Episode 2 - Dog flipping, limiting dog walkers, April Fools and more

The Dog News Show

In the second episode of The Dog News Show there are stories to make you smile, frown and maybe even shed a tear. There is a practice in America known as flipping dogs, which means buying a dog cheaply or acquiring it for free and then selling it on quickly for a profit. There is a petition you can sign if you think this practice should be stopped - and as an experienced rescuer Debbie highlights the dangers of taking an unknown unassessed dog into your home. This problem is not confined to the United States though, and many British dog lovers are horrified to find out that unscrupulous people are trading in dogs, and passing off puppy farmed dogs as being carefully bred. So how do we solve this problem? - education or legislation, what do you think?

At this time of year our thoughts often turn to booking a holiday, and the Isle of Wight has a treat in store for dog owners looking for a dog friendly holiday. The island has launched a campaign highlighting how dog friendly it is and there is a colourful brochure that can be downloaded showing the fun resident and visiting dogs are having, and recommending beaches, pubs and other venues where dogs will be truly welcome. Debbie and Julie discuss the difference between dogs tolerated and dogs welcome, and Julie shares her distrust of most ferry trips for dogs. However, the good news is that dogs on the Isle of Wight ferry are not only free but can accompany their owners, rather than having to stay locked in a vehicle.

In Gloucestershire a four year old boy received serious injuries from a dog that will leave him scarred - so why did the story only make the local newspaper? Is it because the dog involved is not usually perceived as dangerous? And what will the dog's fate be now? There are many issues to be considered in this case - should the boy have been in the house at all? Should he have had access to the dog? Debbie and Julie would be very interested in your views on this very sad story, and who do your sympathies lie with?

A petition has been organised to object to Richmond Council's proposal to amend an existing Dog Control Order so that one person will only be able to walk four dogs at once. The organisers of the petition would prefer to be allowed to walk six dogs, and also object to having to keep two dogs on lead while in public. But just how many dogs do you think it's safe to walk at any one time? How many dogs can you control, or even keep your eye on? What should the limit be? If you are an owner or professional dog walker who is able to demonstrate the ability to walk and control more than four dogs at once do get in touch as Debbie and Julie would be interested in accompanying you on a walk (if you are within a reasonable distance of Shropshire, South Wales or London) or seeing video of your walk.

In other news, Debbie highlights an excellent April Fool's joke that might have had many owners wishing it was true - a laptop for dogs. Julie mentions an event organised by Barbara Sykes called For The Love of Dogs, which seeks to unite many different individuals and agencies involved with dogs to look at the future for dogs, and Debbie wants to know if you think there should be a body made up of non Kennel Club members who advise the club on breeding. If so visit her petition - Pedigree Dog Owners and Rescuers: Create Pedigree Dog Alliance to advise Kennel Club & Govt on dog breeding.

To send you away with a happy glow, the show ends with the story of Dachshund Beyonce - a born survivor who was nearly not born at all, and at birth could fit into the bowl of a teaspoon. Now this tiny dog is helping highlight the plight of and help raise funds for other animals who are desperately in need. To read Beyonce's full story and see some delightful photos, visit The Grace Foundation's website.