Save A Pet In Time For Christmas ~ from IFAW

I have received this e-mail from Fred O'Regan, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

I urgently need your help to save abandoned family pets struggling to survive at a garbage dump on the island of Cozumel in Mexico.

These desperate cats and dogs - many of them kittens and puppies in sickly conditions that would break your heart - paw through towering piles of rotting trash looking for scraps to eat. At dusk, they must fight off vultures for the same food.

During this special time of year, please consider making a special Christmas donation to give Cozumel's suffering pets a second chance.

For a gift of just £25, you can help treat one dog or cat for mange and eye infections...rid them of worms and parasites...even help them eventually find a loving home.

Simply put, you can save the life of one of these poor animals.

One young, fawn-colored dog sits patiently at the entrance of the dump. Day after day, he waits for his owners to take him home. But he will never see his family again. Because like so many other Cozumel dogs over the age of two, he was most likely tossed aside for a new puppy.

That's why my wish this Christmas is to raise as many funds as I can to provide veterinary care for animals in need around the world...and to spay and neuter homeless cats and dogs to stop this cycle of suffering.

Any amount you can afford to give right now will help us collect and treat these animals - heal their infestations, save them from deadly tick-borne disease, provide spay and neuter surgeries to reduce homelessness - and find as many as we can loving homes through our partners at the Humane Society of Cozumel.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,


Fred O'Regan
IFAW CEO

P.S. I'm committed to providing these animals with veterinary care, basic comfort and to rehoming as many as possible. Please reach into your caring heart and send a Christmas donation to help save the lives of the dump dogs and cats and other animals suffering from cruelty.

"Fake" Pedigree Puppies Sold Over The Internet

Dog-lovers are being urged not to buy cheap pedigree dogs over the internet.
The RSPCA has estimated that thousands of puppies for sale have faked pedigree papers and may carry diseases.

The charity claims that people are being conned by fake pedigree papers and vaccination forms when buying dogs at discount prices online.

It said that buyers should always check the paperwork and make sure that it shows dogs are protected from common diseases like parvovirus and hepatitis.

The RSPCA spokesperson said "The reason fake vaccination forms are a problem is to do with the conditions the puppies are bred in.

"If there are many dogs in a cramped space, they are likely to spread diseases."

A survey of over 3,000 people by the RSPCA shows that nearly a third would use the internet to buy a puppy.

The Kennel Club secretary, Caroline Kisko, reported that the problem of fake pedigree dogs being sold over the net was increasing.

"We have seen more and more websites springing up featuring cut-price puppies sold with fake pedigrees, often amongst those breeds that are the latest fashion,"

"Sadly, most of these puppies will come from puppy farmers, or from those dealing on their behalf, and may suffer ill health in the long term."

It advises people who plan to buy a pedigree breed to contact the KC for a list of accredited and reputable breeders.

In the UK pedigree dogs can fetch hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds.

"There's no cheap way to be a puppy owner," said the RSPCA's Justine Pannett.

"People thinking about buying a puppy don't just need to plan for the initial cost of buying it.

"They also need to consider the ongoing costs and commitment needed to care for a dog throughout its life."

Dog News 4th December 2009

Killer dog was banned pitbull breed ~ Update on Liverpool dog attack

From The Press Association

The dog that savaged John-Paul Massey to death was an illegally-held pitbull-type dog banned for being too dangerous to keep, it has been revealed.

The four-year-old boy was attacked by the dog in the early hours of Monday morning at the home of his grandmother, Helen Foulkes, 63, in Liverpool.

The animal, called Uno, also savaged her as she tried to protect the boy she was babysitting at her home on Ash Grove in the city's Wavertree area.

Merseyside Police admitted they were told months ago that a banned pitbull-type dog had been seen at the house.

A forensic examination was carried out on the animal and the dog was confirmed as being an illegal breed, said the force.

Deputy Chief Constable Patricia Gallan, of Merseyside Police, said on Tuesday: "Following extensive examinations and a post-mortem, an independent expert has confirmed that, in his opinion, the dog involved in the incident in Ash Grove, Wavertree, yesterday is a pitbull terrier-type dog which is classified as a dangerous dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).

"Our thoughts remain with John-Paul's family at this time following his tragic death. A child's life has been lost and it is essential that we determine the exact circumstances surrounding the attack. Investigations into the incident are continuing.

"Ascertaining the type of dog involved in this attack has been a complex issue. It has taken some time to complete the examinations and post-mortem before we have been able to confirm that it is an illegal type of dog. We are conducting a criminal investigation.

"On behalf of Merseyside Police, I am deeply concerned and very disappointed that our policy was not followed in February when we received a call alerting us to the possible breeding of pitbull terriers at the house where the attack took place.

