Carmarthenshire man sentenced after collie left with untreated amputation injuries

Dyfrig John Davies, 64, of St Clears, appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Friday 19 September, where he pleaded guilty to one offence under the Animal Welfare Act.

The court heard that Davies failed to protect the needs of a black and white female collie, named Floss, by not ensuring she received proper and timely veterinary treatment for her injuries.

He was sentenced to an 18‑week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £400 in costs. The court also asked him to consider making a personal donation towards the RSPCA to help cover the costs of Floss’s treatment.

‘Bones exposed’

The case came to light on 12 January this year when RSPCA Deputy Chief Inspector Gemma Cooper attended a farm following reports of a dog with visible bone injuries.

She found Floss lying on blankets in a garage, with her back left foot “sloughed off” and bones exposed. The bone in her front left elbow was also visible, and she had multiple puncture wounds to her other legs.

“She was extremely subdued and made no attempt to move,” DCI Cooper said.

It was reported that Floss had been missing for a couple of weeks after a dog fight and had only returned the day before.

Vet assessment

A vet who examined Floss described her injuries as “obvious traumatic injuries including traumatic amputation of the left hind paw,” with exposed bone in her forelimb and further puncture wounds.

Floss was underweight, with significant muscle wastage, but was otherwise stable and alert. She was admitted for immediate treatment and stabilisation.

Recovery and new home

Following surgery and treatment costing around £6,000, Floss made a remarkable recovery. She was later signed over to the Dogs Trust, where she has since been rehomed.

In mitigation, the court heard that Davies was remorseful. He had arranged for a gamekeeper to shoot Floss but was let down, and accepted he should have taken her to a vet. The court was told this was a one‑off incident and that he had “learned from it.”

#animalNeglect #animalWelfare #BorderCollie #Collie #dog #DogsTrust #RSPCA #StClears

Today's run was an emotional one. I ran around a hill and got up to the trig point where we often took our beloved Tilley. We would have celebrated her 12th gotcha day today. We often walked here with her as we could meet up with her favorite person, lass' mum. Run pain free Tilley over the rainbow bridge, miss you.

#RescueDog #DogsOfMastodon #DogsTrust #Dogs #RunningWithDogs #BarefootRunning #TrailRunning #Running #RunnersOfMastodon #Pets #GotchaDay

Poppy and Alfie top the charts as Wales’ most ‘popular’ dogs 🐾

The UK’s largest dog census – completed by more than 335,000 owners – found Labradors remain the nation’s favourite pure‑breed, making up 13.5% of all pedigree dogs. In Wales, they account for 7% of the dog population, with Poppy and Alfie leading the name league table, followed by Bella, Luna, Teddy and Milo.

The survey also revealed:

• Crossbreeds still rule – 43% of Welsh dogs are a type of crossbreed, from Cockapoos and Cavapoos to Labradoodles and Lurchers.
• Dachshunds on the up – the breed has entered the UK’s top 10 for puppies under one year old for the first time.
• French Bulldogs in decline – now 15th among puppies, with numbers falling since the pandemic puppy boom.
• Time well spent – Welsh owners dedicate an average of 2 hours 14 minutes a day to their dogs, slightly above the UK average of 2 hours 12 minutes. Most of that is walking, followed by feeding, enrichment and errands.

While the ‘Dog of the Nation’ title might raise a smile, Dogs Trust says the survey plays a serious role in shaping its services – from behaviour advice to campaigning for pet‑friendly housing.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said:

“The National Dog Survey is more than just a snapshot of our favourite breeds and names. It’s a vital tool to help us understand the impact of dogs, the challenges, and the joy of dog ownership. Whether you are one of the 94% of people who treat your dog as a member of your family, or you have a Labrador named Teddy, every dog deserves a loving home and the right support.”

The charity, which has rehoming centres in Bridgend and Cardiff, is inviting owners to try its new online quiz to see how their pet compares – and just how unique they are – at Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey page.

