The Chinese “one child” policy was well known; they’ve now followed that up with a “one dog” rule. The same type of issues that bother the British public – dog faeces fouling the streets, dog bite incidents and high numbers of unwanted stray dogs – have led the authorities in Shanghai to introduce harsh new dog control regulations. The threat of rabies in China – where 2,500 people die of the disease each year – is an additional reason for the crackdown.

Under the new regulations, people will be limited to one dog per household. Any additional dogs will be seized by dog wardens, and owners who don’t comply face a potential 3,000 yuan (£285) fine, a huge amount of Chinese earning power. People who already own more than one registered dog will be allowed to keep their pets.

Even the standard dog licenses are pricey enough, with an annual fee of 500 yuan (£47.50) in urban areas, although it’s a more reasonable 100 yuan (£9.50) in the suburbs.

Other new rules – which will sound familiar to UK dog owners – include the need for dogs to be kept on a lead in public, large dogs to be muzzled and obligatory poop scooping. Dogs in Shanghai are already obligated to be vaccinated against rabies, but under the new rules, microchipping will also become compulsory.

The parallels with the UK are interesting. There’s no need for rabies vaccine here, because so far the disease has been successfully kept off British shores. Some of the other Chinese regulations are already in place, and there’s a strong lobby in favour of compulsory microchipping, perhaps combined with a return of the dog license.

But a one dog policy in the UK? Never, never, never.

Just confirming what we knew all along - pets are good for you!

Children who have pet animals at home have stronger immune systems and are less likely to take days off school sick, a study suggests. Researchers at Warwick University in Coventry found that having a cat or dog exposed children to more infections early in life.

However, this exposure boosted their immune systems in the medium term and meant these children attended school more often, on average, than pupils who did not have pets.  Pet ownership was significantly associated with better school attendance rates.

The authors said the benefits were most pronounced in children aged between five and eight years. Dr June McNicholas and colleagues tested the saliva of 138 children for the antibody immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is used as an indicator of immune system strength. High levels of IgA suggest that the immune system is under strain while low levels show that it is vulnerable to infection.

The study showed that antibody levels among pet owning children were significantly more stable, indicating that they had robust immune systems. Pet owning children were found to have an extra nine days at school over the course of the year compared to those without animals.  According to the researchers, the findings appear to support the so-called "dirty hypothesis".  It suggests that too much cleanliness early in life can leave the immune system weakened later on.

It has been linked to soaring rates of childhood asthma in recent years.

Vets Disappointed At Government Climbdown On Circus Animals

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has reacted with disappointment at the Government's decision to introduce a licensing regime rather than impose an outright ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.

Commenting BVA President Harvey Locke said:

 "The BVA strongly supported a ban because we believe the welfare of these animals is emblematic of the way we treat all animals under the care of humans. The welfare needs of non-domesticated, wild animals cannot be met within the environment of a travelling circus; especially in terms of accommodation and the ability to express normal behaviour. A licensing scheme will not address these issues.

Together with the RPSCA, Captive Animals Protection Society and the Born Free Foundation, the BVA has wholeheartedly supported The Independents campaign to ban wild animals in circuses. Over 15,000 people have signed The Independents online petition, which is still open. Mr Locke will be joining representatives from these groups to present the petition to Downing Street next week.

Although it only affects a small number of animals at present there is no guarantee that the number of wild animals in circuses wont increase in the future and, despite the best intentions, the needs of these animals cannot be met adequately by the environmental conditions of a travelling circus.

As we women knew all along, men are just big softies really...

According to MORE TH>N pet insurance, men aren't just upset by the loss of a pet, 13% of them take a week or more off work if their pet is lost or stolen.

Notably, that compares to just 5% of women who have taken that much time off work to get over the upset caused by a pet going missing or being stolen.

According to the company, men are also more likely to cancel social engagements if a pet goes missing (15%) compared to women (12%).

In addition, men are prepared to spend more trying to find their pet than women, with almost 20% prepared to spend between £100 and £1000 for the safe return of an animal, compared to 14% of women.

Chartered psychologist, Beverly Stone said: "These findings highlight the inherent differences between men and women. Whereas women tend to fear for the potential loss of their pet when it goes missing and mourns the loss if their pet dies, a man not only experiences a similar fear and mourning but may also feel a strong sense of responsibility.

"As a consequence, they are likely to feel that they have failed to protect their pet. Men need more time to get over the guilt, and they would not want to be exposed to people asking what happened in social events, if they feel responsible''.

A new study carried out by academics at the University of Bristol's Animal Welfare and Behaviour research group has revealed that chickens empathise. So, if you've wondered why the chicken crossed the road, it was probably to help a friend.

