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Report reveals pet owners lack understanding
Figures released raise animal welfare concern

The PDSA has produced a report that shows millions of UK pets are not receiving a basic level of care because owners lack fundamental welfare knowledge.

This year's PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report revealed that 1.3 million dogs across the UK are displaying problem behaviour, 18.5 million dogs, cats and rabbits are being fed deadly diets, and 11.2 million pets are at risk of life-threatening diseases because they have not been vaccinated or neutered.

The PDSA surveyed 3,956 dog, cat and rabbit owners, 466 vets and vet nurses and 553 children earlier this year, and the figures were calculated using estimated populations of 8,308,605 dogs, 11,015,362 cats and 1,668,818 rabbits.

This is another excellent report from the PDSA
The report exposed that the highest levels of problem behaviour is seen in Northern Ireland and the East of England - both where over 20 per cent of dogs growl, snarl and show aggression towards people and other animals.

Further figures show that almost one in three dog owners have been bitten or attacked by a dog, and 65 per cent of children have been frightened or scared by a dog's behaviour.

It also revealed that 2.5 million dogs, cats and rabbits aren't registered with a vet, 4.5 million aren't vaccinated and over 4 million aren't neutered.

Furthermore, 17 per cent of owners surveyed said they would consider giving up their pet due to the associated costs if they became too much.

Nicola Martin, PDSA head of pet health and welfare, said: "The new PAW Report findings do make for difficult reading, especially considering virtually all of the issues we have investigated are entirely preventable.

"As the UK’s leading veterinary charity, we simply cannot ignore this and we want to do all we can to improve the long-term wellbeing of pets by helping owners understand what their pets really need to be healthy and happy.”

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the report, and urges vets in practice to read it.

BVA president Peter Jones said: "This is another excellent report from the PDSA offering real insight into clients’ motivations. Understanding what drives owners’ attitudes, as well as helping them to understand key health and welfare issues, should help us to clarify misconceptions in the consulting room and hopefully change behaviour at home.

“The report very clearly identifies where owners are misinformed or unaware and highlights areas that vets in practice can work on with their clients to help achieve better wellbeing for pets."

Click here to read the report.

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.