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Growing numbers of Britons are parting with their pets – from cats and dogs to snakes and lizards – as the cost-of-living crunch keeps biting. Some owners are dumping them on streets, with 206 dogs and 164 cats currently being looked after at rehoming centres run by the Battersea animal charity. It’s a similar story at other centres across the country – with some seeing record inquiries for dog and cat returns – as the tightest squeeze on living standards since at least the 1960s is forcing droves of owners to decide the additional cost of food plus hundreds of pounds in vet bills is no longer manageable. Steve Craddock, manager of the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home centre in south London, warned: ‘We are concerned that’s going to be an increasing reason for people bringing their dogs in to Battersea.’ Exotic pets such as snakes and lizards are also proving too expensive due to their need for specialist heating and lighting. Three snakes, including an 8-foot … [Read more...] about Pet owners are giving up their animals because of the cost of living crisis

Briton blown away in straight sets  by Italy's Giorgi US Open champion suffers second set collapse Raducanu to play in Cincinnati next ahead of Flushing Meadows title defence E mma Raducanu slumped to a straight sets defeat against reigning champion Camila Giorgi at the National Bank Open in Toronto, and admitted she needed to get better at coping with the pace of play at the top level. The first-round loss marked less than ideal preparations for world No 10 Raducanu, 19, as she looks towards her US Open title defence later this month. It was a disappointing early exit for Raducanu's debut in Toronto, the city she was born in before moving to the United Kingdom as a toddler. The one hour 49-minute 7-6(0), 6-2 loss followed a similar pattern to her quarterfinal defeat at last week's Citi Open to Liudmila Samsonova in Washington, DC, where she was hampered by blisters on her hands. There, after losing a tightly fought first-set tiebreak, Raducanu wilted against her … [Read more...] about Emma Raducanu suffers latest blow as she crashes out of Canadian Open

Norwegian authorities have put down a walrus that gained international notoriety for its mischievous activities in Oslo. Freya the walrus was euthanised on Sunday after officials said she was putting people's lives at risk and was herself in distress. Critics of the decision say it was too hasty, though authorities claim it was the only "viable" option. "The decision to euthanise the walrus was made based on an overall assessment of the continuing threat to human safety," Norwegian Fisheries Directorate official Frank Bakke-Jensen said in a statement. Freya, who is named after a Norse goddess, whipped up a social media storm in recent weeks, after she was filmed clambering aboard several boats and inflatables anchored along the Nordic coast. Walruses are native to the Arctic circle. However, Freya ended up loitering in Oslo's Frognerkilen bay, having been spotted in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Scotland beforehand. The presence of the young female, … [Read more...] about Freya the walrus: Mischievous boat-sinker euthanised in Norway

We’d do anything for our four-legged friends – but there’s no denying that pet insurance, food, toys , treats and more can all add up for owners. In fact, animal charity the PDSA have said the average dog could cost £30,800 over its lifetime. For cats, this figure is around £18,000 for an average feline lifespan – as Battersea Dogs & Cats home say the annual cost is around £1,000. And with the rising cost of living, money is on our mind more than ever before – so any helpful tips for saving cash (while still caring properly for our pets) are very much welcomed. As a result, experts have put together some simple ways individuals can save money on all aspets of pet ownership – from food to insurance. Here are some things to keep in mind… Don’t always buy new As much as we love to pamper our pets, Abigail Yearley from TopCashback suggests one way to save money is to buy products second-hand. She says: ‘Look around on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or even … [Read more...] about Experts share easy ways to save money on pet ownership – as the cost of living rises

Being diagnosed with bladder cancer was a bitter blow for Afsaneh Parvizi-Wayne – but a devoted young dog called Honey has helped make her life just a little bit sweeter. Cockapoo Honey is a dedicated support dog, who stayed by her owner’s side as she endured gruelling chemotherapy treatment – helping to boost her physical health as well as her morale. “When I started my treatment I realised Honey was the best thing that could have happened because going for a walk counteracts chemotherapy fatigue,” recalls Afsaneh, 57. “I was feeling sick and exhausted, but within five minutes of walking with Honey I felt better. “She also gave me such a break from the world of the hospital and chemotherapy, which I really needed because I didn’t want my life to be defined by that.” Honey showed great patience and understanding, restraining herself so she matched Afsaneh’s slow pace during walks, or waiting happily even when her owner was too ill to move. “After our walks I would lie in my … [Read more...] about How Honey the adorable pet cockapoo helped her owner cope with cancer

