Campaigners call for tougher controls on dog ownership 'As easy as buying crisps'

Campaigners call for tougher controls on dog ownership 'As easy as buying crisps'

Comparing bad dog owners to bad parents, RSPCA vicepresident Chris said dogs should be kept on leads following a spate of horror attacks, including one outside his partner's home.

Adorable Dachshund serves as flower girl at owner’s wedding

Adorable Dachshund serves as flower girl at owner’s wedding

‘The caterers and other workers at the reception were obsessed with Ruby’ (Picture: David Glover/Mercury Press)From having her silhouette on the wedding cake and her own special seat at the high table, and being allowed to roam around greeting guests, Ruby really made her presence known.

Watch the emotional moment a little girl unwraps her dream puppy for Christmas

Watch the emotional moment a little girl unwraps her dream puppy for Christmas

It’s too much (Picture: SWNS)Feel like having a happy little twixtmas cry?For little Claire Hammer, a puppy had been at the top of her wish list since she was a toddler.(Picture: SWNS)Janee from Frisco, Texas, USA, said: ‘I was crying right along with her.

Dog vomited blood and had seizure after eating six packs of chocolate coins

Dog vomited blood and had seizure after eating six packs of chocolate coins

Amie rushed him to a People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) vet, who sedated Hugo and gave him an X-ray, revealing the dog’s stomach was full of foil and needed surgery.

Couple discover genius way to keep their puppy away from the Christmas tree

Couple discover genius way to keep their puppy away from the Christmas tree

That’s when inspiration struck: ‘When Jordan got the hoover out [to clean up the mess], he started barking at it and we remembered how scared he was of it,’ says Georgia.They plan to keep the vacuum cleaner as part of their Christmas decorations for years to come, unless Hugo starts behaving.

I have spent the past 12 Christmas Days looking after rescue dogs

I have spent the past 12 Christmas Days looking after rescue dogs

I don’t have any big family commitments at Christmas Day so I knew I wanted to be with the dogs (Picture: Picasa/RSPCA)One day, a couple came to visit her.

Dog facing fourth Christmas in kennels is asking Santa for a new home

Dog facing fourth Christmas in kennels is asking Santa for a new home

Sweet Sue deserves a loving family (Picture: RSPCA)A loving home has been on one lurcher’s Christmas list for the past four years.

Chunky dog Claude drops five stone revealing 'cheeky' personality

Chunky dog Claude drops five stone revealing 'cheeky' personality

His new owner, dog warden Mel Herbert, helped him shed the extra weight after she felt her heartstrings pulling her towards the sweet guy.Claude now (Picture: Mercury Press)‘The first time we brought him to the vet,’ recalled Mel, ‘she was horrified, and now they can’t believe the transformation.

The Dog House at Christmas review – bark the herald angels sing

The Dog House at Christmas review – bark the herald angels sing

At the Cambridgeshire animal charity Wood Green, the staff are wondering whether dogs know it’s a special day while giving extra back scratches and the occasional new toy, and promising a pooch-friendly Christmas dinner.But The Dog House brings goodwill to humanity all year round anyway.

Pet sounds: dogs’ favourite Christmas songs revealed

Pet sounds: dogs’ favourite Christmas songs revealed

A survey of 1,000 dog owners by the charity Guide Dogs found Wham’s classic is the most beloved by canines, with 10% of the votes, followed by Jingle Bells (9%) and All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey (6%).Those who took part in the survey said their animals liked upbeat tracks, compared to quieter, slower or instrumental ones.

Tips for preventing fire, burglaries and food poisoning at Christmas

Tips for preventing fire, burglaries and food poisoning at Christmas

If going on holiday and your house is empty or not being checked in on, don’t advertise that you’re away.It’s safest to plug Christmas lights directly into a socket (Picture: Getty Images)Don’t use an extension leads and extension plugs.

Christmas 2021: 11 of the best gifts to give cats, dogs and small pets

Christmas 2021: 11 of the best gifts to give cats, dogs and small pets

Practical and stylishIf you like your designer homewares then this stylish curvy dog bowl by iconic Italian brand Alessi looks good enough to serve up a snack for yourself.

Christmas outings around the UK – from a festive afternoon tea to doggy treats

Christmas outings around the UK – from a festive afternoon tea to doggy treats

Hotel rooms you won’t be sleeping in (Picture: VRX Studios)New app Dayuse is bringing an elegant solution to the problem of needing somewhere relaxing and comfortable to get changed before the office Christmas party (rather than the shared loos), or to destress after barging your way along the high street looking for the perfect presents.

Deaf hunting dog and best friend left in shed finally find a loving family

Deaf hunting dog and best friend left in shed finally find a loving family

They’ll be getting lots of pampering over the festive season (Picture: RSCPA)The family is now looking forward to Christmas – especially Eve and Dasher, who for the first time will spend December 25 in a loving home.

Dog left tied to a lamp post with a broken leg finally finds a loving home

Dog left tied to a lamp post with a broken leg finally finds a loving home

After a really rough time, Steve is looking forward to his first Christmas with a loving family (Picture: RSPCA)When lurcher Steve was found tied up to a lamp post at a bus stop, in Canterbury, Kent, he was freezing cold, terrified, and in pain.

Christmas 2021: Nine great gift ideas for your dog

Christmas 2021: Nine great gift ideas for your dog

One of our festive faves in a dog-approproate form (Picture: Pets At Home)These tasty treats are made with chicken, duck and pork sausage, along with the obligatory bacon.Sprouts Pet Toy. It’s got to be done (Picture: M&S)It’s Christmas – festive toys are practically obligatory, that this one is particularly cute.

Buy your dog a Christmas pudding if you want to get its tail wagging

Buy your dog a Christmas pudding if you want to get its tail wagging

Ocado is stocking Christmas puddings for dogs for the first time this year – made from biscuits with a yoghurt topping – and specialist companies offer a range of festive cakes for dogs and sushi and venison for cats.

How to stop your cat from climbing your Christmas tree

How to stop your cat from climbing your Christmas tree

Animal rights charities have offered their advice on how cat owners can stop their pets from jumping on their Christmas trees after a video of a woman “traumatising” her cat went viral.

Best dog advent calendars for Christmas 2021

Best dog advent calendars for Christmas 2021

Depending on your dog’s tastes, you can opt for chicken flavoured treats, gravy bones or, if you want them to get the full experience, you can even buy one filled with dog-safe chocolate.Pets at Home Christmas Dog Advent Calendar Carob Flavour.

Supply chain problems hit charities' holiday gifts for kids

Supply chain problems hit charities' holiday gifts for kids

Despite an earlier planning process, many gift requests for gaming systems and other items submitted to One Simple Wish have been out of stock, or are facing major shipping delays, said Daniella Gletow, the founder of the organization, which works with social service agencies across the country to facilitate holiday wishes anyone can grant for children in need.