#Dachshund #dogNames #DogOfTheNation #Dogs #DogsTrust #FrenchBulldog #Labrador

Paw-sitive visits for pups after Upper Killay vets named dog-friendly clinic

Linnaeus-owned Gower Vets in Upper Killay has joined the Dog Friendly Clinic Scheme, an initiative by Dogs Trust and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA).

It aims to help team members develop skills and knowledge so they can continually improve the welfare of patients in the clinic, as some dogs are anxious about vet visits, which can make them reluctant to enter the practice, difficult to examine and worried during treatment.

Staff at Gower Vets, which is already recognised as a cat-friendly clinic, have taken steps to always make visits a positive experience for dogs.

Lead veterinary nurse Lauren Rogers, who helped lead Gower’s accreditation, said:

“Dog anxiety when visiting the vet can be traumatising for everyone involved and may even put off owners seeking veterinary help when needed.

“By becoming a dog-friendly clinic, our team are committed to optimising our knowledge, skills and resources to ensure vet visits are positive for both dogs and clients.

“Our clinic team will also benefit from a better understanding of dog behaviour, helping them prevent the development of problems, spot issues early, help owners with up-to-date advice, and have a safer working environment.”

So far, the practice has introduced a range of measures to help dogs remain calm when they come to the practice.

Owners fill out questionnaires about their dogs’ likes, dislikes and basic commands so team members know the patients better and whether they suffer any anxiety around vet visits.

Non-slip mats have also been made available for dogs with mobility issues.

The next step is introducing appointments during quieter times to help patients who are fearful of the vets. Staff will then work with owners to reduce their dog’s response to triggers at the vets.

BVBA chair Chris Laurence said:

“Encouraging welfare-friendly treatment of dogs in veterinary practices is one of our primary objectives so every additional practice means many more dogs will benefit.

“We’re delighted Gower Vets has joined our dog friendly community. By doing so, they are helping ensure every dog has as positive an experience as possible within their clinic.”

Dogs Trust Director of Strategy and Transformation Dr Rachel Casey added:

“Veterinary care is an essential part of dogs’ lives, but some find visits to the vets stressful.

“We are very pleased to collaborate with the BVBA to create the Dog Friendly Clinic scheme to help veterinary practices embed the principles of behavioural medicine into clinic life.

“Vet clinics are at the forefront of recognising and preventing the development of problem behaviours in dogs, and this scheme will help them develop the skills and knowledge to optimise the wellbeing of the dogs in their care.”

To learn more about Gower Vets, visit www.gowervets.co.uk.

[Lead image: Gower Vets]

#BrtishVetinaryBehaviourAssociation #DogsTrust #GowerVets #UpperKillay

Researchers looking for local puppy owners

https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/2025/07/15/researchers-looking-for-local-puppy-owners/

Welsh puppy owners invited to join Dogs Trust’s landmark welfare study

Set up by the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Generation Pup is the first study of its kind to follow dogs of all breeds and backgrounds over the course of their lives. And now, with more than 9,700 puppies already enrolled, the call has gone out across Wales for a final wave of participants before the milestone of 10,000 is reached.

The charity, which has rehoming centres in Cardiff and Bridgend, is encouraging owners of puppies under 16 weeks old to sign up and contribute vital information that could improve dog welfare for generations to come.

A puppy’s journey, a nationwide picture

From muddy paws to mischievous growls, each puppy’s routine tells a story—and through Generation Pup, researchers are capturing those stories in unprecedented detail.

By collecting updates on environment, diet, daily routines and behavioural quirks, Dogs Trust is building a comprehensive view of how early life influences long-term outcomes. Participants simply share updates as their puppy grows, helping trace key trends and challenges faced by dogs across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Among the latest insights? The “sassy teenager” phase. A recent study based on Generation Pup data found that 12-month-old dogs were the most likely to show undesirable behaviours—like barking, pulling on the lead, jumping up, or ignoring recall. The findings reflect a peak developmental period and may help refine training advice tailored to this age group.

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Why your puppy matters

Every wagging tail and muddy puddle encounter is a piece of the puzzle—and for researchers, it’s vital.

Jane Murray, Welfare Project and Grants Deputy Head of Research at Dogs Trust, said:

“This important research study aims to deepen our understanding of how early life experiences influence the health and behaviour of dogs throughout their lives.

