The Telegraph has recently published an article entitled: 'Sniffer dogs used to track down bootleg DVDs for first time'. According to this: "Trading Standards officers will use the dogs to sniff out discs from people suspected of carrying counterfeit goods."

In his latest blog, Pete Wedderburn explores: 'Why we should all worry about cruelty to animals'. In this piece he looks at recent research that suggests that humans can be affected by animal cruelty in two main ways. Pete writes: "Firstly, it's been proven that there's a link between animal abuse and physical abuse of other humans in the same household: in one study of shelters for victims of domestic violence and child abuse, more than 85 percent of those interviewed reported incidents of animal abuse.". Further to this, "the second way that animal cruelty has serious consequences for humans is a phenomenon known as the "erosion of empathy"...Cruelty to animals is the first step; once this moral hurdle has been stepped over, it's much easier to be cruel to humans."

The Daily Mail has reported a new craze in pet ownership - Sphynx cats. Running with the headline: 'Sphynx cats fetch up to 3,000 as the latest must-have pet' the article reports that this breed of cat becomes more and more common, stating that "They are perfect for asthma sufferers or those who are sick of cleaning fur from their furniture."

The Telegraph Online has recently ran a piece entitled: 'Dog owners banned from using long leads'. According to the article: "Bosses at Tameside council, in Greater Manchester, say they have brought in the measure to reduce dog fouling. The council says owners are more likely to clean up after their pets if they are on a short lead." However, this move does not seem to have been welcomed by dog owners and animal charities.

Pete Wedderburn's latest blog, entitled 'Rule Number One: don't let your patient escape', concerns the cat who recently fled a veterinary surgery before its operation. (Original article available here) Pete begins his blog: "The cat can't be blamed for his actions. He was lined up for castration, and he could sense the cool air from an open window close by. As the vet approached, presumably wielding a syringe in one hand and a scalpel blade in the other, who can blame the cat for seizing the moment, leaping through the window to his freedom?"

Pete Wedderburn's recent blog deals with the topical theme of foxes. Entitled: 'Hunting would not have stopped this fox 'attack'', this article deals with urban fox behaviour. Pete states that the recent event involving two sleeping babies and an urban fox was "a one-off freak incident, and it's highly unlikely to happen again." He adds: "Unfortunately, this won't stop people from shouting for knee-jerk reactions. Stop feeding foxes in gardens! Kill all foxes! Bring back hunting!"