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A couple who neglected 13 cats in a filthy, flea-infested home have been banned from keeping animals indefinitely after one blamed the conditions on her broken mop. One kitten was dead by the time he reached vets and another cat had to be put to sleep after being found comatose and gasping. Gail Turner, 34, and Andrew Hogg, 39, of Accrington, Lancs were each sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, at Burnley Magistrates’ Court on October 19. The court heard

Guinea pigs deserve more than being treated as a cheap first pet before a family gets a cat or dog, a Surrey veterinary nurse has warned. Charlotte Seaton with two adorable guinea pigs Charlotte Seaton, 38, from Hindhead, is on a mission to change attitudes towards the much-loved but often misunderstood animals, helping owners understand the care they need to live happy, healthy lives. The nurse at Farnham Veterinary Group, Vet Partners is organising a fortnight of reduced-pr

A woodland walk, a nose through fallen leaves and a muddy coat in need of a wash, autumn offers plenty for dogs to enjoy. But some of the season’s most familiar sights can conceal serious dangers. Conkers, acorns, wild mushrooms and mouldy garden waste can all pose a threat to inquisitive dogs, warns registered veterinary nurse and canine first aid expert Rachel Bean. She is urging owners to familiarise themselves with the warning signs of poisoning and act quickly if they s

A dog educator who champions compassion for animals and the people who care for them has been recognised as one of Britain’s leading lights in kind leadership. Jo Middleton at the awards event in London this week Jo Middleton, educational director of Canine Principles, has been named on the UK’s 2026 Kindness & Leadership, 50 Leading Lights list after being nominated by colleagues. The recognition celebrates leaders whose approach helps others flourish, putting empathy, hones

A Buckinghamshire pig attraction battered by last weekend’s storms has repaired the damage and is preparing to welcome visitors for a Halloween weekend of squeals and thrills. The team at Kew Little Pigs Farm in Old Amersham has been busy clearing up and making repairs after the severe weather hit the attraction. Now, with sunshine forecast for Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, spirits are lifting ahead of its Halloween Extravaganza and adults-only celebrations. T

A Devon pet wellbeing company has celebrated a landmark achievement after being formally presented with its King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation by the Lord-Lieutenant in Torquay on Thursday, October 29. Pet Remedy, which is based in the town, was honoured for its pioneering calming products, a natural range designed to help animals cope with stress and anxiety without sedation. The presentation marked the achievement in the company’s hometown, recognising the research,

Dogs are still being killed in a Moroccan province where a court condemned the practice nearly four years ago, an international animal welfare coalition has warned. Dead dogs on a truck in Nador (credit IAWPC) The International Animal Welfare Protection Coalition (IAWPC) says it has obtained a government ammunition procurement document requesting 2,000 rounds in July to shoot dogs. The coalition says a concentrated campaign of killing is now taking place in Nador, where it sa

Birds could be spared suffering in the name of style as plant-based “feathers” make their mark on one of fashion’s biggest stages. The three Vivienne Westwood looks which used FEVVERS (credit Peta) Vivienne Westwood has showcased an innovative vegan alternative at Paris Fashion Week, bringing fresh hope that feathers taken from birds could eventually fall out of fashion. Creative director Andreas Kronthaler incorporated the material, called FEVVERS, into three looks for the l

They have names fit for Halloween, but the only thing these rescue dogs want to disappear is their wait for a loving home. Casper is looking for a home this Halloween, could he be your friendly (ghost) dog? Casper and Buffy are among the dogs the RSPCA hopes will find their perfect match as its Adoptober rehoming campaign draws to a close. The charity says it has more animals in its care than space in its centres and branches, and is urging prospective owners to consider adop

As the nights draw in and pumpkins start appearing on doorsteps, many of us are gearing up for a spooktacular Halloween, but for our dogs, the season of frights can be far from fun. From eerie costumes and flashing decorations to constant door knocks and shrieking trick-or-treaters, Halloween brings a host of strange sights and sounds that can send even the most confident canine into a tailspin. Leading canine behaviourist Rachel Bean says that while humans enjoy the thrills

