The female Staffordshire bull terrier cross was discovered dumped in a field near East Bridgford, near Nottingham, yesterday (Thursday) morning. It appeared to have been bludgeoned with a blunt weapon such as a cricket bat or crowbar, before being callously thrown over a hedge to suffer a slow and painful death.

RSPCA inspector Mike Scargill found the dog fighting for life and unable to move when he arrived at the scene, off Kneeton Road shortly before 10.30am. He took the distressed animal to a nearby vet, who made the decision to put the dog to sleep prevent it further suffering.

Inspector Scargill said: “You get a couple of cases every year that are so disturbing you wake up in the middle of the night thinking about them. This is definitely one of those cases.

“I managed to take the dog to a vet, but to see her struggling to move in the state she was in was extremely upsetting. Even the police officer who was with me was visibly shocked by what we found.

“If someone can’t keep a dog, for whatever reason, there are plenty of outlets for them to turn to for help. Anything would have been kinder than to simply batter the poor thing and then just throw it over a hedge.

“We need the public’s help to find whoever is responsible. If anybody saw anything, or thinks they know who might have carried out this horrific attack, I would urge them to call the RSPCA immediately and in confidence on 0300 1234 999.”

The dog was white and tan in colour and thought to be about seven years old. It was discovered by a member of the public who spotted the dog lying next to a hedgerow. They managed to cover it with a blanket, before the police and RSPCA arrived.

“Initially it looked like the dog had been hit with a hammer as there was one puncture wound in the centre of her head. Its left eye ball had come out and it couldn’t move down its right side. There weren’t any footprints around the dog either, so it looked like someone had just come along, thrown her over the hedge and then driven off.

“A post mortem showed there were no scuff marks on its paws or body, which would suggest it hadn’t been hit by a vehicle. Instead it showed massive trauma to the left hand side of the head, consistent with it being battered by a blunt weapon, like a cricket bat,” added Inspector Scargill.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum sentence for causing unnecessary suffering is six months in custody, a ban on keeping animals and/or a fine of £20,000.

Source: DogMagazine.net - the K9 Magazine blog

Dog Suffers Horrific Injuries in Suspected Cricket Bat Attack

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Lee Ellerton, 37, of Riley Street North in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent was sentenced today (January 27) at Fenton Magistrates Court for causing unnecessary suffering to two dogs.

He had denied the charges but magistrates found him guilty of six charges under the Animal Welfare Act.

Mr Ellerton, who worked for a security firm, had left the dogs in his van during 30 degree heat on July 1 last year. A member of the public called the RSPCA and inspectors were immediately sent to the van which was parked in Holehouse Road, Abbey Hulton.

Inspector Julie Lyons arrived shortly afterwards but sadly one of the dogs, a tan German Shepherd named Sky, had already died and was in rigor-mortis.

The second dog, a black and tan German Shepherd called Duke, had collapsed and was unable to move. He was taken to a vet and despite a desperate attempt to revive him, an independent vet put him to sleep later that day to prevent further suffering.

Mr Ellerton said that the dogs had been left in the vehicle for about an hour but witness statements said this could have been up to four hours.

Vets confirmed that both the dogs suffered undue stress and preventable deaths due to hyperthermia and heatstroke.

Insp Lyons said: “Although I am sure Mr Ellerton never intended his dogs to suffer in this way, I found this whole situation to be wholly unacceptable. Mr Ellerton is a professional dog handler and should not under any circumstances have left the dogs in the van. This incident was very, very distressing to deal with.

“This sentence sends out the clear signal that such behaviour is not acceptable. We have repeatedly asked members of the public not to take their animals out if they are going to be leaving them on a hot day.

“These two dogs sadly paid the ultimate price for their owner’s lack of common sense.”

Source: DogMagazine.net - the K9 Magazine blog

Dog Handler is Jailed for Cruelty

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A new report published today (Thursday) has been welcomed by the RSPCA for its recognition that pedigree dog health and welfare is a serious problem and urgent action is needed.