More specifically, the research - funded by the BBSRC Animal Welfare Initiative and published online in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B. - demonstrated that domestic hens show a clear physiological and behavioural response when their chicks are mildly distressed.

Researchers say the study is the first to demonstrate that birds possess one of the important attributes that underpins empathy, and the first study to use both behavioural and physiological methods to measure these traits in birds.

During one of the controlled procedures, when the chicks were exposed to a puff of air, the hens' heart rate increased and eye temperature decreased. The hens also changed their behaviour, and reacted with increased alertness, decreased preening and increased vocalisations directed to their chicks.

Some of these responses have previously been used as indicators of an emotional response in animals. In domestic chickens, time spent standing alert is associated with higher levels of fear.  Previous research carried out by the same group has shown that hens also selectively avoid surroundings associated with high levels of standing and low levels of preening.

Jo Edgar, PhD student in the School of Veterinary Sciences, said: "The extent to which animals are affected by the distress of others is of high relevance to the welfare of farm and laboratory animals.

"Our research has addressed the fundamental question of whether birds have the capacity to show empathic responses.

"We found that adult female birds possess at least one of the essential underpinning attributes of 'empathy'; the ability to be affected by, and share, the emotional state of another."

The researchers say they used chickens as a model species because, under commercial conditions, chickens will regularly encounter other chickens showing signs of pain or distress due to routine husbandry practices or because of the high levels of conditions such as bone fractures or leg disorders.

European tick established in the UK

A species of blood-sucking tick native to continental Europe has become established in the UK, scientists say.

Researchers found five European meadow ticks in south-east England and west Wales during a search of the UK's dogs.  This involved 173 veterinary practices, which collectively checked more than 3,500 dogs and sent any ticks they found to a lab for identification.

The species is known to carry tick-borne infections that are not yet found in this country.

Faith Smith from the University of Bristol led the study, which was published in the journal Medical and Veterinary Entomology.   "We asked the vets to check dogs totally at random; to check any dog coming in for any reason," she told the BBC.

Gundogs, terriers and pastoral breed groups were most susceptible to picking up ticks, which often wait in long grass for animals to brush past. Longer-haired dogs were also more susceptible.

Disease

The researchers think a changing climate and "increased global movement of people and companion animals" have assisted the spread of ticks.

"Studies have been done to show that the distribution of Ixodes ricinus (the sheep tick) has shifted northwards in continental Europe in the past few decades, and that the species has been found at higher altitudes," said Miss Smith.

"So it is possible that climate change will affect certain species of ticks."

There is concern that the European species could spread infections that do not currently occur in the UK, including tick-borne encephalitis.

"The longer the tick is on, the higher the chance of a tick-borne disease," said Miss Smith. "Ticks don't actually start to transmit infections until 24-48 hours post attachment. So the sooner it is removed cleanly, the smaller the risk of getting a disease it might be carrying."

According to Petplan:

Vets are trusted more than the police!

Research shows that an enormous 98% of Petplan customers trust their vet, with many saying they are more trustworthy than police officers - coming second only to doctors. 42% of customers refer to their vets by their first name, and 47% have his/her mobile number saved on speed dial. This data seems to make vets the unofficial 4th emergency services!

11 million British households own a pet and 62% of these are registered to a veterinary practice.   With Petplan receiving an average of 10,000 claims each week, vets are busier than ever and are fast becoming a pet owner's best friend.

This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed at home....

With their tiny trotters and adorable little snouts, it's no wonder micro pigs have become the new must-have pet.  But what is the reality of keeping these little snorters?  In the eyes of the law these pets are still considered to be livestock and, as such, there are legal requirements to owning one.

• In order to keep a pig (albeit a very little one!) owners must have a Country Parish Holding (CPH) number which is needed in case of a disease outbreak.
• If you wish to take your little piggy out for a walk then you will need a walking licence
• It is illegal to feed pigs certain processed food and scraps from the kitchen - and, apparently, if you overfeed them then they grow and are no longer micro!!!
• Their skin, tusks, hooves, eyes and ears have to be carefully maintained
• You can't take your little pig along to see Pat at Churnet Vets as they come under the remit of large animal vets (a good reason for not having one)

Basically, if you keep a micropig then you are actually keeping a farm animal in your home, one that is not domesticated, so think carefully before you let your heart rule your head!

The RSPCA has reported a dramatic increase in the number of cats being abandoned.

The number of abandonments reported to the RSPCA was 10,610 in 2010, a 28% increase on the number reported in 2009 (8,310), and a 40% increase on the number in 2008 (7,609).

The charity received 205 reports of cats being shot in 2010, more or less the same as the year before. However, the charity says anecdotal reports suggest the number of cats being attacked (including being set upon by dogs or thrown from buildings) is increasing.   

