Episode 31 - dangerous Morrisons advert, RSPCA puppy farm raid and more

The Dog News Show

Dog lovers were horrified recently when a raid on a puppy farm lead to over 80 puppies being taken into custody by the RSPCA. Four of the puppies were dead, including two callously dumped in a bucket in the foot well of a car. You'd think it couldn't get any worse than that, but a fake page was set up by heartless individuals trying to con money out of people and claiming to be re-homing the pups. Debbie points out that the bad news is that these 80 pups are just the tip of the iceberg and there are similar puppy farms churning out puppies all over the country. The message from the RSPCA - and The Dog News Show - is that the best way to close puppy farms down is not to buy from them.

Julie has advice from the RSPCA branch in Sheffield, who would like to share with owner what they call the 12 Dog Rules of Christmas. These guidelines that will help keep your dog happy and healthy during the festive season include making sure visitors don't leave doors open letting your dog escape, and that dogs have a quiet place to escape the Christmas hustle and bustle - and also highlights that many common Christmas food items can be fatal to dogs. The big story this week in the dog world is that the Morrisons Christmas advert has dog lovers up in arms, as it shows a child feeding Christmas pudding to a dog. The worry is that many dog owners will not be aware that even a very few raisins or sultanas can bring on renal failure and death in dogs.

A campaign to have the advert removed from television and to educate the public about the extreme dangers of raisins and dogs has been launched by Beverley Cuddy, editor of Dogs Today, and Judith Broug Fiac (MissyRedBoots) a board member of the Tailwaggers Club Trust. There is a Facebook page you can join to learn more about just how toxic raisins are to dogs, and to help send the message to Morrisons that dog lovers not only dislike their Christmas advert, but also the arrogant way they have ignored complaints about it.

Debbie has the shocking story of blind psychotherapist Cassandra Chiu who uses a guide dog in Singapore - and has run into at times violent dislike of her dog. Despite Singapore law stating that guide dogs must be allowed access to public places (except operating theatres and zoos) Cassandra has been refused entry to many shops and restaurants because of her dog. Part of the problem may be that there are only currently three guide dog users in Singapore so the public is just not used to them. Congratulations to Cassandra for fighting her corner and forging the way ahead.

Julie wants answers to the question, "Why do millionaires prefer pooches over kitties?" According to recent research (which is soon given the Debbie Connolly scrutiny and found to be wanting) more millionaires have dogs than cats. Julie wonders if millionaires are more likely to be dog owners, but hopes that dog owners are more likely to become millionaires. Did you know how much dog owners contribute to the economy, even in these times of financial trouble, and there are some interesting statistics banded around - and you may be surprised to find out how many million dollars - yes it's in the millions! - dog owners spent on that well know doggy essential, Halloween costumes.

Debbie brings up the case of the Plymouth man who was fined after he let his dogs worry sheep. But is a £10 fine a real deterrent? And did you know that your dog only has to chase sheep for it to be classed as sheep worrying? There are many interesting aspects to this case, and as usual Debbie has blunt advice to the woman who let her husband take her dogs out and then failed to notice them worrying the sheep.

So in a week with some sad and worrying dog related news Julie rounds the show off with Schmaltz Corner to send you off with a smile. The family dog is a wonderful calming friendly presence in the house, but when thieves broke in to an Indianapolis home and threatened to kidnap the baby, one family dog showed his less friendly side. Hear how he saved the day and how the baby escaped without injury.