Your participation will make a valuable contribution to improving the welfare of dogs now and in the future.”

Whether your dog is destined to chase squirrels in Swansea or settle into a calm family life in Carmarthen, its journey contributes to a bigger picture—one that could shape how trainers, vets and owners support dogs in years to come.

How to join

The process is simple and free. Owners of puppies under 16 weeks old can sign up at www.generationpup.ac.uk and choose their level of participation. From surveys to health updates, each contribution adds detail to the broader canine story.

#DogsTrust #puppy #research

Wales Takes the Lead: Rehoming centre reforms and progress on Greyhound ban welcomed by Dogs Trust

Yesterday, the Welsh Government published its response to a public consultation on the licensing of animal welfare establishments, activities, and exhibits. It outlines a phased approach towards the creation of a national model for the regulation of animal welfare in Wales.

“Good intentions are not enough”

For many years, Dogs Trust say they have campaigned for the regulation of rehoming centres, following a string of high-profile cases where individuals behind so-called “sanctuaries” and “rehoming organisations” were found guilty of cruelty and neglect. Currently, anyone can open a rehoming centre without any requirement for training, experience, or appropriate facilities or funding. Dogs Trust believes this regulatory gap puts animals’ lives at serious risk, and this is a view shared with people across Wales, with 82% of respondents to the consultation agreeing with Dogs Trust that it was important to regulate domestic and international animal welfare establishments.

Recent incidents that have led to Dogs Trust calling for regulation to be introduced include individuals becoming overwhelmed by the number of animals in their care, lacking the skills to meet even basic welfare needs, or operating under the guise of rescue centres while engaged in puppy farming or illegal trading. In such cases, animals have suffered neglect and abuse due to poor oversight and a lack of minimum standards.

Claire Calder, Head of Public Affairs at Dogs Trust, said: “We are delighted by this announcement that rehoming centres across Wales will finally be subject to regulation. While many excellent rescue centres are doing vital work, the lack of licensing means that anyone, regardless of knowledge, experience, or intent, can set up a centre and potentially cause serious harm.

“We know from running our network of rehoming centres, including those in Cardiff and Bridgend, that good intentions are not enough. We need robust legislation to ensure every rescue dog is safe, well cared for, and treated with the respect they deserve. Proper oversight is essential to protect animals and uphold public trust. Whilst we are encouraged by the Welsh Government’s decision on this matter, we urge them to move quickly to release their proposals, so that every rescue dog has the protections they deserve.”

Welsh Government to Bring Forward Greyhound Racing Ban This Autumn

The consultation response also confirmed that the Welsh Government will bring forward legislation to ban greyhound racing later this year. Earlier this year, Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies announced a government commitment to banning greyhound racing in Wales, but at the time, did not outline timescales or plans for this. Yesterday’s publication of the results of the Welsh Governments consultation on licensing of animal welfare establishments, activities, and exhibits outlined that an Implementation Group will be established to provide expert advice and support the legislative process, and stated that legislation to deliver on its commitment to ban greyhound racing will be brought forward in the autumn.

Dogs Trust, alongside other members of the Cut the Chase Coalition – including RSPCA Cymru, Blue Cross, Greyhound Rescue Wales, and Hope Rescue – has long campaigned for an end to greyhound racing, citing the avoidable injuries and deaths caused by racing.

The Dogs Trust claim that since 2018, more than 2,700 greyhounds have died or been euthanised as a result of their involvement in racing across the UK – although this figure has been disputed by industry regulator. Dogs Trust say they expect the upcoming Greyhound Board of Great Britain injury and fatality data, due to be published any day, to sadly confirm many more deaths in the past year alone.

Dogs Trust claim that beyond injuries on the track, there are widespread welfare concerns throughout greyhounds’ lives – from poor kennel conditions and inadequate nutrition to issues with transport, health, and enrichment. The animal welfare charity also claims that the Greyhound racing industry has been criticised for a lack of transparency, weak regulation, and inconsistent enforcement.

