The study was not able to gauge whether more goldfish were being released into the wild by pet owners who bought new fish during lockdown, but anecdotal reports have suggested this could be the case.“Whilst our research didn’t focus on whether this problem has got worse since lockdown, there is reason to believe that this is, or at least will be, the case,” Dickey said.

(Image: STEVE MORAN)Mr Moran said trainers are using methods that are doing little to stem the rise in dog attacks that has been partly driven by the rise in first-time dog owners.First-time owners not knowing how to train certain breeds has partly fuelled the rise in dog attacks (Image: GETTY).

As well as best in show, competitions include agility, heelwork and flyball, with Crufts anticipating record UK interest – although international numbers are down.“Working from home has opened up dog ownership for a lot more people and there was obviously huge demand for dogs during lockdown, but I think that has extended now and people are looking at other activities to do with their dog, beyond normal pet ownership,” said Lambert.

Dr Samantha Gaines was speaking after a dog attack caused the death of Freddie Mercury the Thames seal this week.As we come out of lockdown, new owners must expose their dogs slowly to new things, the RSPCA said.Freddie the Thames seal put down by vets after dog attack.

‘She’s the best decision I’ve made in a long time.’ Photograph: Liz My mum died at the start of March 2020, just prior to the first lockdown, and we couldn’t find a home for her cat.

Coleman and others attribute the problem to a lockdown boom in dog ownership , a large number of people walking their dogs as part of their daily exercise (rather than letting them go in the garden), and overstretched councils forced to ration dog waste collection to maintain even more fundamental services.

In the event that dog groomers are asked to close, there is a host of online tutorials to help you keep your pooch’s fur well cared for.If you are struggling to care for your dog financially, charities like the PDSA can help some owners with their vet costs.

The latest government guidance states the following services can remain open during lockdown: vets and retailers of products and food for the upkeep and welfare of animals animal rescue centres, boarding facilities and animal groomers (may continue to be used for animal welfare, rather than aesthetic purposes) You are also advised to contact the groomer in advance to make an appointment.

Having dogs was a distant dream as I never thought I’d leave London, but a few months into lockdown I agreed with my employer that I would continue to WFH three days a week once we return to the office.

Dogs Trust say they’ve now rescued 100 illegally imported puppies since March and fear the beagles – named Biscuit, Bandit, Brian and Boo – are the latest victims of smugglers.

We’d like to hear from people who got a new pet during the pandemic, and how it has impacted their experience of lockdown.We’d like to hear from people who got a new pet during lockdown.

That many responsible, licensed dog breeders have closed their waiting lists, following a huge increase in demand during lockdown, while unscrupulous sellers are cashing in on soaring prices?Before lockdown, a pedigree or a designer-breed puppy (like a poochon) would typically cost up to £1,500, she said.

But the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) states that ‘allergies are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to guide dog owners and other assistance dogs’.

Friends Sophie and Danielle, both 10, noticed that dognappers were tying zip ties around the bins of properties with animals so went around cutting them off near where they live in Sutton, north Dublin, Ireland.

Half of respondents also said they were worried about leaving their pets at home post-lockdown, with younger people the most concerned about the impact returning to work will have on their pets.

Photograph: Suffolk Police Annie and Betsy – and the other dogs stolen that day, 13 of which were puppies – had become the latest victims of surging demand for canine pets.

It has received more than 112,000 calls from members of the public and there are now more than 4,600 animals in RSPCA care.A spokesperson for the charity said: ‘Although much of the country is in lockdown, sadly there are still thousands of animals who need our help, including abandoned pets.

A dog is for life and not just for the Covid-19 lockdown, a charity has warned after online searches about getting a puppy surged by 120%.We’re encouraging potential dog owners to carry out our new test to see if you’re dog ready.

Two-year-old Billy the Bully Kutta has volunteered at Battersea Dogs Home during the lockdown, helping out staff by manning the security gates, answering calls on reception, and checking in on food supplies.

"Living alone, especially during the current lockdown, makes me feel extra grateful to have Jarvis with me," she says.