The number of guinea pigs arriving at RSPCA rescue centres has more than doubled in five years, with overbreeding and the cost-of-living crisis feared to be fuelling the rise. The charity took in 419 guinea pigs at its national centres in 2025, up from 177 in 2021, an increase of 137 per cent. Admissions also jumped by 76 per cent compared with 2024, prompting an appeal for animal lovers to consider adopting smaller pets. Vets are responding with an initiative to help owners

Pet owners are being urged to share their experience of inflated veterinary bills at night clinics owned by corporate vet groups, as campaigners warn reforms originally intended to lower vet bills will instead pile more costs on independent vets and the families and animals who depend on them. Iain McGill, Director of the PVA The Progressive Veterinary Association (PVA) is appealing for owners to come forward if their animals were excluded from care as a result of the high co

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was the focus of attention by animal welfare campaigners at football’s glittering Ballon d’Or ceremony that up to three million dogs are likely to face slaughter in Morocco ahead of the 2030 World Cup. Protesters wearing masks of the FIFA chief descended on the London Palladium on Monday (October 26), accusing football’s governing body of failing to stop the killing despite assurances and a breach of contract by Morocco recorded in its own Worl

Dogs who chew treasured possessions, bite their leads or jump up at visitors could be struggling with their emotions rather than deliberately misbehaving, a veteran dog trainer has warned. Debbie Potter, who runs Potter Paws in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, is urging owners to look beyond the “naughty” label and consider what their pet’s behaviour might be telling them. She says frustration, boredom and overwhelm can all contribute to unwanted behaviour, particularly in puppies

Millions of pigs could be spared pain and panic before slaughter under Government plans to end a controversial gassing method used despite welfare warnings stretching back more than 20 years. The RSPCA welcomed the proposed phase-out of high-concentration carbon dioxide, which it says is used to stun and kill around 90 per cent of pigs slaughtered in the UK. The gas can cause animals distress and breathing difficulties before they lose consciousness. Ministers launched a cons

Greedy for a second helping, Wilma the pig has discovered that good things come to those who wait a year. The pumpkin-loving miniature pig was pictured with her mouth wide open as she tucked into an autumn feast alongside pals Theo and Ellie at Kew Little Pigs Farm. And this year’s snacks have an unusual origin, they grew from the farm’s muck heap after the pigs enjoyed pumpkins last Halloween. It seems last year’s dinner planted the seeds for this year’s feast, with the trio

Adverts for products currently tested on animals should carry a clear warning so shoppers can make informed choices, a petition is demanding. More than 2,200 people have backed the call for a standardised disclosure or symbol to appear in advertising, making animal testing information visible before consumers buy. The petition, launched by Jacqui Wright, urges the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) to consult on changing advertising rules. It argues that while voluntary

Pet owners are being urged to let frightened animals hide and offer reassurance as back-to-back storms bring dangerous winds and heavy rain to Britain. Experts say forcing pets out of their hiding places or insisting on cuddles could add to their distress, while familiar bedding, quiet retreats and a calm presence can help them feel secure. The warning comes as Storm Austen moves through the UK on Friday, October 23, with Storm Boelo set to bring further severe weather over t

Campaigners are urging the public to back a petition demanding an independent inquiry into how animal experiments are regulated in Britain. Created by animal welfare campaigner Peter Egan, the parliamentary petition has attracted more than 18,000 signatures, passing the threshold requiring a government response. The petition reads: "We believe the system regulating animal research is failing. Reports find serious weaknesses in licensing oversight, including procedures approve

A Metropolitan Police detective who has championed the protection of domestic abuse victims and their pets has been honoured by an animal welfare charity. Viran receiving the award at New Scotland Yard this week Detective Sergeant Viran Wiltshire KPM received Naturewatch Foundation’s prestigious Challenge Coin for her work highlighting how abusers can threaten and harm animals to control their owners. The award was presented at New Scotland Yard in London on Tuesday, October