These claims have been refuted by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB), who say that as regulator of licensed greyhound racing, the organisation works to uphold the highest standards of welfare at kennels and when being transported. This includes an accredited inspection scheme for GBGB-licensed trainers’ residential kennels and that residential kennels must meet publicly available standards.

The GBGB also say that a comprehensive Code of Practice has been produced in consultation with animal welfare charities and veterinary professionals, that sets out clear rules and guidelines on how greyhounds should be looked after at home at their trainer’s kennels. This includes specific requirements around diet, bedding, kennel construction and size, dental care, environmental enrichment as well as daily exercise routines.

The GBGB also criticised the Dog’s Trust’s claims of lack of transparency.

A spokesperson for the GBGB said: “In publishing our annual, independently verified Injury and Retirement Data, GBGB has gone beyond the requirements set out by DEFRA and has published a full breakdown of injuries and fatalities.

“As regulator, GBGB ensures strong adherence to its over 200 Rules of Racing. If anyone is found in breach of the Rules, they are fully investigated and can face disciplinary action including fines and lifetime bans from the sport”.

The GBGB goes on to say that the Dog’s Trust’s use of cumulative figures for fatalities is misleading.

The GBGB spokesperson added: “2,700 is the total number of registered greyhounds (excluding those categorised as having died from terminal illness) who died from 2018 to 2023, including those put to sleep on veterinary advice for reasons unrelated to racing and those who experienced sudden death – which can unfortunately occur in any animal – as well as those deemed unsuitable for homing by behavioural specialists, something which, again, all animal charities must consider when rehoming any animal.

“This cumulative figure also fails to reflect how the number of fatalities has reduced significantly during this period. Since 2018, the number of registered greyhounds that were put to sleep at the racecourse has fallen by 51%.

“As GBGB’s independently verified injury and retirement data for 2024, published today, shows the track fatality rate remained consistent with the previous year at 0.03% and half of what it was in 2018.”

Claire Calder, Head of Public Affairs at Dogs Trust, says: “The Welsh Government’s commitment to ending greyhound racing marks a significant and long-overdue step forward for animal welfare. Thousands of dogs have died or suffered serious injuries in the name of entertainment – this is simply unacceptable.

“We commend the Senedd for its leadership. With Wales taking action, we urge England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to follow suit and end this inhumane practice once and for all.”

#animalWelfare #Dogs #DogsTrust #greyhoundRacing #WelshGovernment

Animal charity teams up with accommodation provider to support homeless dog owners

The Wallich, a homelessness charity providing support across Wales, has seen five temporary accommodation services endorsed as dog-friendly by Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness scheme.

The Wallich’s temporary accommodation services in Swansea, Ammanford, Cardiff and Wrexham provide safe and supportive places for single people experiencing homelessness, with communal facilities and outdoor spaces that create a stable environment for residents and their pets.

Over the last year, the charity has worked with Dogs Trust to become a pet-friendly service provider, allowing people experiencing homelessness to access its services, even if they own a dog. To support these changes, Dogs Trust offers bespoke support and ongoing advice on everything from dog-friendly policies to behaviour resources.

Dogs Trust believes no one should be forced to choose between their dog and a safe place to sleep; however, many people experiencing homelessness are faced with that decision, as many homelessness services are not pet-friendly. In fact, research by Dogs Trust found 70% of professionals supporting those experiencing homelessness said their clients had experienced barriers to accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.  

Si, a resident who lives with The Wallich in Swansea, said: “My dog Smudge is my world. We’ve been together through all the hard times, she means so much to me, she’s my best friend.

“The Wallich have been so brilliant. They’re helping to get me sorted and Smudge as well. She’s well-fed and looked after; I just need to make sure she doesn’t get too fat now! Living here with her, I feel so settled and like I can do anything.”

These special endorsements by Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest canine welfare charity, are given to services that go above and beyond to help people, and their dogs stay together, which highlights the brilliant work done by the Wallich across Wales.

