Latest News

Britain’s animal lovers are being hammered by soaring veterinary bills rising at almost twice the rate of inflation, amid warnings that families are being left with eye-watering costs just to keep beloved pets alive. New research from VetsCompared has revealed veterinary and pet service costs have jumped by 6.1% over the last year, compared to a 3.3% rise in the Consumer Price Index across all items. Over the last two years, vet costs have surged by 13.8%, more than double th

Dog owners are being warned not to dismiss teenage canine chaos as “just a phase”, as experts launch a live masterclass exploring the science behind one of the most misunderstood stages in a dog’s life. Jo Middleton is hosting a free masterclass to help teenage puppy parents Behaviour specialists say more dogs are surrendered to shelters between the ages of five months and three years than at any other point in their lives, with adolescence emerging as a major tipping point f

Dog owners are being urged to take extra care this summer as rising temperatures pose a serious risk to flat-faced breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs and British Bulldogs. Veterinary experts warn that brachycephalic dogs - breeds with shortened snouts and compressed airways - are far more vulnerable to overheating because they cannot cool themselves efficiently through panting like other dogs. The RSPCA says flat-faced breeds are among those most at risk of overheating and

Campaigners descended on Parliament Square today demanding an end to the “cruel and outdated” caging of hens, as animal welfare charity Viva! staged a passionate rally in support of its hard-hitting Cracked campaign. Protesters gathered opposite the Houses of Parliament carrying placards and banners calling on ministers to turn promises of cage reform into binding law, warning that millions of birds remain trapped in conditions they described as “medieval” despite years of pu

At The Animal News Agency, we’re used to seeing our stories travel far and wide - but every now and then, something comes along that takes on a life of its own. That’s exactly what has happened with the now-famous Welsh Tidy Mouse. Originally shared with us by retired postman Rodney Holbrook, the remarkable footage of a tiny mouse tidying up his shed quickly became one of the most heartwarming wildlife stories we’ve ever worked on. From national newspapers across the UK to ma

Protesters gathered in force outside the Vancouver Convention Centre on Thursday morning, as a coalition of international animal welfare groups staged a high-impact demonstration during the 76th FIFA Congress, demanding urgent action to stop the mass killing of dogs in Morocco ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Campaigners assembled from 8am outside the high-profile global football summit with banners, placards and coordinated messaging aimed squarely at football’s governing b

These beautiful images capture the tender bond between a pair of great crested grebes and their tiny striped chick - including the fascinating moment the youngster is fed a feather. Wildlife photographer Mark Lynham, 62, from Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, snapped the scenes at a lake in Milton Keynes earlier this week. One striking shot shows the distinctive ‘humbug’-patterned chick riding safely on its parent’s back as it glides across the water, while another captures a

These stunning images capture the incredible moment an osprey pulled off a spectacular double catch - snatching two fish in a single swoop. Photographer Bruce Rubin, 64, from Voorhees, New Jersey, first snapped the bird of prey as it plunged into the water before bursting back out clutching not one - but two fish in its razor-sharp talons. After returning to the same spot this week in southern New Jersey, Bruce captured a second set of images showing another osprey - possibly

As temperatures begin to climb, it’s all change at Kew Little Pigs, where the farm’s famous miniature residents are embracing the sunshine in true piggy style. Adorable new pictures show piglets Slinky, Buzz and Harvest wallowing happily in cooling mud baths as the warmer weather sets in, a natural behaviour that plays a vital role in keeping pigs comfortable. Unlike humans, pigs cannot sweat effectively, so coating their skin in mud helps regulate their body temperature, whi

Britain’s native red squirrels could vanish from mainland England within a generation, experts have warned, as a stark new map lays bare the scale of their long-term decline. A government-backed report has concluded that, under a “do nothing” scenario, the species could disappear from England within 25 years, prompting urgent calls for a coordinated national rescue plan. The warning comes as the Save Our Reds campaign unveiled a new interactive map charting the dramatic retre

