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Campaigners have issued a stark rallying cry to the public, warning there are just ten weeks left to help consign hunting with hounds to history as the Government weighs up a potential ban on so-called “trail hunting”. The consultation, which applies across England and Wales, has been open for only a matter of weeks but is already shaping up to be a defining moment in the long-running battle over the future of hunting. At its heart lies a practice critics say has acted as lit

An online retail giant Etsy has bowed to mounting pressure from animal rights activists and banned the sale of fur, in a move campaigners are hailing as a major victory for animal welfare. Etsy, the global marketplace best known for handmade and artistic goods, confirmed it will introduce a fur-free policy from August 2026 after being bombarded with more than 100,000 messages from campaigners. The push was led by PETA, whose supporters around the world urged the platform to c

These fun images capture a group of lion cubs play fighting as they tumble and wrestle in the sand. The scenes were photographed by Gren Sowerby, 74, from Whitley Bay, during a safari in the Sand River area of the Maasai Mara last week. Gren said he had been watching a pride of 22 lions, known as the Sand River pride, when several cubs began interacting, chasing and swiping at each other on the riverbank. In one image, two cubs rear up on their hind legs, paws raised as they

These spectacular images capture the moment a bottlenose dolphin launched itself high out of the water – appearing to smile for the camera mid-air. The incredible breach was photographed by Jonny Williams at Chanonry Point in the Moray Firth. The images show the dolphin completely airborne, its full body visible as it cuts through the air with water spraying beneath it against the coastal backdrop. Jonny, 52, from Llandudno, Wales, had been waiting patiently on the incoming t

A Buckinghamshire dog owner says her beloved Bulldog has been given a new lease of life after taking part in a home study exploring the benefits of oxygen-rich spring water. Nine-year-old George, a much-loved English Bulldog began struggling with his breathing as he grew older – particularly after walks or during warmer weather. Like many flat-faced dogs, George was prone to heavy panting and long recovery times after even light activity, leaving his owner, Caroline Boyland f

It’s a story straight out of The Good Life, but for one Shropshire couple, the dream of ditching the rat race for rural bliss has become a rather muddy reality. Jack Fleet, 33, and Tom Pearson, 39, have swapped corporate careers for a life of early mornings and four very charismatic pigs on their smallholding near Shrewsbury. Jack, a former utility company worker, and Tom, who previously ran his own business, made the bold leap in pursuit of a simpler, more fulfilling way of

Top animal welfare professionals have thrown their weight behind a growing campaign calling for an end to pet exclusion in housing, warning that forcing people to choose between a roof over their head and their animal companion is cruel and counterproductive. The Street Paws ‘No One Left Outside’ campaign, which is pushing for clearer government guidance to ensure pets are not unreasonably refused in social housing, has secured backing from leading voices across the veterinar

Legendary music journalist Kris Needs shares his own experience of amazing Podenco Binky, and the plight the beautiful dogs face in Spain Binky takes part in a spot of Yoga with carer Nina Walsh “What sort of dog is that?” I’ve heard those words so many times on my daily morning walks with Binky it’s difficult not to have developed a stock answer. “She’s a Podenco.” “Oh, I don’t think I know that breed. Where is she from?” “Spain. They’re bred for hunting.” “Oh, she’s lovely.

Dog owners are being urged to rethink how they care for their pets, amid growing evidence that a dog’s gut health underpins not just digestion, but behaviour, immunity, mobility and long-term quality of life. Angela Day has given her top advice for helping your dog thrive According to canine rehabilitation specialist and trainer Angela Day, digestive health is one of the most overlooked pillars of canine welfare, despite its far-reaching impact.“The gut isn’t just about food,

The IAWPC took the fight for the dogs of Morocco to the English Riviera this week at the Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference where key animal experts expressed their support. Dr Hannah Capon whose dog Elsie (centre) is from Morocco Hayley O’Keeffe, a member of the International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) team, was among delegates at the Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference in Torquay, where she used the gathering of vets, behaviourists and welfare

