Pleasing 4 Pets

A Pontypridd resident whose two dogs brutally killed his neighbours’ pet cat, has been forbidden by law from having custody of any dogs at any point, during the next 10 years. He was also ordered to pay £250 in compensation costs.

The pair of Staffordshire bull terriers destroyed the cat, named Kitty, after being allowed to run loose outside the home of their owner, who pleaded Court guilty at Newport Crown Court to allowing his dogs to enter a public place and cause injury.

The court learned that both dogs chased kitty into her owner Joanne Stones’ garden late at night and butchered her in full view of her terrified owner, who had been on her way to bed and who tried desperately to distract the dogs by shouting from an upstairs window before running outside.

After killing Kitty the dogs then began barking and baring their teeth at her distraught owner and chased petrified Joanne Stone who was by then suffering from shock, back into her home where they continued to bark at her door for a further ten minutes.

After the dogs left Kitty’s body was retrieved from the garden by a devastated Joanne, who then called the police.

The Judge hearing the case claimed that the behaviour was not the fault of the two Staffordshire bull terriers but was that of their irresponsible owner, who had failed to control them.

The court was advised that both dogs have been destroyed since the attack.

The Rural Affairs Minister for Wales has announced a proposal to prohibit the use of electric shock collars , making Wales the first fraction of the UK to ban the devices which induce an electric shock on the animals wearing them when or if they misbehave. The ban which will cover both the sale and ownership of the electronic training collars will be imposed under the Animal Welfare Act and is thought to be due to the massive potential for inappropriate use.

The remainder of the UK is still deliberating a ban with the Dept for Environment, and Rural Affairs expected to postpone any decision until the outcome of a controlled investigation into the devices is published in 2010. However the Scottish Government has already considered a ban similar to that expected in Wales and is anticipated to make an announcement shortly.

The move by the Welsh assembly government has been favourably received by the RSPCA, who are said to be thrilled at the prospect of sanctions against a device which they consider an ‘instrument of cruelty’. The RSPCA supports decisive verbal communication centred training for dogs and complementary aversion therapies such as spray collars which work by releasing a non-toxic and inoffensive burst of citronella which distracts the animal from its unruly behaviour with its unusual scent.

Hens, which have come to the closing stages of their industrious egg producing lives, are being rescued by the Scotland’s division of the Battery Hen Welfare Trust. They will be saved from the many battery farms throughout Scotland and put on the market as family pets, in the hope of finding new owners.

Farmers typically dispatch the hens for slaughter once they discontinue producing eggs. The hens, which are usually only about 18 months of age when they leave the battery farms, but can often survive for up to eight years if they are not slaughtered.

The Battery Hen Welfare Trust which was founded 2003 provides support for farmers and works along side them to help bring down the numbers of battery hens. Since it began it has re-housed many thousands of battery hens and since hens only require a small amount or garden to run around in and are very easy to keep, it is hoped that they will continue to find homes for many more.

A recent study claimed that an estimated 66% of eggs consumed in the UK continue to originate from battery hens, with most of the eggs used to make in processed foodstuffs such as pasta, cakes and mayonnaise.. The Battery Hen Welfare Trust intends to help reduce that amount by 2012 to around 30%.

The latest must have for in vogue pet owners is prickly, has a tendency to snooze for most of the day and a slight penchant for cannibalism. Yet despite its shortcomings the African Pygmy Hedgehog appears to be growing in popularity as the exotic pet of the hour.

These adorable hedgehogs, which are a cross between two different varieties of African hedgehog, can be housed in ordinary ‘hamster’ cages and appear to take pleasure in human companionship. Once they have become familiar with their environment and are used to the daily routine of their adoptive homes, they will unfurl and drop their spikes, enabling the owner to interact with them and even stroke them.

The price tag for the tiny white or brown coloured creatures, which are just a quarter the size of their undomesticated British hedgehog relatives, is an estimated £200, with some breeders alleging to have waiting lists a year long. There are around 8 breeders in the UK, who appear to be unable to meet current demand, and the intensive breeding that has followed as a result has led to a number of cases of an incurable and inherited condition known as wobbly hedgehog syndrome, a fatal disease which attacks the hedgehog’s nervous system.

The craze has caused concern among welfare groups who fear increasing numbers may be abandoned as owners lose interest in them, since the initial fascination with trendy pets is often followed by a low level of interest.