A much-loved miniature pig has been celebrating in STY-le this week, as Daisy marked her eighth birthday at Kew Little Pigs. The popular resident, a firm favourite with visitors to the award-winning Amersham attraction, was treated to a special birthday feast before posing for a charming photoshoot wearing a delicate daisy chain crown. Known for her calm temperament and affectionate nature, Daisy has become one of the farm’s standout stars, part of the farm's remote adoption

These hilarious pictures capture the moment a walrus took an unexpected tumble into the sea - after stretching a little too far during a lazy nap on a harbour pontoon. Photographer Liam McBride, 46, from Elgin, Moray, in northeast Scotland, was out driving in search of wildlife to photograph when he heard Magnus, a male walrus that has been spotted along the Moray coast in recent weeks, had reappeared near Findochty Harbour, a small fishing village on the Moray Firth. The wal

These striking images capture the moment a small but determined mockingbird repeatedly dive-bombed a large hawk to protect its nest. Mark Koster, 70, from Scottsdale, Arizona, photographed the scenes near his home last week. The images show the mockingbird swooping in with wings spread as it targets a perched Harris’s hawk after it ventured too close to the bird’s nesting tree. In one frame, the mockingbird darts in from behind the hawk mid-flight, while another shows it flyi

Forget playgrounds and pushchairs, one of Britain’s most unusual animal attractions is being overrun by adults seeking calm in an increasingly chaotic world. At Kew Little Pigs, a striking 80 per cent of visitors are now grown-ups, as stressed-out Brits swap traditional days out for something slower, quieter, and unexpectedly therapeutic. The award-winning Buckinghamshire farm, famed for its friendly miniature pigs, is challenging the long-held belief that animal attractions

A man has been fined after admitting illegally hunting a wild mammal with dogs leading campaigners to call on the government to action a ban on trail hunting without further delay. Wayne Greggory, 48, of Huish Champflower, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Hunting Act 2004 following an incident in Somerset in November 2025. Taunton Magistrates’ Court heard that the charge stemmed from an investigation by Avon and Somerset Police into a planned hunt linked to the Vale of

A disabled wildlife photographer has captured a series of striking images of boxing hares - all from the comfort of his camouflage-covered car. Peter Baker, 77, parks up near a local field close to his home in Foxholes, North Yorks, transforming his vehicle into a makeshift hide so he can continue pursuing his passion despite limited mobility. The determined snapper waits patiently for hours at a time, often armed with nothing more than sandwiches and a flask of tea, blending

A lockdown puppy who went more than six months without a proper groom - leaving him looking more like his Star Wars namesake Chewbacca - has finally been transformed after drinking spring water, his owner claims. Chewie, a five-year-old Cockapoo, became so anxious around grooming that he tried to bite anyone who attempted to trim him, leaving his coat overgrown, matted and covering his eyes. In one image, the scruffy pup appears almost twice his size, with thick, unkempt fur

Cat owners are being urged to rethink everything they know about feline enrichment after a standout talk at a major animal welfare conference revealed the surprising power of herbs to boost cats’ emotional health. Speaking at the Emotional Wellbeing in Animals Conference, hosted by Pet Remedy, feline specialist Katie Gwilt delivered a compelling message, cats don’t just enjoy stimulation, they need it, and their sense of smell could be the key to unlocking a calmer, happier l

He sits on command, spins on cue and trots happily beside his handler on a lead, but Theo is no ordinary puppy. In fact, the eight-month-old rising star is a pig. The unlikely canine impersonator is causing a stir at Kew Little Pigs, where staff say his intelligence and enthusiasm rival even the most obedient dogs. Nicknamed “Fido” by captivated farmhands, Theo has mastered an impressive repertoire of tricks including ‘sit’ and ‘twist’, and confidently tackles an agility cour

These dramatic images capture the split-second moment a tiny bird is ambushed by a rival in a fierce mid-air scrap. Photographer Martin Goff, 50, from Rossendale, Lancs, snapped the incredible showdown as one great tit clung to the side of a tree - only to be suddenly attacked by another bird swooping in from the air. In the first image, the unsuspecting bird is gripping the tree trunk when the second great tit bursts into frame, wings fully spread and claws outstretched. A s