A woman attacked by a vicious dog who chewed her "like a piece of meat" was left with skin grafts, stitches and needing intense rehab to enable her to walk again. The woman, who does not want to be identified, was attacked by a Bully Kutta, while walking her two small dogs in January. She is still recovering from the attack eights months later, after spending three weeks in hospital. The dog bite, on her right thigh, was so deep it cut through several nerves and lots of muscle tissue. The woman, from Blackburn, Lancs,. still has no feeling below her knee, and experiences pins and needles on a daily basis. The attack has left the women "scarred" and it took her several months to build up the courage to walk her dogs. She is now campaigning for the law to be changed, as she has not heard from the police since the initial attack regarding whether a prosecution is being brought against the owner. She said: “Why are the police not doing more? Why are people still allowed to … [Read more...] about Dog attack victim shares horror injuries after pup chewed her ‘like a piece of meat’

By Jack Grey Published 2 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing It's probably best known to many of us thanks to the classic horror film Silence of the Lambs. The death's-head hawkmoth caterpillar is also a rare sight in the UK. So Sharon and Ian Williams were amazed to find the outsize beasts "devouring" their shrubs in south Wales. Ian put photos of them on social media and got so many responses that he jokes he's now an expert on the caterpillar - and the movie star moth that emerges from it with a skull shape on its back. Bug so rare 'it doesn't have a name' Rare bug spotted for first time in over 30 years Rare moth spotted at four new sites In Silence of the Lambs, the moths are used as a calling card by serial killer Buffalo Bill. They also feature on the poster for the 1991 multi-Oscar winning film, including best picture and … [Read more...] about Silence of the Lambs caterpillars turn up in Bridgend garden

Published 11 July 2019 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing A finding of oak processionary moth pest (OPM) has been confirmed in Wales after similar outbreaks in Germany and the Netherlands. A plant health notice has been issued which requires the treatment and felling of infested material. The caterpillars, which turn into pupae, then moths in late July, defoliate and weaken oak trees and are a hazard to human and animal health . Their tiny toxic hairs can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation. Natural Resources Wales said four trees planted near Cardiff Central Station are affected and will be chopped down. The trees will be chemically sprayed using an insecticide and then removed. Toxic caterpillar plague spreads across Europe Londoners warned over toxic caterpillars Invasion of caterpillars closes part of town The Welsh … [Read more...] about Oak processionary moth pest discovered on Cardiff trees

Published 28 June 2018 Share close Share page Copy link About sharing Toxic caterpillars that can cause vomiting, asthma attacks and rashes have been found in Berkshire, officials have warned. Oak processionary moths (OPM) were discovered in their larval stage on an oak tree near Clintons Hill, Bracknell. The area has been cordoned off and posters put up, advising people to not approach the site for their safety. The warning comes after an OPM outbreak was recorded in Greater London and the surrounding areas in April. A Bracknell Forest Council spokesman said it was working with the Forestry Commission to "control the spread of this moth and minimise the risk to the public". The Forestry Commission has advised that people should not to touch the nests or caterpillars or to try to remove them. The caterpillars contain tiny hairs that can cause eye and skin irritation, … [Read more...] about Bracknell residents warned over toxic caterpillar discovery

STUFF Yuvaraj Krishnan is under investigation after allegedly using fake documents to secure a job at Middlemore Hospital. An alleged imposter doctor used fake documents, including one from the medical watchdog, when he fought for a discharge without conviction on driving charges. Yuvaraj Krishnan is under police investigation for allegedly using fake documents to secure a job at south Auckland’s Middlemore Hospital. Stuff can now reveal that during a hearing at the High Court at Auckland in 2021, Krishnan, aged in his early 30s, argued if he was convicted of careless driving and failing to stop in relation to an incident in October 2020 it could damage his medical career. At the time, he was employed by the then-Auckland District Health Board. READ MORE: Man alleged to have posed as doctor to work at Middlemore Hospital named Apology to patients of alleged imposter doctor, 11 days after concerns were raised Concerns system under 'stress' enabled … [Read more...] about Alleged imposter doctor used fake documents to get off driving charge