Like humans, pets often suffer from ailments connected in some way to their diets and it’s a fact of life that on occasion, your cat can become as sick as a dog!

A well known international pet insurance company recently evaluated the claims it received during the course of 2007 in order to establish the most common causes of pet insurance claims for that period.

Of canine complaints the most common cause was an ear infection, followed closely by skin conditions, gastroenteritis (vomiting) and enteritis (diarrhoea)

Of the feline complaints explored the most common was a urinary tract infection, followed by gastroenteritis (vomiting) and chronic renal failure, which is traditionally age related in cats.

Surprisingly the top ten for either animal did not include injury from road traffic accidents or broken bones.

It was reported that almost one third of the conditions that motivated pet owners to seek veterinary advice were caused or aggravated by poor diet or sudden dietary changes.

Allergic reactions were present in both top tens. Pet allergies generally become apparent in symptoms such as continual itching, licking or gnawing of the skin, particularly around the paws, eyes and eyes.

In most cases, pet owners were aware of their pets’ daily routines and behaviour patterns and were able to identify the irregularities that indicated ill health in a pet and were able to seek veterinary advice without too much delay.

Believe it or not, in the same way that humans leave an environmental foot print, their pets can also leave an environmental paw print. But as the more green savvy amongst today’s pet lovers know, there are a variety of ways that you can ease your animal companions’ impact on the environment.

For a start, canine faeces poses more of an environmental issue than many pet owners appreciate, particularly for those living in urban areas. The copious amounts of concrete found in our towns and cities acts as a run-off for animal waste, transporting it into ponds and water courses. The micro-organisms that flourish on animal faeces devour oxygen in ponds, which in turn has a detrimental effect on many forms of pond life, this makes the need for pond pumps and filters even more important than ever before.

Faeces left by our feline friends also offers a first-rate residence for a number of unpleasant parasites including toxoplasmosis which is now acknowledged as being able to endure standard sewage treatment, and can find its way into our oceans, damaging marine life.

The obvious answer is not to allow cats or dogs to relieve themselves anywhere there is the possibility that the waste might have access to drains. Dog owners are already familiar with ‘bag it ‘n’ bin it’ practices, but the advanced green option would be to use eco-friendly bags that will biodegrade within in a matter of weeks.

There are also environmentally friendly choices available for cat litter these days. It is worth bearing in mind that Sodium Bentonite or clay-based cat litters carry a coating of silica which is known for its carcinogenic properties and is a recognised factor in some respiratory disorders. You can reduce your kitty’s carbon paw print by using one of the many 100% biodegradable cat litters that are currently on the market.

You can also lessen the ecological impact that your pet has on the planet by controlling what you feed them. Substitute commercial pet food, which frequently includes unhealthy and unnatural additives and preservatives, with organic pet food. In today’s society there is a much greater range of organic pet provisions than you might think.

Current unstable economic conditions are putting pressure on most family budgets at the moment. The recent and dramatic upturns in petrol, grocery and energy prices have done little to alleviate this pressure.

With families everywhere more aware of their budgets than ever before, many are looking to cut costs in all areas of their outgoings. But is it possible to cut down on pet care costs too?

There are a number of ways that you can make an effort to control your expenditure in this area.

• Try grooming your pet at home. Aim to begin by brushing both your animal companions’ hair and teeth where possible, on a regular basis. If you are careful you can even attempt to trim down their nails. Remember that the more often you do this, the more used to this type of handling they’ll become. This could help cut down on grooming bills and even dental costs. In the long term these actions can be considered as a form of preventative maintenance for your pet.

• Consider purchasing your pet provisions in bulk quantities if you can. Many supermarkets and pet shops offer good deals on quality brands in multi-packs and bulk buys.

• Shop around for a veterinary practice which offers good value for money. Fees vary widely between different veterinary practices. There are a great number of experienced and skilled vets in the UK who will provide expert services for reasonable cost. Be open and honest with your vet when discussing treatment for your pet and determine for yourself which vet is most suited to you and individual economic circumstances.

• Make the most of three-year immunisations where possible. Many animal vaccines are now offered in discounted three year doses. Your vet should be able to advise you which vaccinations are available in these extended doses.

Guinea Pigs are small creatures descending from the rodent family. The domestic guinea pig is a native of South America where traditionally the inhabitants used the guinea pig as a source of fodder and where it is still regarded as a delicacy today!

