suffering from heat stroke should act with great urgency. Pets should be moved to a cooler spot straight away before ringing your vet for advice immediately.

Douse your dog with cool (not cold) water. You could put your dog in a shower and run cool water over him/her, spray your dog with cool water and place him/her in the breeze of a fan. Never cool your dog so much that he/she begins to shiver
Let your dog drink small amounts of cool water
Continue to douse your dog with cool water until his/her breathing starts to settle and then take him/her straight to the veterinary surgery

Under the Animal Welfare Act it is illegal to cause an animal unnecessary suffering. Penalties for doing so are a fine of up to £20,000 and/or a six month custodial sentence.

Hot Dog Facts!

* A dog’s normal body temperature is around 39°C (102°F). Although the upper lethal body temperature of dogs is approximately 42°C (108°F), brain damage may develop at body temperatures of 41°C (106°F).

Dogs are covered in fur and do not sweat in the same way as humans do. Unlike humans, dogs pant to help keep themselves cool. The effectiveness of panting is reduced at high temperatures and humidities. Cars heat up very rapidly in hot – or even warm – weather. Air-conditioning can disguise the danger that a dog will face once the engine is turned off.

The RSPCA’s top tips to help keep your dog safe in the sun:

1. Your dog should always be able to move into a cooler, ventilated environment if he/she is feeling hot.
2. Never leave your dog alone in a car. If you want to take your dog with you on a car journey, make sure that your destination is dog friendly – you won’t be able to leave your dog in the car and you don’t want your day out to be ruined. If leaving your dog at home is the best option because of the weather, always ensure that his/her needs are properly catered for.
3. If you have to leave your dog outside, you must provide a cool, shady spot where he/she can escape from the sun at all times of the day.
4. Make sure your dog always has a good supply of drinking water, in a weighted bowl that can’t be knocked over. Carry water with you on hot days and give your dog frequent, small amounts.
5. Never leave your dog in a glass conservatory or a caravan. Even if it is cloudy when you leave, the sun may come out later in the day and could become unbearably hot.
6. Groom your dog regularly to get rid of excessive hair. Give long-coated breeds a hair-cut at the start of the summer, and later in the season if necessary.
7. Dogs need exercise, even when it is hot, but walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening. Never allow your dog to exercise excessively in hot weather.
8. Dogs can get sunburned too – particularly those with light-coloured noses or light coloured fur on their ears. Ask your vet for advice on pet-safe sunscreens.

Our new look website is now nearly finished.

There are still a few pages to finish for example; the shop and dog agency however as these require more complicated software we will have to finish these when we get a spare minute!

Our thanks go to John at telteam.net who once again managed to understand our rambling down the telephone to produce what we think is a great website.

Your feedback is invaluable to improving the site, so as always, please feel free to share your thoughts with us.

Have a regular feeding schedule for your dog, and stick to it religiously.  Feed him only high quality and premium dog foods. Economy dog foods are not just inferior in their protein sources, but they may also lack important vitamins and minerals that should be part of a healthy dog’s habit.  Economy brands can also be more expensive in the longer run since they are often designed to be less filling, so the dog needs more food.  While buying a brand of dog food, take your dog’s age, weight size, breed and activity level into consideration.  Make sure your dog has a constant supply of fresh water in his bowl.

English Springer Spaniel Temperament

Active, intelligent, and eager to please, the English Springer Spaniel is a dog that loves the companionship and affection of his family, and is a real people person with strong social skills when properly socialized. He is a quick learner which makes him easy to obedience train. The English Springer Spaniel has plenty of energy and spirit, and loves to play and exercise. Some English Springer Spaniel can be overly boisterous at times, and others can be overly dependant to the point where they become clingy, so early training is essential as is the need to teach the dog to be independent. These dogs do not like being neglected, and being left along for long periods can result in destructive behavior and anxiety, so this is not the right dog for those that are away for long periods and do not have the time to commit to a pet.

The English Springer Spaniel gets along well with children, particularly when raised with them, and is also good with other pets. He is a sociable dog and will get along well with most strangers, although some English Springer Spaniels may be more reserved around strangers than others. These dogs are faithful, devoted, and loyal, and they do have a protective streak that means they will make noise to alert his owners to possible danger, making him an effective watchdog. The sweet nature and high intelligence of the English Springer Spaniel makes him well suited to the more inexperienced dog owner as well as the experienced.

