Hongkongers launch hamster rescue mission after Covid cull declared

Hongkongers launch hamster rescue mission after Covid cull declared

Authorities and pet lovers in Hong Kong are locked in a game of cat and mouse, with citizens mounting a clandestine rescue operation for hamsters condemned to be euthanised over fears they could transmit Covid-19.On Tuesday, government and health officials announced traces of the virus had been found on 11 hamsters , all in a pet shop where a 23-year-old staff member had fallen ill.

Thanks to the writers who got us through 2021

Thanks to the writers who got us through 2021

But it is those writers themselves who have provided clarity of thought, insightfulness and humour to the paper’s readers.Mary Pickard is correct about animals leading a more orderly existence than humans (Letters, 28 December ).

A party vote – and the eyes have it

A party vote – and the eyes have it

Richard Griffiths Syderstone, Norfolk.Each time a travel insurer asks me if I have a pre-existing illness (Letters, 7 December ), I feel like telling them that pre-existing means “before it existed”.John Huntley Letheringsett, Norfolk.

Brexit deal is a rubbish gift for a gullible public

Brexit deal is a rubbish gift for a gullible public

• I have been teaching French and Spanish for 37 years and see first-hand the benefits of the Erasmus scheme (UK students lose Erasmus membership in Brexit deal , 24 December).• So the Brexit deal is Boris Johnson’s Christmas gift to the nation.

Prankster threatens to behead stolen dog if owner doesn’t pay £1000 ransom

Prankster threatens to behead stolen dog if owner doesn’t pay £1000 ransom

A prankster threatened to behead Waffle (Picture: Facebook)An emotional Ms Hussain said her Christmas had been ‘a washout’ and branded those responsible for the prank message as ‘sick’.

Dogs Trust stops adoptions during Christmas so people don't rush into it

Dogs Trust stops adoptions during Christmas so people don't rush into it

You’ll have to wait if you’re planning to adopt a dog (Picture: Getty)Yes, getting a dog as a Christmas present is a wonderful gift but are you really prepared for a pet?

Mince pies for pets take the biscuit

Mince pies for pets take the biscuit

I read your editorial with a wry smile (Towns and cities across Britain need theatres just as much as the West End , 7 December).• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit

Westfield will look after your dog while you do your Christmas shopping

Westfield will look after your dog while you do your Christmas shopping

The Merry Mutts Motel at Westfield (Picture Luke Walker/Getty Images for Westfield London)Westfield is offering a new service to look after your dog while you do all your Christmas shopping.

Sainsbury’s has just announced a pop-up Christmas restaurant for dogs

Sainsbury’s has just announced a pop-up Christmas restaurant for dogs

After all, the pop-up’s opening date is Christmas Jumper Day. Tickets cost £5 for one owner and one dog, while two owners and one dog is slightly more expensive at £7.50.The doggy pop-up will be open for three days (Picture: Sainsbury’s)Are you a dog lover without a dog?

A dog’s (and cat’s) place is on the bed | Brief letters

A dog’s (and cat’s) place is on the bed | Brief letters

Fellow Guardian readers, when you receive your screening letter, please do not ignore it – it saves lives. • I have found a formula that saves embarrassment when I am offered a seat on bus, tube or train (Letters, 5 December).

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

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

Stop what you’re doing and look at these adorable dog breeds on Instagram

Stop what you’re doing and look at these adorable dog breeds on Instagram

A post shared by French Bulldog Feature 🖤 (@frenchbulldogfeature) on Nov 30, 2018 at 1:59am PST A post shared by Dogs Puppies of Instagram 🐶🌎 (@dogspupsworld) on Nov 30, 2018 at 4:13am PST

Baby boy fighting for life after being attacked by dog

Baby boy fighting for life after being attacked by dog

The baby, who is yet to be identified, was attacked at 1.47am on Sunday at a house in Yaxley, near Peterborough, Cambridgeshire (Picture: SWNS)A 28-year-old-man and a 31-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of child neglect and two Staffordshire Bull Terriers have been seized following the incident.

There's a meetup for dog influencers in December and you're invited

There's a meetup for dog influencers in December and you're invited

(Picture: Dogs of Instagram/eva.espresso)It’s a disappointing truth that we must all come to terms with: A photo of a dog will get more likes than that selfie that took an hour and a bit.