Ministers were today said to be preparing to give animals a voice in Parliament, by appointing a dog to the House of Lords. The claim, revealed on April 1st suggested the Labour Government would usher in a new era of animal representation, with Defra Minister Emma Reynolds MP allegedly backing the unprecedented move as part of its wider Animal Welfare Strategy. And the chosen candidate? Not a seasoned politician, but Scooby, a 12-year-old rescue dog who has already won a devo

Under glorious blue skies on the English Riviera, day two of the Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference in Torquay unfolded as both a celebration of progress and a poignant reminder of the work still to be done. Victoria Stillwell speaking at the conference today Held at the Imperial Hotel and organised by Pet Remedy, the event has drawn together some of the world’s leading voices in animal behaviour and welfare, alongside delegates who have travelled from as far afield as

Sunshine bathed the English Riviera as leading animal behaviourists, vets and welfare experts gathered at the Imperial Hotel for the opening day of the Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference, setting the tone for what promises to be a landmark event in the animal welfare calendar. Daniel Shaw gives his speech at the conference today With blue skies overhead and a sea view that could lift anyone’s spirits, the conference, powered by Pet Remedy, opened with a warm welcome fr

A long-running legal loophole branded a “smokescreen for cruelty” could finally be shut down, as ministers launch a public consultation to ban controversial trail hunting, sparking fierce demands for a total crackdown on hunting with dogs. Baroness Hayman has launched a public consultation on trail hunting - Wildlife Guardian Campaigners say the move, announced by Labour minister Baroness Sue Hayman this week, is a “critical and long-overdue step”, but warn anything short of

These heartwarming images capture the moment a cheeky otter cub repeatedly leapt on its mum during a lively seaside play fight. The charming scenes were photographed by wildlife photographer Paul McDougall, 47, from Blantyre, Scotland, while leading one of his wildlife photography workshops on the Isle of Mull last week. Paul, founder of Touch The Wild, tracked the pair after spotting them swimming towards a rocky headland. After carefully positioning themselves downwind and

Freedom Walk launched to help dogs and end cruel chaining practice worldwide Eduardo Gonçalves with Sirius on the day of his rescue A new global campaign to end the cruel chaining of dogs has been launched with a nationwide call to action, urging animal lovers to take part in a symbolic 5km walk to raise funds and awareness. The Unchained Freedom Walk, taking place on April 4, marks the official launch of the Unchained campaign, founded by award-winning animal welfare campaig

Britain will mark its first ever Save Our Reds Day this spring, as campaigners warn the country is in danger of losing one of its most iconic native mammals within a generation. The new national awareness day, announced by journalist, author and campaigner Marie Carter-Robb, will take place on Friday 15 May 2026, and every third Friday in May thereafter, aligning with Endangered Species Day. The launch comes amid growing public concern over the steep decline of red squirrels,

As scientists raise the alarm over toxic pesticides entering rivers and streams, pet owners are being urged to think more carefully about what’s in their dogs’ drinking water. A growing body of evidence suggests that fipronil – a widely used ingredient in pet flea and tick treatments – is ending up in waterways after washing off animals or being flushed down drains, raising environmental and health concerns. Scientists say fipronil is extremely toxic to aquatic life and can p

Arthritis in dogs is a prevalent condition, more common than in humans, yet too many owners miss the early warning signs, according to leading veterinary surgeon Dr Hannah Capon. Dr Capon, 47, founder of Canine Arthritis Management (CAM) and creator of The Pain Vet, says the painful condition is not simply an inevitable part of ageing; it can begin much earlier in a dog’s life. Dr Hannah Capon has this advice for dog owners “Way back when, my understanding of arthritis was ve

Dog owners are being urged to stay alert to a little-known seasonal hazard lurking in parks and fields this spring, tiny grass seeds that can cause serious harm to pets if left untreated. As temperatures begin to rise through March and April, these small, arrow-shaped seeds start to appear in long grass, posing a growing risk to dogs across the UK. According to Rachel Bean, one of the UK’s leading canine first aid experts, groomers are often the first to spot the warning sign