English Springer Spaniel Appearance

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium sized dog, and weighs in at around 40 pounds for females and 50 pounds for males. The female English Springer Spaniel stands at around 19 inches, and the male at around 20 inches. The weather resistance coat of the English Springer Spaniel is straight, close, and silky, and the coloring includes black and white, liver and white, and tri colored. He has a docile and sweet expression, and his long silky ears, which hand to the side of his face, frame it beautifully.

English Springer Spaniel Grooming

The grooming requirements for the English Springer Spaniel can be demanding, and his silky coat will need to be brushed and combed at least several times a week, and more during heavier shedding. He will also need to be clipped every three months or so. You should trim the hair around the bottom for hygiene reasons, and also check the ear canals are dry and clean for hygiene and health reasons. These dogs are medium shedders, and shed more heavily on a seasonal basis, so they may not be ideal for the allergy sufferer.

English Springer Spaniel Health Problems and Life Expectancy

The lifespan of the English Springer Spaniel is around 12 years, and there are a number of health problems that may be associated with this breed. This includes ectropion, glaucoma, retinal problems, vWD, SAS, HD, PRA, and epilepsy. Thyroid problems, allergies, and skin conditions can also affect the breed. Parents of the English Springer Spaniel puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.

English Springer Spaniel History

The English Springer Spaniel is one of the oldest spaniel variations around, and originates from England. They were bred to spring game, such as pheasants, into the air for hunters, thus gaining the name Springer Spaniel. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1910.

Are you a puppy lover who could volunteer your home and your time?

An appeal is being made to dog lovers to provide loving homes and basic training for puppies owned by national charity, Dogs for the Disabled. These puppies will one day become an assistance dog to help a disabled adult or child lead a more independent life.

Dogs for the Disabled needs to recruit more puppy socialisers who live within an hour’s drive of Banbury, Guildford or the Forest of Dean. Without these vital volunteers the important work the charity undertakes could grind to a halt.

Every year over 70 puppies are fostered by a team of volunteers who look after the puppy for eight months of its life. This is the first stage in a process that develops dogs into life-changing companions for children and adults with disabilities. When fully trained, dogs undertake practical tasks, provide companionship and often raise the confidence and self esteem of the people they are partnered with.

No experience is necessary to become a puppy socialiser but applicants should not underestimate the commitment the role requires.

“It doesn’t cost anything apart from your time and is very fulfilling. It is quite hard work and you have to abide by the guidelines to ensure each puppy is brought up well, but you get so much out of it and meet a lot of interesting people. I love having the puppies,” says retired teacher Christine Parrett, who is currently looking after her fourth puppy for the charity.

Puppy socialisers introduce young dogs to different environments so that at an early age they become confident and used to the many different sights, smells and sounds they will encounter when they are working. They are also responsible for training puppies in the basics like general obedience, walking on the lead and toileting.

In return, Dogs for the Disabled provide 24 hour support for socialisers with regular puppy training classes and home visits. All food and vets fees are paid for by the charity and there are temporary boarding facilities available if you need to go away on holiday without the puppy.

Some people find the most difficult part of the scheme is to give the puppy back, but you are kept in touch with the dog’s progress and when it qualifies with a client you receive a photograph of the successful partnership. “It is not like the puppy goes out of your life forever and you still feel involved as they continue through their training. It is very rewarding to know that you have played a part in the process when you see them partnered with a disabled person,” says Christine.

After four years as a puppy socialiser she is now also involved in fundraising for the charity and finds that just as enjoyable. “I volunteered to be a puppy socialiser after I saw a lady with a dog collecting money for the charity outside a local supermarket. She explained what was involved and I was immediately interested. Now I am doing the same thing and I encourage anybody who has the time and commitment to volunteer,” she says.

To find out more about becoming a puppy socialiser with Dogs for the Disabled contact Theresa Franklin via email: Theresa.franklin@dogsforthedisabled.org, phone Chris Allen on 01295 252600 or log on to www.dogsforthedisabled.org where you can find out more information.

The training tactics featured on Cesar Millan’s “Dog Whisperer” program are inhumane, outdated and improper, according to a letter sent yesterday to the National Geographic Channel by American Humane, the oldest national organization protecting children and animals.

In the letter, American Humane, which works to raise public awareness about responsible pet ownership and reduce the euthanasia of unwanted pets, expressed dismay over the “numerous inhumane training techniques” advocated by Cesar Millan on “Dog Whisperer.”