Abigail Owens, Senior Regional Engagement Officer at Dogs Trust, said: “I really enjoyed visiting The Wallich’s services as part of this endorsement process. The Wallich wants to create a Wales where people and services provide hope, support and solutions to end homelessness, including for those experiencing it with their pets. This commitment is clearly reflected in their work.”

Karen Robson, Chief Executive of leading Welsh homelessness and rough sleeping charity The Wallich, said: “The Wallich is delighted to be an accredited member of the Dog’s Trust Together Through Homelessness scheme. We’re pleased that we’ve shown our proven commitment to keeping people affected by homelessness and their pets together; we all know the importance of the relationship between a dog owner and their companion.

“We encourage all landlords to consider how pet-friendly renting can work in their properties, and we want to lead by example by showing it benefits everyone involved.

“This endorsement means our service users and their dogs get vital support and excellent care from Dogs Trust. It also gives our staff confidence that we’re providing the best environment for both people and pets. Thank you to the Dogs Trust for helping make this partnership possible.”

Each of The Wallich’s hostels provides dedicated support to residents, including help attending GP appointments, accessing substance misuse and mental health services, and The Wallich’s counselling service, the Reflections Network, which helps individuals address issues and make lasting, positive change. As residents build trust with the charity, they often feel safe to share their stories and engage with long-term support, reducing the risk of returning to homelessness.

Dogs Trust’s Together Through Homelessness project works directly with homelessness services to help them become dog-friendly, offering bespoke support and ongoing advice on everything from dog-friendly policies to behaviour resources.

#Ammanford #Dogs #DogsTrust #homelessness #Swansea #Wallich

Nearly one in five children in Wales bitten by a pet and almost half of those had to see a doctor

This comes as eight charities working together under the umbrella of the Pet Education Partnership (PEP), including RSPCA, USPCA, Scottish SPCA, Dogs Trust, PDSA, Blue Cross, Cats Protection and Woodgreen Pets Charity, have launched educational sessions to help children and young people stay safe around pets this Child Safety Week (June 2 -8).

The YouGov survey which polled over 1,000 children aged seven to 11 found that 18% of children in Wales had been bitten by a pet and 41% of those were bitten by a dog. And the incidents were severe enough that 49% reported seeing a doctor.

Dr Sam Gaines, dog welfare expert at the RSPCA said: “These shocking figures are understandably worrying and highlight why it’s so important that parents and guardians are aware of how to prevent dog bites and able to be present and actively supervise interactions between dogs and children.”

Despite the animal welfare charities advising that children are not left unsupervised with their pet, 76% of children in Wales reported being left alone with their pet at least once a week.

Sam added: “It is critical that parents and guardians never leave their child alone in the same room as a dog, even if they think that dog is very friendly. We don’t ever expect our own dogs to bite, but all dogs can – it doesn’t matter what size or breed they are. Parents and guardians naturally love the idea of their child having a close bond with the family dog, and in many cases they do, but having a close bond unfortunately doesn’t mean that the dog will never bite.”

Dogs Trust experts say that while it’s important not to leave children and dogs alone together, that advice on its own isn’t always enough. Parents and caregivers also need to know how to step in safely if required.

The survey also found that 24% of children in Wales who had been bitten by a dog were playing with the dog and 25% were kissing, hugging or cuddling the dog, before they bit them.

Maria Kyle, Intervention Development Manager at Dogs Trust, said: “These findings will support the Pet Education Partnership and its member organisations to shape and strengthen existing education programmes, particularly those aimed at reducing dog bites. Reaching children, parents, caregivers, and other key stakeholders with evidence-led initiatives gives us the best chance of improving safety outcomes for both people and dogs.”

Caroline Francoli, Education Advisor at the RSPCA, added: “This important research has driven the content for the Pet Education Partnership’s upcoming webinars and resources to address the lack of knowledge around interpreting dog behaviour, appropriate ways to show affection to a dog and how to play with them to keep young people safer. This partnership with leading animal welfare charities across the sector has the potential to create a more empathetic generation and positively impact the lives of pets in the long term.

“We know that dogs and children can be great friends and having a dog can help children develop kindness, responsibility, understanding and respect for animals. The bond they have with their childhood dog will often stay with them for a lifetime – but it’s crucially important that young people learn how to behave safely around their pets and for parents and guardians to be informed to prevent dog bites from happening.”