The Independent Inquiry Into Dog Breeding, commissioned by the Kennel Club and the Dogs Trust, is written by leading zoologist Professor Sir Patrick Bateson who concludes that ‘dog breeding raises a number of serious concerns about the welfare of dogs’.

He recommends that a new advisory panel should be set up, an idea the RSPCA supports – however we are concerned that the panel won’t have the necessary power to push through the real change that’s clearly urgently required.

RSPCA chief veterinary adviser Mark Evans said: “The world has woken up to the extremely unpalatable truth that the health and welfare of many pedigree dogs is seriously compromised as a result of the way they are bred. Pedigree dogs need our help and they need it now.

“Some are suffering as a result of what Darwin’s disciples might refer to as ‘unnatural selection’ – survival of the most fashionable rather than the fittest. This report is what we have all been waiting for and we hope that now we can all get on and start working towards meaningful change for pedigree dogs.

“We’re delighted that Professor Bateson agrees with the RSPCA that something has to be done, but we are disappointed he hasn’t recommended that the advisory panel should be given the appropriate power to be effective. What is encouraging is that, when asked by the RSPCA, Professor Bateson acknowledged that in an ideal world the government would give the panel statutory powers.”

We fully support the inquiry’s conclusion that information on diseases suffered by dogs should be collected and in fact this was the top recommendation made in an independent report commissioned by the RSPCA, Pedigree Dog Breeding in the UK: A Major Welfare Concern?*

As a result, the RSPCA is already working with the University of Sydney and the Royal Veterinary College on a three-year research project to create a new, electronic, system for collecting, analysing and reporting data on inherited disorders in both dogs and cats. When complete, for the first time in the UK there will be comprehensive data to show the prevalence of inherited disorders in specific breeds. Vitally this will allow the effectiveness of any new breeding initiatives to be monitored.

Mark Evans said: “We agree with Professor Bateson that consumer pressure is the greatest lever for change. The way to solve this is through people power. Changing the industry will take some time, but the public can start to demand better quality animals that are in good health right now.

“We will now study the report in more detail and come up with a full response.”

As Professor Bateson has already agreed and the RSPCA has called for, there needs to be an urgent meeting of all relevant stakeholders to review all recommendations in all three reports,* to prioritise them, and to come up with a robust, workable action plan with clearly identified objectives, responsibilities and deadlines. Clearly an important part of this will be setting up some form of independent advisory body to oversee dog breeding and supply in the UK.

Source: DogMagazine.net - the K9 Magazine blog

RSPCA Responds to Bateson Report “The World has Woken Up”

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A Healthier Future for Pedigree Dogs, the conclusions of an inquiry by the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW)1, says that current breeding practices cause dogs ‘significant health and welfare problems’.

This supports the findings of an independent report commissioned by the RSPCA, Pedigree Dog Breeding in the UK: A Major Welfare Concern?2, and the charity’s view that exaggerated physical features and inherited diseases cause serious welfare problems for pedigree dogs.

RSPCA senior animal welfare scientist Claire Calder said: “This inquiry has come to the same conclusion as the RSPCA: pedigree dogs urgently need our help and the way they are bred must change. APGAW calls for an independent panel to be set up to help tackle this complex problem, an idea the RSPCA would also support.

“The report lacks some detail about how the problems facing pedigree dogs can be solved and doesn’t recommend all the measures the RSPCA believes are necessary; for example, we believe a strategy for monitoring how effective any changes are is essential.

“However, I hope this inquiry stimulates much more detailed and action-focussed discussion amongst everyone involved in order to identify practical solutions that will really make a difference. Pedigree dogs need our help and they need it now.”

