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.

‘Heartbreaking choice’: families forced to give up dogs and cats as Australia’s rental crisis bites

‘Heartbreaking choice’: families forced to give up dogs and cats as Australia’s rental crisis bites

In states where landlords are free to always refuse pets, “people are turning up with broken hearts”, said the RSPCA South Australia spokesperson, Carolyn Jones.

Florida man bitten by 7-foot alligator he mistook for dog

Florida man bitten by 7-foot alligator he mistook for dog

The confrontation unfolded at about 12:34 a.m. on Tuesday near the Warm Mineral Springs Motel in North Port, according to statement by Sarasota County Sheriff’s spokesman Douglas Johnson.

Wales: Man said 'I'm going' taking his last breath after dog attack

Wales: Man said 'I'm going' taking his last breath after dog attack

The inquest into the death of former lorry driver Keven Jones has begun (Picture: Wales News Service)A man who was attacked by one of his son’s pet dogs died of blood loss, an inquest heard.

SAS hero's new battle: Fighting vile global trade in wild animals

SAS hero's new battle: Fighting vile global trade in wild animals

Mark Billingham in Haiti, where his charity helps children living in poverty (Image: HANDOUT)The father-of-six, who is more open and engaging than his TV persona during a video call to his home in Herefordshire, explains that the global trade in ivory taken from elephants and rhinos is so lucrative the poachers are often better equipped than those guarding the animals.

'Lifeless' dog found 'almost starved to death' chained to goalpost - 'Broke our hearts'

'Lifeless' dog found 'almost starved to death' chained to goalpost - 'Broke our hearts'

But in the care of a foster home she has put on weight and her personality is "starting to come through".In a Facebook post, Helping Yorkshire Poundies said: "Sometimes there are just no words.

Adorable sausage dog Jumbo mowed down by e-scooter riding on the pavement

Adorable sausage dog Jumbo mowed down by e-scooter riding on the pavement

A 72-year-old dog owner has been left devastated by the death of her tiny pet (Picture: Sue Reynolds/SWNS)A sausage dog died after being sent ‘flying into the air’ by an electric scooter riding on a pavement.

Woman's dog is recovering after fighting a mountain lion to save owner: 'I owe her my life'

Woman's dog is recovering after fighting a mountain lion to save owner: 'I owe her my life'

The woman, who has been identified as Erin Wilson, encountered the mountain lion when she was taking her dog Eva for a stroll near a picnic area along State Route 299 in Trinity County on Monday.

Grill like a pro with Matt Abdoo's recipes for burgers, steak and elote

Grill like a pro with Matt Abdoo's recipes for burgers, steak and elote

Matt AbdooI love grilled steak in the summer and this recipe with chimichurri sauce is a great way to change it up.

Mom and kids, 2 and 4, attacked by dog while helping elderly neighbor

Mom and kids, 2 and 4, attacked by dog while helping elderly neighbor

In an interview with TODAY, Hastings said that when she and her children pulled up in the neighbor's front yard, she noticed that the front door of the house was open and that her dog had gotten outside.

Terrified puppies rescued after being thrown away like rubbish in cardboard box

Terrified puppies rescued after being thrown away like rubbish in cardboard box

A rescuer from a shelter run by UK non-profit organisation Dog Desk Animal Action CIC took them back to the centre with her to warm them up and feed them puppy formula.

A genetic study has debunked the stereotypes leashed to dog breeds

A genetic study has debunked the stereotypes leashed to dog breeds

Overall, the study is a reminder that pet owners (particularly those looking to find a clone-like stand-in for old companions ) are better off choosing dogs based on their individuality and behaviors, not their breeding.

Dog behaviour has little to do with breed, study finds

Dog behaviour has little to do with breed, study finds

Dr Elinor Karlsson of the University of Massachusetts Umass Chan medical school, a co-author of the study, said research revealed a huge diversity of behaviours within each breed.“Even if the average is different, you’ve still got a really good chance of getting a dog that doesn’t match what people say that breed is supposed to be,” she said.

Because I’m woof it! How dog grooming became big business

Because I’m woof it! How dog grooming became big business

Why does it matter what my tail looks like?” Simons is under no illusions about his profession: “People say, ‘I’ve booked him in for a treat, for a spa day,’ but dogs don’t want to be here.

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.

RSPCA issues Easter rabbit warning as charity faces influx of unwanted bunnies

RSPCA issues Easter rabbit warning as charity faces influx of unwanted bunnies

Two young rabbits were found abandoned in a car park in Highbury nine days after Easter last year (Image: RSPCA)“Not just the cost of getting them, but the ongoing costs of caring for them throughout the rest of their lives.

Stoke-on-Trent: Boy, 4, savaged by neighbour's lurcher while in toilet

Stoke-on-Trent: Boy, 4, savaged by neighbour's lurcher while in toilet

Leon Lawlor, 4, suffered injuries to his mouth and eyelid (Picture: Stoke Sentinel/BPM Media)Horrifying pictures show the facial injuries a four-year-old suffered when he was attacked by a friend’s dog.He was left covered in blood and needed surgery after lurcher Duke savaged him on his mouth and eyelid, Stoke-on-Trent Live reports.

Man accused of shooting Lady Gaga’s dogwalker released from jail by mistake, sources say

Man accused of shooting Lady Gaga’s dogwalker released from jail by mistake, sources say

Jackson, one of three charged in the robbery and shooting of the musician’s dogwalker in February 2021, was freed by mistake after a court appearance Wednesday, sources told NBC News and NBC Los Angeles.

Disabled dog tied to a tree ‘abandoned because of his legs’ as desperate appeal launched

Disabled dog tied to a tree ‘abandoned because of his legs’ as desperate appeal launched

She said: “It really upsets me to think his owner had decided to just dump him like rubbish and simply walk away from their terrified pet.“He must have been very confused and frightened to be tied up and abandoned like this.