The RSPCA has six golden rules for keeping children safe and dogs happy.

1. Stay with your children around dogs and actively supervise – never leave your child alone in the same room as your dog, even your own.
2. Interact with dogs at the right times – teach your child not to approach dogs when they’re eating or having a treat, playing with a toy, sleeping, are feeling unwell or tired, or if they’re blind or deaf.
3. Be gentle – teach your child to be kind and polite to dogs. Don’t let your child climb on dogs, pull their ears or do anything you wouldn’t allow them to do to another child.
4. Play nicely and teach tricks – teach your child how to play nicely with your dog. Your child can teach your dog some really fun tricks like shake a paw, or play roll-over.
5. Give your dog space if they need it – supervise your child when they’re with your dog. If your dog looks unhappy, let them go somewhere they feel safe and happy. Give your dog a cosy spot in a quiet room where they can have their own space and teach your child to leave your dog alone when they’re in a private spot.
6. Don’t let your children approach dogs they don’t know, such as when you’re out in the park.

#dogBite #Dogs #DogsTrust #RSPCA

Dog welfare charity issues warning over popular Easter treats

With the bank holiday Easter weekend fast approaching, Dogs Trust Bridgend and Dogs Trust Cardiff are reminding dog owners to keep chocolate out of reach of our four-legged friends.

As Easter eggs and other tasty cocoa treats find their way into homes, the charity hopes to raise awareness of the risk that the consumption of chocolate poses to our canine companions.

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs as it contains a substance called theobromine, which dogs and some other animals struggle to metabolise. Symptoms of theobromine poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, and potentially seizures and fatal heart problems.

Dried fruits such as grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas are also toxic to dogs and can lead to fatal renal failure, so it’s essential that hot cross buns, Simnel cake, and any other foods containing these dried fruits are kept well away from canine companions too. Contact your vet immediately if you think your dog has eaten chocolate or any of these dried fruits.

The charity advises:

• Never give your pooch any human chocolate or dried fruits as a treat. Ensure that children and visitors understand why and adhere to this rule too.
• If you are hosting an Easter egg hunt, ensure your dog can’t find the chocolate first by keeping them away from the area or on a lead with constant supervision.
• Make sure that bins are dog-proof to prevent them from scavenging through rubbish.
• Never leave any chocolate, hot cross buns, Simnel cake or dried fruits on tables or kitchen tops where your dog may be able to reach
• Teach your dog to move away from something when you ask them to ‘leave it’. This valuable life skill will be helpful if your dog reaches for something they shouldn’t have.
• Keep a close eye on your dog whilst out walking to avoid them eating discarded food that is potentially harmful.

Victoria Phillips, Dogs Trust Veterinary Surgeon Manager, says: “Our dogs are part of the family, so owners may want to include them in the Easter celebrations. However, tasty treats such as chocolate eggs and hot cross buns are very bad for our canine friends; eating them can make them poorly and even prove fatal.

“Although when it comes to our dogs we need to maintain a chocolate and raisin-free zone, there are plenty of tasty treats they can enjoy and join in the fun too.

“For example, taking them on their own Easter hunt around the house or garden that includes dog-friendly treats is an excellent way of bonding and stimulating our dogs. 

“If you want to try something different, they will happily hunt for tasty treats including cucumber, carrot, strawberries and broccoli. If you hide those, they will have a much healthier Easter than we may have!

“You could also use Easter egg boxes to hide their toys or treats in for them to sniff out and you could set a couple of boxes a little distance apart and, holding your dog’s treats or favourite toy in one hand, slowly start to guide them in a figure of eight around the two boxes. Then reward your dog with a safe, tasty treat or more games!”

#Dogs #DogsTrust #Easter

Love him… or love him! Meet Marmite, the young dog looking for a forever home

Much like the famous spread, Marmite the dog has a unique personality and will be the perfect match for the right family. Marmite is slowly coming out of his ‘jar’, having arrived at Dogs Trust Cardiff through no fault of his own as a very nervous dog from a sheltered background.