The APGAW report also concludes:

● Breed standards should ensure dogs are ‘fit for purpose’ rather than look a certain way

● A database to collate the occurrences of hereditary diseases and health and welfare problems would provide information to all stakeholders on the problems and their frequency

● Future regulations concerning the breeding of dogs should impose clear restrictions on the breeding of closely related dogs.

The RSPCA believes all key stakeholders should meet after a third report into the health and welfare of pedigree dogs is published in early 20103 in order to agree a way forward.

The RSPCA is extremely concerned about the unacceptably high levels of disability, deformity and hereditary disease affecting these animals, as is the public, following the BBC documentary Pedigree Dogs Exposed which sparked a national debate on the issue.

—

1. APGAW is a long-standing cross-party parliamentary group made up of more than 80 MPs and Lords and over 70 associate animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA. APGAW seeks to influence the development and introduction of effective wide-ranging legislation to improve animal welfare.

2. Commissioned by the RSPCA and published in February this year, Pedigree Dog Breeding in the UK: A Major Welfare Concern? is a review of the relevant science and was compiled by highly respected scientists, vets and dog welfare experts who also propose 36 possible ways of improving pedigree dog welfare. These include: systematic collection of data on the diseases all dogs suffer from and causes of death, changes to current registration rules to prevent the registration of puppies born from the matings of close relatives (including grandparents and offspring and half siblings),  and changes to current registration rules to allow new genetic material to be introduced into breeds.

Although the Kennel Club has put some new initiatives in place since Pedigree Dogs Exposed was broadcast, the RSPCA questions whether they have gone far enough and consulted widely enough with relevant experts.

3. This inquiry is being funded by the Dogs Trust and the Kennel Club and has Professor Patrick Bateson as its chairman.

Source: DogMagazine.net - the K9 Magazine blog

Pedigree Dog Health Report, The RSPCA Has Its Say

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Amanda Cheadle, 58, appeared before Lewes magistrates this week accused of causing unnecessary suffering to adult and puppy collie-cross dogs. Cheadle did not attend court today and a warrant for her arrest has been made.

Today the court found her guilty in her absence of causing unnecessary suffering to 10 adult collie dogs and 15 puppies.

In addition she was also found guilty of keeping dogs in unsuitable conditions and one charge of causing unnecessary suffering to a kitten.

RSPCA prosecutor Rowan Jenkins told magistrates that Cheadle said to RSPCA inspector Rachel Bell that some puppies had died and were buried in the back garden of her farmhouse in Bell Lane, Fletching, near Uckfield.

Inspectors also became suspicious after they saw an adult dog lactating, but no sign of any puppies.

In a cupboard under the stairs, RSPCA staff found two suitcases containing 15 puppies, some dead and some still alive. One contained four puppies, one of which was already dead. The other case contained 11 puppies, four of which had died.

Inspector Bell said: “These poor puppies were quite simply left to die in these cases and unfortunately some already had. Those that were still alive were reunited with their mothers and their condition rapidly improved. They suffered terribly by being shut away from their mothers. This was deliberate cruelty.”

Chris Bell, Chair of magistrates said: “She intended to kill the puppies by placing them in the suitcases leading to dehydration, starvation and suffocation.”

In total 26 dogs and a cat were seized from the property after they were found in squalid and cramped conditions.

Cheadle denied causing unnecessary suffering between August last year and February this year.

Magistrates are now deciding on sentencing options.

Source: DogMagazine.net - the K9 Magazine blog

Cruel Dog Breeder Left Puppies To Die In Suitcase

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Fifty-one-year-old Mary Ellen Collis, formerly of Wardana Kennels, Brigstock, and now of Denby Lane, Wakefield, appeared at Corby Magistrates’ Court to answer charges relating to the 99 dogs in a case brought by the RSPCA.

The Society was alerted to the condition of the dogs by concerned members of the public and attended the kennels on Stanion Road along with police and a veterinary surgeon at the end of November 2008.

