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Tightrope-walking dog holds world record

Fastest crossing of a tightrope by a dog in world record books

A Border Collie/Kelpie crossbreed called Ozzy has been recognised in the Guinness World Records book for the fastest crossing of a tightrope by a dog.

The four-and-a-half year old dog successfully crossed a tightrope measuring 3.5 metres in 18.22 seconds at the For Animals in Trouble There’s Hope (FAITH) Animal Rescue Centre in Norfolk.

Born in Anglesey, North Wales, Ozzy now lives in Norwich with his owner, 51-year-old carpenter, Nick Johnson. Nick has no formal experience of dog training but says that he learnt techniques on the internet which have proven successful.

He believes the key to training is: “Relationship building and making an effort to understand how your dog ticks.”

Nick also said: “As Ozzy’s parents are working sheepdogs on a farm, it’s in his blood to want to work closely with me. Ozzy is most happy when he’s working on the tricks that we do and regards it as a game. We also only practice when Ozzy is in the mood, after he’s done all his important dog stuff, like sniffing around and meeting other dogs.”

Ozzy’s owner was incredibly pleased with his Guinness World Records achievement, commenting: “It makes me feel so happy and proud, that Ozzy and I have such a strong friendship and relationship we can work together on tricks and games that get the recognition of Guinness World Records.”

A number of other animals have been recognised in the latest edition of the book, including Happie, who holds the record for the farthest distance travelled on a skateboard by a goat (36 metres in 25 seconds), and Milly, a Chihuahua from Puerto Rico who is officially the world’s smallest dog, standing 9.65 centimetres (3.8 inches) tall.

Image courtesy of Guinness World Records

 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.