RSPCA chief veterinary officer, Alastair Macmillan, said: "The news of massive rises in abandonments and other attacks is alarming and shows a frightening trend in cat abuse and neglect. We don't know why we are seeing such increases and hope that people are not starting to see cats as worthless things which can be targeted with weapons or just dumped when people don't want to care for them anymore".

It's probably something not many of us have ever given any thought to, but apparently it was Claude Bourgelat was the son of a distinguished citizen of Lyon, along with Henri-Leonard Bertin. 

In 1761 Louis XV wanted to promote the prevention of cattle disease, the protection of grazing land and training of farmers, he put his Controller General of Finance in charge of this, and in turn he proposed  that a veterinary school should be founded in Lyon and the director should be Bourgelat.

Veterinary Medicine celebrates its 250 year anniversary!

The European Commission (EC) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) launch the “Vets in your daily life” campaign that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the creation of the veterinary profession.

As part of the campaign a series of events will unfold throughout 2011, declared World Veterinary Year for the occasion, to increase knowledge about the multifaceted work of veterinarians.

“Everybody knows veterinarians as animal doctors, but few know that they truly play a pivotal role in the prevention and control of infectious animal diseases, including those transmissible to humans, animal welfare, food production or food safety. World Veterinary Year 2011 is a very special opportunity to celebrate the daily contribution of veterinarians to the civil society, as a global public good”, said Dr Bernard Vallat, OIE Director General.

World Veterinary Year (Vet 2011) is off to a fantastic start in the UK with the recognition of three veterinary surgeons in the New Year’s Honours.

• Dr Lydia Akrigg Brown, President of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund has been awarded an MBE for services to the veterinary profession;

• Lewis George Grant, former veterinary manager in the Meat Hygiene Service, Food Standards Agency and animal welfare representative of the Veterinary Public Health Association (VPHA) has also been awarded an MBE;

• Professor Quintin McKellar, Principal of the Royal Veterinary College has been awarded a CBE for services to science;

BVA Honorary Member the Earl of Selborne was also recognised with a GBE for services to science.

These honours recognise the enormous breadth of work undertaken by vets in the service of the country. It is this work that World Veterinary Year 2011 seeks to celebrate and publicise across the globe.

Here in the UK the BVA will be working with its divisions and the RCVS to mark Vet 2011 by championing the achievements of the veterinary profession.

Cat owners 'more educated than dog owners'

Cats have long been thought to be cleverer than dogs - and now it seems the same is true of their owners.

People with cats are more likely to have university degrees than those with dogs, according to a scientific survey of pet ownership.  The study also revealed that the combined cat and dog population of Britain is more than 20.8 million - 50 per cent higher than previously thought.

Researchers at the University of Bristol say that the superior intelligence of cat owners is unlikely to be caused by their exposure to the famously cunning and selfish pets.  Rather, more educated people tend to work longer hours and choose a pet to fit their lifestyles. Unlike dogs, cats require no walking and can manage with little human company.

Dr Jane Murray, Cats Protection Lecturer in Feline Epidemiology, who led the study, said: "We don't think it is associated with income because that was one of the variables we looked at, and there was little difference.

"Cats require less time per day than a dog, so they are more popular with educated people who work late and have long commutes."

Homes with degree-holders were 1.36 times more likely to have a cat than other households. The same homes were less likely to have a dog than households where no-one went to university.

The study, published in the Veterinary Record journal, also found that cat owners were more likely to be older and female. Both cat and dog owners were more likely than the general population to live in households with gardens in rural areas.

The popular myth of cat intelligence was dented last year with the publication of a study showing that they did worse than dogs at a simple reasoning task. Cats presented with two pieces of string, only one of which was attached to a food reward, could not tell which one to pull for their treat.

Overwhelming support for deed not breed in dangerous dogs consultation

November 2010

The government has published the results of the Defra consultation on dangerous dogs revealing overwhelming support for an overhaul of the failed Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

The consultation closed in June and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) submitted a joint response based on sound scientific evidence and expert veterinary opinion. The response called for an end to breed-specific legislation that targets dogs based on the way they look rather than their actions.

The BVA and BSAVA are delighted with the summary of the 4,250 responses published today that reveals:

- 88% of respondents do not believe that current legislation is effective in protecting the public;
- 71% believe that breed-specific legislation should be repealed;
- 84% are in favour of all dogs being microchipped.

Commenting, Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said:

"There is enormous support amongst experts in dog health and welfare for an end to the failed breed-specific legislation.

"The Coalition Government's programme promised to take action on dangerous dogs and Ministers must now take on board the strong views from this consultation to implement changes.