The St Bernards, ranging in age from nine weeks to eight-years-old, were being kept in kennels which were covered in urine and faeces and there was no food or water available for the dogs. Their coats were filthy and matted with faeces. Nine puppies were kept in a separate pen outside with no food or water. There were heat lamps installed but they were not switched on. The vet recommended that they were brought inside for shelter.

Thirteen of the dogs were found in the kitchen of the house connected with the kennels. They could reach water, but no food had been provided for them.

Eighty-five of the St Bernards were suffering from medical problems such as abscesses, ulcerated skin and eye conditions and ear infections which had not been treated. Many were emaciated. Three of the puppies were very thin and their ribs were visible.

One dog was unable to stand and was suffering from dehydration. She had several open sores on her legs and feet caused by pressure and urine scalds. Another was in such a poor condition that the vet had to put the dog to sleep at the scene to prevent him from suffering further.

Another dog died overnight after suffering a heart attack at the veterinary surgery. He was thin, covered in faeces and was suffering from severe dehydration. Another dog had severely ulcerated eyes, which had not been treated and caused blindness.

Vets concluded that most of the dogs had suffered from neglect for several weeks or months.

In mitigation, the court heard that Collis’ actions were out of character and that she had been involved in dog breeding for about 30 years with no significant problems. She said that the recent problems were due to bankruptcy and her inability to cope financially rather than intentionally neglecting the dogs.

RSPCA inspector Clint Davies said: “To show such a disregard for the basic needs of so many animals is unacceptable.

“Whilst there was no deliberate cruelty here, these dogs had been left in such a poor state that others may have died had we not been alerted. Many were in pain and suffering just because they had not received veterinary treatment and food.

“Thanks to the hard work of vets, our inspectors, officers and animal centres, new homes have now been found for all of the dogs. This could not have been done without the support of the public across the country who have once again helped us to provide a lifeline for animals in desperate need.”

All of the dogs have now been found good new homes.

Collis is due to be sentenced at 2.15pm on Friday 23 October at Wellingborough Magistrates Court.

Source: DogMagazine.net - the K9 Magazine blog

Breeder Admits Neglect of Staggering 99 Dogs

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Barkat Hussain was one of the main organisers of the notorious Alum Rock* dog fight in 2006, which resulted in 26 men being successfully prosecuted by the RSPCA. However, just weeks after his release from prison last year, Hussain was found with three pit bull type dogs and equipment used to train dogs in connection with fighting during a raid on a Birmingham barbers.

RSPCA inspectors and officers from West Midlands Police executed warrants at Scissor Edge and the first floor flat above it, on Dudley Road, on 15 December last year as part of Operation Rye.

Hussain, of Unett Street, Smethwick, was jailed for four months and given a life ban on keeping dogs when he appeared before a district judge at Birmingham Magistrates Court yesterday (MONDAY).

Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “Dog fighting is an obsession for Barkat Hussain. Despite being sent to prison and banned from keeping dogs after the Alum Rock case, within weeks of his release he was back in the thick of Birmingham’s dog fighting activity.

“Some people still think it is acceptable to train dogs and fight them for their own gratification, but it is one of the most extreme and persistent forms of animal cruelty the RSPCA investigates. As long as there are people like Barkat Hussain who continue to follow this barbaric practice, we will continue to track them down and prosecute them.”

The 44-year-old (D.O.B 10.10.64) admitted three charges of possession of dogs banned under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act. He had admitted one charge of possession of items adapted for use in connection with animal fighting and another charge of keeping or training animals for use in connection with animal fighting, contrary to the Animal Welfare Act.

Hussain also admitted breaching a five-year ban on keeping dogs that he received as part of his sentence for the Alum Rock fight.

His latest prosecution follows intelligence gained as part of the RSPCA’s proactive investigation into dog fighting in Birmingham. The inspectors that carried out the raid last December found the three dogs, as well as equipment used to train dogs for fighting, including a treadmill and a breaking stick. A home veterinary kit was also seized, including a half-empty bottle of the drug Euthatol, which is used to euthanase dogs.

