Everything about our lovely pets

Dog abandoned in church along with ‘I’m sorry’ note

A six-year-old dog was found abandoned inside a church in Lancashire with a note from his heartbroken owner saying: “I am so so so sorry.”.

California becomes first US state to only sell rescued animals in pet shops

California is set to become the first US state to ban the sale of cats, dogs and rabbits in pet shops unless they are from rescue centres. Known as AB 485, under the new rules pet shop operators will have to provide records of each animal’s origin or face a $500 (£391) penalty.

Let sleeping dogs lie (in the kitchen) | Brief letters

• So chief whip Julian Smith thinks MPs can be persuaded to back Theresa May by the thought that otherwise they might lose some of their Christmas break (Report, 1 December). • Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters

Unethical puppy and kitten farms 'to be banned' in England

The government is to ban unethical puppy and kitten farms in England, pledging to end the trade of unscrupulous breeders who keep animals in filthy and cramped conditions and force some to be pregnant many times over.