"The problems caused by dangerous dogs impact on public safety and animal welfare and maintaining the status quo is not an option."

Grant Petrie, President of BSAVA, added:

"The problem of dangerous dogs will not be solved until the government accepts that the Dangerous Dogs Act has failed. This view is supported by the thousands of responses to the consultation.

"The support for repeal of the Act and for compulsory microchipping of dogs are clear and we look forward to hearing Defra's plans in the New Year."

A message from Petplan....

With parts of the UK being hit with historic low temperatures, and with more snow and ice on the way, it’s worth sparing a thought for our furry friends.

The early arrival of winter poses serious risks to our beloved pets, and pet owners are encouraged to be extra vigilant in the freezing weather.

Petplan’s Vet of the Year, Ben Jones, believes that our pets are potentially in more danger in the cold weather, and being more aware can help prevent potential tragedies.

Ben’s top tips this winter are:

• If you can't get out with your dog because of the cold weather, then try to ensure you have plenty of toys, especially activity types, to keep them active.
  

• If the pavements are gritted, check your dog’s paws to make sure they aren’t starting to hurt. Grit can be extremely irritating to footpads, even drying them to a point where paws split open and bleed. Dogs will also lick off road salt and this can cause stomach problems.
  

• Don't allow pets on frozen ponds/canals for obvious reasons.
  

• Try to ensure that all aged/debilitated animals do not get cold overnight, by providing extra warm blankets and bedding.
  

• Animals with arthritis are at greater risk and may suffer more in the cold. Keep them warm at all times.
  Greater care should be taken if you have outside water bowls. Make sure they are not frozen after leaving them for a long period of time.
  

• For rabbits make sure you have made all hutches draught-proof with plenty of warm bedding.
  

• Keep your pets off areas where there is ice just like us it’s easy for them to slip and injure themselves.
  

• Most brands of anti-freeze contain ethylene glycol which tempts pets with its sweet smell and appealing taste. Unfortunately, it is also extremely poisonous. Dangers occur from spillages when topping up the car, bottles being left open or with loose caps that could be tipped over and lapped up.

Dog owner, Helen Stone from Reading, agrees that it is important for owners to take extra care of their pets in the cold weather as she has first hand experience of the dangers. When George, her pet poodle, was outside for some air and a run-around the ten year old poodle slipped on ice and crashed into a set of French doors. George was immediately admitted to hospital for internal bleeding and had to undergo surgery to repair a snapped spinal cord and have a disc removed from his spine.

Helen said, “George spent three weeks in hospital and has regular visits from a physiotherapist to help him learn to walk again. I couldn’t believe how badly he had been hurt just from a slip in the garden. Thank goodness George was insured otherwise I’m not sure George’s recovery would have been possible, and he may not have survived. It was very scary.”

Petplan, the UK’s favourite insurer, has so far paid out over £5,600 to help get George back to full health.

Participating families will be asked to use interactive software to teach children how to stay safe around dogs.  The Blue Dog CD features a series of animated situations and games involving a dog and a child, offering safe and unsafe outcomes.  Parents will be asked to fill in a questionnaire and then film their child interacting with their pet dog at a few intervals over the course of a year.

For more details on the two year study, or to express an interest in taking part, visit

www.lincoln.ac.uk/psychology/blue_dog.htm

Pet People - magazine from Petplan , winter 2010

Key veterinary and welfare organisations are supporting a private member's bill designed to replace the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.  Called the Dog Control Bill, it is wending its way through the labyrinth of the three House of Lords readings and a committee stage before it arrives in the House of Commons.

The Dogs Trust veterinary director, Chris Laurence, stated "The Dog Control Bill supports the principle that it is people not the dogs themselves that make dogs dangerous.  Lord Redesdale's bill would allow people to be better protected from dangerous dogs, with toucher action take agains irresponsible dog owners"

This bill aims to shift the emphasis from targetting specific breeds to the actions of individual dogs and owners - "deed not breed".  The bill, introduced by Lord Redesdale, includes the introduction of dog control notices, which would be issued when dogs act dangerously without provocation, causing an injury to a person or an animal, or even if a person just felt that they were going to be harmed.  When issued with a notice the dog would be microchipped and the owner would face anything from a fine to a jail sentence depending on the severity of the incident.  If appropriate the dog would then be monitored, and compulsory dog training for the owner is a possibility.

Watch this space...

Veterinary Times July 10

The Feline Advisory Bureau's (FAB) WellCat for Life programme classifies older cats as:

• "mature" when they are 7 - 10 years old (equated to a 44 to 56 year old human

• "senior" when they are 11 - 14 years old (equated to a 60 to 72 year old human)

• "geriatric" when they are 15 years or older (equated to a human aged 76 years or older)

www.fabcats.org