Murderous moggies: should we be locking up our cats at night?

Murderous moggies: should we be locking up our cats at night?

Several speakers at the Cheltenham science festival – among them experts on birds, pets and biodiversity – have said that cats should be kept indoors at night, such is the bloody trail of rampage they leave on their surroundings.Some figures suggest domestic cats kill 27m birds each year in the UK alone, along with 250,000 bats.

Why Scotland is becoming a must-visit destination if you have a dog

Why Scotland is becoming a must-visit destination if you have a dog

To celebrate five years together, I’m taking my rescue dog, Miss Babs, on a mini break to the Cairngorms National Park to try Woof Hostelling.Following tradition, Miss Babs places a stick, rather than a stone, at the cairn.

Hundreds of pets have made Ireland their home with Ukrainian refugees

Hundreds of pets have made Ireland their home with Ukrainian refugees

The Government confirmed the figures on Wednesday, with Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue promising Ireland will continue to operate an open-door policy for Ukrainians and their pets.

Getting a dog helped me heal after a suicide attempt

Getting a dog helped me heal after a suicide attempt

Even if I did want to talk, I felt like there was no one there to help me or turn to – even though my partner of 12 years, Annette, 56, is the most loving person I know.

Maryland man with 124 snakes in his house died of snake bite, autopsy finds

Maryland man with 124 snakes in his house died of snake bite, autopsy finds

A Maryland man found dead at his home alongside over 100 caged snakes died of accidental snake envenomation, according to an autopsy.Charles County officials investigate the death of a man who was found dead in his home with more than 100 snakes, including some venomous snakes.

New Zealand’s cats are decimating native wildlife – should they be treated as pests?

New Zealand’s cats are decimating native wildlife – should they be treated as pests?

Like many New Zealand cat owners who believe feral rather than domestic cats are the problem however, Boyd insists her pets mainly hunt mice and rats rather than birds.

'Distressing' Shetland pony seriously injured after being mauled in 'dog attack'

'Distressing' Shetland pony seriously injured after being mauled in 'dog attack'

RSPCA inspector Christine McNeil said the suspected attack must have been "distressing" for the Shetland pony and her foal.The Shetland pony suffered had injuries to both her hind legs and stomach (Image: RSPCA)"It must have been such a distressing incident for her and her foal.

Ukrainian pets: Government ‘talking to vets to work out how to let refugees bring animals to UK’

Ukrainian pets: Government ‘talking to vets to work out how to let refugees bring animals to UK’

Another campaigner, Dominic Dyer, wrote to Lord Goldsmith: “This terrible conflict is ripping so many families apart, yet we are seeing an incredibly strong bond between people and companion animals that will not be broken by the evil brutality of Putin’s invasion forces...“If UK policy remains that no companion animals can enter the UK with refugees, we could see tens of thousands of dogs and cats having to be euthanised in Poland, Hungary and Romania in the weeks ahead.

Sri Lanka landfill site is killer feeding ground for elephants

Sri Lanka landfill site is killer feeding ground for elephants

Asian elephants risk their lives in a desperate search for food at a landfill site in Sri Lanka.Shocking reports of agonising deaths of Asian elephants at just one of numerous rubbish dumps in Sri Lanka are a tragic reminder of the desperate plight of this highly endangered species.

Five Great Reads: Big cats, tiny snacks and the best Australian films of 2021

Five Great Reads: Big cats, tiny snacks and the best Australian films of 2021

We present to you 22 recipes, from canapés and finger foods to fancy spreads, that will make a small New Year’s Eve gathering feel like a big celebration .

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.

Reviving Ojibwe spiritual traditions, one pet at a time

Reviving Ojibwe spiritual traditions, one pet at a time

“It helps animals, but it brings people up too,” said Rick Haaland, who has been leading the efforts among his fellow Ojibwe as community outreach manager with the Leech Lake tribal police.

Brummie of the Year Babu remains the most legendary red panda of Birmingham

Brummie of the Year Babu remains the most legendary red panda of Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM's own Wildlife Conservation Park still remembers how one escape from red panda Babu turned into a regional search for the lost animal and turned it into a star.

Paralysed puppy can go for walkies again after £5,000 is raised for wheelchair

Paralysed puppy can go for walkies again after £5,000 is raised for wheelchair

Pumpkin the West Highland terrier and her foster mum Tammie Fox (SWNS)A paralysed puppy has taken her first walk in her new wheelchair after £7,000 was raised on GoFundMe to pay for it.

‘The new drugs’: Northern Ireland gateway for £150m illegal puppy trade

‘The new drugs’: Northern Ireland gateway for £150m illegal puppy trade

A BBC and Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals investigation found puppies were being bred in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and illegally moved across to Great Britain through Belfast port to cater for the rocketing demand for pets during the Covid lockdown.

Daily beach trips 'helped' Golden Retriever outlive life expectancy

Daily beach trips 'helped' Golden Retriever outlive life expectancy

Bailey, who turns 15 in December, ‘definitely thinks he’s human sometimes’ (Credits: Mercury Press)Golden Retrievers live, on average, for around 10 to 12 years.Laura says that Bailey, who turns 15 in December, ‘definitely thinks he’s human sometimes’.

Huge dog and tiny baby pony are best friends who love giving each other kisses

Huge dog and tiny baby pony are best friends who love giving each other kisses

Emma said: ‘We can’t wait to continue to see how their bond strengthens and grows’ (Picture: Caters)‘It is completely extraordinary,’ said Emma.

Mischievous dog lucky to be alive after eating nine socks

Mischievous dog lucky to be alive after eating nine socks

Beau looks positively guilty (Picture: Vets4Pets Lisburn)Beau, a Beagle-Harrier cross, was certainly in the dog house after gobbling up nine socks.Beau’s vets were concerned that the sock would create long-term damage in his gut and would need to be removed by either surgery, induced vomiting or a natural approach.

Australian dogs poo the weight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge each month. Where should it go?

Australian dogs poo the weight of the Sydney Harbour Bridge each month. Where should it go?

Photograph: Natalie Parletta“In our trial at just one dog park, we learned that we can divert at least 31,000 plastic bags and five tonnes of dog poop each year via just one green waste bin,” says project coordinator Ruth Miller.

On my radar: Nick Laird's cultural highlights

On my radar: Nick Laird's cultural highlights

Arlo Parks: ‘I love the whole summery vibe.’ Photograph: Thomas Jackson/AlamyThe title is taken from a line in one of my wife’s novels, though I’m not listening to it because of that.Capernaum: ‘Astonishingly powerful.’ Photograph: AlamyThe war in Syria entered its 10th year in March.