"This is clearly unacceptable and we are sorry that Merseyside Police did not take the appropriate course of action at that time. Given the seriousness of this situation, and our failure to follow our own procedure, we have referred this case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, who will be carrying out an independent investigation."

1st Dec An inpsiring story ~ A Christmas wish for Moses ~ from IFAW

This is a truly inspirational story.
I received the following e-mail from Fred O'Regan, CEO International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW):
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Orphaned as a small child in a poor South African township, 12-year old Moses lives alone at the local dump, surrounded by gangs and drug users.

Foraging through mounds of rubbish for food...shoeless and freezing during the cold, lonely nights - every day is an epic struggle.

And yet, the most amazing thing about Moses isn't how he survives, but who he survives with.

You see, despite his tragic circumstances, Moses spends his desperate days at the dump caring for more than 20 dogs whose owners have died or been killed.


This Christmas, I hope you'll consider giving something truly meaningful to those you love. An IFAW Gift of Life that will help bring an end to the suffering of dogs and cats in the poorest places on earth.


IFAW's Dog and Cat Rescue Project in Johannesburg brings vet care to the pets of those like Moses who could never afford to take care of pets on their own. Quite often, we come across sick, impoverished or malnourished individuals like Moses who need extra assistance for both themselves and their pets.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of IFAW supporters like you, we've been able to spay, neuter and fully vaccinate all of Moses' dogs. And we've provided Moses with clothes and food, medical care, and school tuition so that he'll be better able to look after his dogs for years to come!

Moses' story shows how much people love animals and come to depend on them even in the worst of times. And how much every Gift of Life, no matter how big or small, can help make a real difference.

Please help me make more Christmas wishes come true this season. With a gift of just £15 or more you'll receive a beautiful gift card and Gift of Life Certificate, showing how your gift in a loved one's name is saving the lives of animals.

This is not a gift that will simply be opened and then forgotten. The donation you make in your loved one's name will help more people like Moses who can't afford to provide basic care for their pets.

Thank you for your kindness this Christmas season.

With Gratitude,

Fred O'Regan
IFAW CEO

P.S. It takes £600 to provide veterinary care for 50 dogs and cats in South Africa...so every gift counts! Give before December 10th to ensure your gift package arrives in time for Christmas!
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What an inspiring story. This Christmas please consider giving a Xmas Gift to an animal charity.

Dog kills four-year-old boy in Liverpool : Monday 30th Nov 2009

A four-year-old boy has died after being attacked by a dog in Liverpool

A dog killed a four-year-old boy today (Mon 30th Nov). It also hurt a 63-year-old woman who tried to stop the attack, police said. Police were called to a house at Wavertree (Liverpool) in the early hours and found the dog in the front garden of the house in an "agitated state." The child suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene, while the woman was taken to hospital.
"This is a tragic incident and a full and thorough investigation will be carried out into the circumstances surrounding this young boy's death," Chief Superintendent Steve Ashley said in a statement.

The dog was destroyed.
A neighbour, who heard what she thinks was the dog being shot, said dangerous dogs are a problem in the area.
Gillian Watson, 46, said: "I heard a gunshot at about 2am this morning and I presume that was when they put the dog down.
"It's such a terrible thing to happen to a family."
"There are lots of dangerous types of dog around here. You always see young lads with pit bull dogs roaming around."
"I have a dog myself and when I take him for a walk sometimes it's quite terrifying because you think your dog is going to be attacked."

A number of residents have complained to the local housing association about the problem of dogs, according to another neighbour who did not want to be named.
"About 12 months ago one of them tore a pet cat to pieces in the middle of the street," he said.
"You see them all the time, they're huge animals and it is very threatening."

Police are now trying to identify the type of dog involved and have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy's death.

The 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act prohibits the possession of certain types of dogs that are bred for fighting.
Nearly 200 illegal dogs were seized or handed over to police in the Liverpool area in the months after a pit-bull terrier killed a 5-year-old girl near the city in 2007.

29th Nov 2009 : Dogs diagnosed with swine flu in China

Dogs diagnosed with swine flu in China: report (AFP via Yahoo! UK & Ireland News)

Two dogs in Beijing have tested positive for swine flu in the second case of animals catching the disease in China along with pigs in the northeast, Chinese media said Sunday.