The RSPCA inspectors found Hussain in the first floor flat where the three dogs were also discovered. One of the animals was chained to a banister, while two more were kept in small cages in a separate room. One of the dogs had 59 old scars to its head, consistent with injuries suffered from fighting.

Hussain was arrested by police officers at the scene and taken away for interview. When questioned he claimed the equipment was left over from his previous offences and he was no longer involved in dog fighting. However, on inspection his mobile phone was discovered to contain video footage of a dog fight and photographs of pit bull terrier type dogs.

Source: DogMagazine.net - the K9 Magazine blog

Birmingham Dog Fighter Jailed

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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.

Source: DogMagazine.net - the K9 Magazine blog

RSPCA Chief Vet Warns of Death Trap For Dogs

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Every summer, the Society is bombarded with calls from the public reporting cases of animals that have been seriously injured or killed after being deliberately shot by an air gun.

The vast majority of calls from the public voicing concerns about air gun attacks are received during the school holidays and the lighter summer evenings and the RSPCA is bracing itself for another influx of calls in the coming months.

Already this year, the charity has been inundated with more than 300 calls about air gun attacks and dealt with some horrific cases of animals being seriously injured in these mindless attacks.

Last year, the RSPCA dealt with a total of 759 animals who had been affected by the improper use of airguns and in the period 2005-2008, nearly 2,000 calls were received with people voicing their concerns.

However it believes that the actual number of cases may be much higher as many injured animals will look for a well-wooded or sheltered area in which to die so the RSPCA may not be contacted.

Animals such as cats and wild birds are sadly the usual targets for these callous acts but the offence all too frequently extends to dogs, fish and even horses.

The RSPCA’s chief veterinary officer Steve Cheetham said: “Unfortunately, we do see far too many cases of injuries inflicted by air guns every year. Many of these injuries are fatal but even those animals who are lucky enough to survive can have their quality of life significantly reduced.

“It is very distressing to think that people take pleasure in causing such horrific injuries to defenceless animals. These are deliberate acts of cruelty and I would appeal to people’s consciences not to commit such an atrocious offence.”

The RSPCA is reminding parents and teenagers of the penalties faced if caught deliberately using an air gun to injure an animal. Under the Animal Welfare Act, those causing unnecessary suffering to animals face a £20,000 fine and/or up to six months in prison.

It is also illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to be in possession of an airgun without supervision under the Violent Crime Reduction Bill 2006.

Anyone who witnesses an attack can report it by calling to RSPCA 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.

Source: DogMagazine.net - the K9 Magazine blog

Warning as Charity Fears Rising Air Weapon Attacks on Animals

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The witness saw the tan-coloured dog falling and heard the sound of him screaming as he hit the pavement at around 6pm. She then saw a teenage girl and boy standing with their arms outstretched at the edge of the car park from where the dog fell and was subsequently killed.

When the police arrived there was no trace of any teenagers. The RSPCA was called and is now investigating.

The RSPCA is now appealing to the public to help it discover whether the dog’s death was a tragic accident or whether he was deliberately thrown over the car park barrier.

RSPCA Inspector Sharon Crisp who is investigating said: “At best we could be talking about a terrible accident in which a dog escaped his lead, jumped over the edge and fell to his death.

“However what the witness saw suggests there were young people with the dog at the time he fell and it’s possible they either threw or goaded him over the edge.

“Equally it is possible they were trying to save him so we are very keen to hear from them to find out exactly what happened.”

The dog’s owner, who has been notified, said the dog ran off while he was being exercised off the lead near the car park.

Anyone with any information about incident is urged to contact the RSPCA cruelty and information line on 0300 1234 999. Calls are treated in strictest confidence.

Source: DogMagazine.net - the K9 Magazine blog

Dog Killed After Fall From Car Park

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