Several instances which the society considered to be ‘cruel and dangerous treatment’ – promoted by Millan as acceptable training methods – were documented by American Humane, including one in which a dog was partially asphyxiated in an episode.

In this instance, the fractious dog was pinned to the ground by its neck after first being “hung” by a collar incrementally tightened by Millan. Millan’s goal – of subduing a fractious animal – was accomplished by partially cutting off the blood supply to its brain.

The letter requests that National Geographic stop airing the program immediately and issue a statement explaining that the tactics featured on the program are inhumane, and it encourages National Geographic to begin developing programming that sets a positive example by featuring proper, humane animal training. In its letter, American Humane said: “We believe that achieving the goal of improving the way people interact with their pets would be far more successful and beneficial for the National Geographic Channel if it ceased sending the contradictory message that violent treatment of animals is acceptable.”

“As a forerunner in the movement towards humane dog training, we find the excessively rough handling of animals on the show and inhumane training methods to be potentially harmful for the animals and the people on the show,” said the letter’s author, Bill Torgerson, DVM, MBA, who is vice president of Animal Protection Services for American Humane. “It also does a disservice to all the show’s viewers by espousing an inaccurate message about what constitutes effective training and appropriate treatment of animals.”

Torgerson noted that the safety of a woman and her German shepherd were jeopardized in one episode by the use of an electric shock collar, which forced the tormented dog to redirect its aggression at its owner, biting her arm. “Furthermore, the television audience was never told that Mr. Millan was attempting to modify the dog’s behavior by causing pain with the shock collar,” he said.

Cesar Milan has enjoyed widespread commercial success with his TV and media career and is currently the most well known animal behaviour expert in the United States.

In Britain, Jan Fennel is known as ‘the dog whisperer’. The Humane Society attack on Milan does not draw comparison or reference to Britain’s dog whisperer style dog trainers.

Taz was found to weigh 88lb (40kg), after West failed to improve his diet

A dog owner who allowed his border collie to become dangerously overweight and kept his pet in squalid conditions has been banned from keeping animals.

Ronald West, of Donald Road, Brighton, was found guilty of neglect by city magistrates at an earlier hearing.

On Tuesday, magistrates banned him from keeping animals for 12 months, told him to pay kennel costs of £1,477, and said his dog would be found a new home.

Five-year-old Taz weighed 88lb (40kg) after West failed to improve his diet.

Animal welfare officers who visited the 63-year-old’s flat last December said they found dog faeces in every room.

Magistrates heard that when ex-farm worker West was interviewed, he said the dog was overweight because it had been given too many treats by him and his friends.

He also said he had been unwell with flu and unable to clean the flat or walk the dog.

He [Taz] will go to a new home and can get the care and attention he needs and that he has been deprived of for so long Sue Watson

Officers advised West to clean the flat, exercise Taz, seek a vet’s advice, and clip his pet’s overgrown claws, but magistrates were told West failed to improve the animal’s condition and Taz became fatter.

After the sentencing, West said: “My dog was overweight, I agree. I was going to do something about it. I’m not denying that. I never have. But that dog was never ill-treated, ever.”

Maggi Hollands, animal welfare officer, said: “People always think that starving a dog is cruel.

“Overfeeding a dog and making a dog overweight, or any animal, is just as cruel.

“They suffer the same things we would – pressure on the limbs, strain on the heart, possible cancer, diabetes, everything.”

And senior animal welfare officer Sue Watson added: “It’s the right result for Taz.

“It means he will go to a new home and can get the care and attention he needs and that he has been deprived of for so long.”

Thieves who stole a family’s pet dog from its own kennel in a Leicestershire town left the distraught owner feeling “like she had lost a child”.

Caroline Mould, of Firwood Road, in Melton Mowbray, said Oscar, a three-year-old lurcher-greyhound cross had been taken in broad daylight.

Police said anyone who saw a dog matching Oscar’s description being taken from the area should call them.

Ms Mould said owners should be aware thieves will take family pets.

She said it had been a difficult to understand why the un-chipped dog had been stolen.

Ms Mould said: “He’s a babe, so friendly and affectionate.”

The dog was not micro-chipped and Ms Mould said if people were determined to take an animal, they would succeed whether there was a chip in place.

“If people out there wanted him for whatever reason, there are ways around it.”

Ms Mould warned other dog owners to be “wary” and not to leave their pets in cars or tied up outside.

She said: “I thought my garden was secure.

“It’s like losing a child, it really is.”