The A(H1N1) virus detected in the dogs was 99 percent identical to the one circulating in humans, the state-run Beijing Times reported, quoting China's agriculture ministry.
The news comes 10 days after four pigs in China's Heilongjiang province were diagnosed with the virus, which specialists said might have been caught from humans, the report said.
Countries including the United States, Canada and Chile have already reported cases of animals being infected with the A(H1N1) virus.
A cat in the US state of Iowa was diagnosed with swine flu at the beginning of the month in the first known case in the world of the new pandemic strain spreading to the feline population.
The World Health Organisation has called for closer monitoring of farm workers and animals for influenza A viruses following the reported cases.
Citing an official at the Beijing municipal agriculture bureau, the report said the dogs probably contracted the virus from human sufferers who were in close contact with the canines.
"Dogs can infect nearby dogs after they catch A(H1N1) flu," the unidentified official was quoted as saying.
The agriculture ministry and the Beijing agriculture bureau were not immediately available for comment.

Paul O'Grady's pet dog Buster dies

Buster, the dog belonging to TV host Paul O'Grady, has died.

Buster, a regular on Paul O'Grady's Channel 4 show, could be seen perching on Paul's desk throughout the programme.
He was 14 years old and had been ill with cancer. Sadly, he was put to sleep yesterday.
A friend of the chat show host said: "Paul is absolutely devastated. It all happened suddenly. Buster had been suffering and in a lot of pain. Putting him down was the kind thing to do."
Buster was retired from the show last week. Paul is expected to pay tribute to his pet on next Monday's programme.
A message on Twitter said late last night: "Hate to tell you this folks but Buster died tonight. A magnificent little dog who had one hell of a life. I'm beside myself. x"

Buster was taken in by Paul after he found the dog abandoned on a motorway.
The Shih Tzu / Bichon Frise cross became a huge hit with fans of the chat show.
Two of his other dogs, Olga and Bullseye, now feature regularly instead.

Buster was obviously a much-loved pet dog.
We would like to express our deepest sympathy for Paul's loss.

One stray dog impounded every hour

One stray dog impounded every hour

PRESS ASSOCIATION Wednesday, November 18 07:39 am

A stray dog is impounded by local councils every hour in Northern Ireland. Skip related content
Last year alone 3,192 animals were put to sleep - more than Wales and Scotland combined, Ian Paisley Jnr said.

Puppy breeders told a meeting of the agriculture committee of MLAs at Stormont a registration scheme was needed to make it easier to trace dogs.

Mr Paisley said: "One stray every hour a year are pretty appalling figures for a community which claims to love its pets."

Aside from the welfare implications he said the taxpayer was bearing the burden.

"There is a huge issue of cost to the ratepayer in terms of controlling animals," he added.

In 2007 there were 8,767 dogs impounded, equal to one every hour, the agriculture committee chairman said.

Michael McKay, chairman of the Canine Breeders of Ireland, said proper registration of animals was the answer.

"The vast majority of people would register into the system. The dog population would have traceability so when a stray is picked up it would immediately go back to its owner. 95% of the problem would be fixed immediately."

He said puppy breeders had unfairly attracted a poor reputation through trial by media following recent scandals where dogs were not properly looked after. Mr McKay said they stood to make around £1,000 for a properly looked after puppy and there was no incentive to mistreat it.

Dog News 13th November 2009

Dog News 11th Nov 2009 ~ You saved 3,172 animals

Today I receive this e-mail from Fred O'Regan, CEO International Fund for Animal Welfare

You saved 3,172 animals

Two kittens, just a few weeks old, stranded on the roof of a small wooden hut. Scared, dehydrated and emaciated - they survived by drinking what little rainwater they could find until help arrived.

A mother dog and her puppy fight for survival on top of an abandoned shack submerged in ten feet of water. Lethargic, ribs showing through their skin, they refused to give up hope.

A baby duck snuggles into the lap of his rescuer after being pulled from certain danger.

These are the stories of animal typhoon victims in the Philippines. The stories of the animals you saved.

Over the course of sixteen days on the ground, IFAW's Water Rescue Team reached over 11 flooded communities (15 villages) after Tropical Storm Ketsana struck. We helped more than 3,000 animals by feeding, treating and rescuing those in most need. That's nearly 200 animals each day!

One local villager told us how lucky he felt that we were there to help the animals, because they are so often forgotten in tragedies like these. And I feel just as lucky to have you behind us.

Sadly, since I first contacted you, yet another typhoon has struck the Philippines. I've already committed a grant of US$16,000 to help our partners at the Philippines Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) care for animal victims of this latest storm.

Can you please help me save the animals still suffering in the Philippines and around the world with a donation? Close to 87,000 people are still homeless and their pets will need shelter well into the new year.

With heartfelt gratitude,


Fred O'Regan
IFAW CEO

3,172 Animals RescuedThanks to YOU Donate Now to Help More

Dog News 10th November 2009

Dogs A-Z: Bonfire Night ~ Great fireworks, BUT my greyhound was terrified! Bach Rescue Remedy came to the rescue!

Dogs A-Z: Bonfire Night ~ Great fireworks, BUT my greyhound was terrified! Bach Rescue Remedy came to the rescue!