In their natural habitat guinea pigs subsist in groups so keeping more than one at a time or housing two or more together could improve the contentment of your guinea pig. However the male of the species are prone to aggressive behaviour towards one another, and will sometimes attack each other if kept collectively. In the wild they settle in groups commonly made up of just one sexually mature male and an assortment of females.

Guinea pigs thrive on a well balanced and stable diet, which ideally should consist of vegetables and cereals. Ready mixed guinea pig food is available at most good pet shops, although an array of fresh vegetables should be added whenever possible. Guinea pigs also enjoy to grazing, and an intake of grass or hay will supply basic roughage in their diet. As an owner, you should ensure that your guinea pig always has access to fresh water, and plenty of foods rich in vitamin C which they are unable to produce naturally. Your guinea pig will also need something to gnaw on to ensure that his teeth do not grow excessively long.

Fully matured Guinea Pigs generally reach lengths of between 25cm and 35 cm. The male or boar is usually larger than the females or sows, and ordinarily they live for between 4 and 7 years. They make sociable pets and welcome companionship. They are typically very active throughout the course of the day and are genial and good natured as a rule and seldom bite, making them a popular pet for children.

A lot of us pay a great deal towards the upkeep of a family pet and would consider it worth every penny, but unfortunately some pet owners are not as caring when it comes to their animal companions.

The expense of owning a pet can mount up unexpectedly in a variety of ways. The most obvious costs include food, medical bills and routine care. After that, you can incorporate extras such as playthings and treats. On occasion you may be required to pay for your pet to travel with you or encounter a number of other pet-related bills.

Regrettably, when a situation becomes financially difficult, some pet owners assume that their pet should be the first expense that they cut. All of a sudden, a pet’s fundamental needs can appear too expensive. Its upsetting to think that in these conditions people will disown their pets but unfortunately this can happen all too often and is perhaps more common than you may think.

There are several ways to avoid ever being in the situation where you might consider deserting your pet. Where possible you should consider neutering your animal. The cost is usually very inexpensive, and your actions could help contain the future population of homeless animals.

If you are considering taking on a new pet, you should avoid pet shops and breeders and contemplate adopting one which may have been previously abandoned by visiting one of the many animal charities in the UK.

You can also make donations to the charities that house and protect abandoned animals such as the RSPCA. There are a vast number of additional local organisations or breed-specific charities that might also appreciate your aid. Of course financial contributions are always welcomed but remember that such organisations will also be grateful for care essentials such as blankets and will be grateful for any time that you can volunteer as an unpaid assistant.

Lastly, you can assist in making it completely unacceptable for animals in society to be regarded so improperly. Bring it to the attention of the local animal welfare authorities when you see an animal in a damaging situation or being treated poorly. Taking action shows a far greater consideration and respect to your animal companions than any toy or treat that you can buy.

Hamsters are mammals belonging to the rodent family. They typically possess large incisor teeth that grow continually making it necessary for them to habitually gnaw in order to avoid overgrowing of the teeth.

Traditionally hamsters are nocturnal creatures, and will sleep during the day, waking only during the evening. You may be able to persuade your hamster to wake at an earlier time by offering him food earlier. After a short time your hamster will realise his feeding time. However you should always ensure that he has fresh water available in a position where he is able to reach it comfortably.

Most pet stores offer a variety of dried food mixes expressly intended for your hamster. These usually consist of rodent pellets, crushed oats, peanuts, maize, barley and sunflower seeds, with some of the more superior mixes providing a wider range with the addition of dried fruit or vegetables. If you decide to treat your hamster to some fresh fruit of vegetables you should limit the amount that you offer him, and bear in mind that he will likely attempt to store it, and it will decay and rot over time. You should also be aware that hamsters are unable to tolerate certain fresh produce, such as kidney beans, raw potato or rhubarb, and tomato or rhubarb leaves.

Hamsters traditionally have very weak eyesight but have a sharp sense of smell and exceptional hearing. The majority of hamster species can be identified by their expandable cheek pouches which they use to collect food and bedding to transport around, most commonly to a private part of the cage and where they will frequently hoard food.

Typically the common hamster will not require any form of grooming other that perhaps an occasional brush with a very soft toothbrush to help remove debris from their coats. They do not require bathing, as they are fully able to clean themselves, although many hamsters might welcome a shallow dish of sand in their cages that they can roll in to remove any excess greasiness from the skin.