When he arrived with the charity, this poor pooch had never walked on a lead before, so it is no wonder that Marmite currently finds the wider world a bit of an acquired taste. With the support of the Dogs Trust team, he is learning to discover the best parts of being a dog, slowly building his confidence and beginning to show just how much personality he has.

Marmite has shown so much progress, working to overcome his nerves and anxieties about the world. He is even beginning to enjoy a gentle fuss, has started to meet other four-legged friends, and the team is confident that over time and as he continues to learn and grow in the right home environment, Marmite will thrive and be a happy, confident dog.

Kim Davies, Manager of Dogs Trust Cardiff, said: “There’s no Love / Hate dilemma when it comes to our Marmite; he’s a wonderful dog who deserves a spot at the table. With the right guidance, he will ‘spread’ his wings and begin to blossom. Our team is doing a wonderful job at helping Marmite’s confidence, but the thing he needs most is a loving family.

“Marmite is looking for a forever family who can appreciate him for who he is, help him build his confidence, give him a second chance at life and show him how much fun it is to be a dog in a loving home.”

Marmite is looking for a home where he can settle in at his own pace and could live with teenagers who are happy to take the time to get to know him. He could also be paired with a confident, four-legged companion to show him the ropes and help him settle in comfortably.

Love him… or love him, to find out more about Marmite and the other dogs available for rehoming, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/cardiff.

(Lead image: Dogs Trust)

#dog #DogsTrust #petAdoption

A Day with A Rescue Dog

https://makertube.net/w/rcrQCVG97Uuvmij1ZJicXF

Wonder the former racing greyhound is searching for a special home

Handsome three-year-old Wonder was handed over to Dogs Trust after his career as a racing greyhound ended when he began to lose sight. Now, having almost totally lost his sight, Wonder is learning to navigate the world and hopes to find a patient and loving forever home, that will give him the fresh start he deserves.

Since arriving at Dogs Trust’s Cardiff shelter, Wonder has shown just how much potential he has. He loves his treats, which will help him settle into a new home and stick with his ongoing training. Wonder can understandably be nervous when passing other dogs, so is looking for a home where his new owners are keen to learn with him and give him the guidance he needs. The Dogs Trust team is confident he can share his home with children of secondary school age, but he will need to be the only pet in the house.

Hannah Organ, Assistant Manager of Dogs Trust Cardiff, said: “Wonder is a very special greyhound who hopes to find a family who can give him the love, care and attention he needs. He won’t let losing his sight hold him back, and we are looking forward to seeing him cuddled up in his forever home.

“Many people think that greyhounds need a lot of exercise, but many in our care prefer short bursts of activity, followed by a long snooze. Like all breeds, they need daily walks, plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play.”

Earlier this month, the Welsh Government announced its intention to ban greyhound racing as soon as possible. This decision has been warmly welcomed by Dogs Trust and others in the welfare sector who have campaigned for greyhound racing to come to an end to prevent more dogs from being killed or seriously injured. Since 2018, more than 2,700 greyhounds have died or were put to sleep following their participation in greyhound racing around the UK.

(Lead image: Dogs Trust)

#Dogs #DogsTrust #Greyhound #petAdoption

Greyhound racing ban in Wales “a huge step forward for animal welfare”, says leading charities  

On Tuesday, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, announced that the Welsh Government will support a ban on greyhound racing in Wales. 

The Welsh Government wants greyhound racing to be phased out “as soon as possible” and will bring forward specific proposals on implementation in the near future.

Since 2018, more than 2,700 greyhounds have died or were put to sleep following their participation in greyhound racing in the UK*. As such, the news that it is to be banned in Wales has been lauded by Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, Greyhound Rescue Wales, Hope Rescue and RSPCA Cymru.

Collectively, as the Cut the Chase coalition, these leading animal welfare organisations have been campaigning alongside the general public to bring greyhound racing to an end in Wales – and across the UK – to stop the entirely preventable injuries and deaths of dogs involved in racing.

The Cut the Chase coalition believes that greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for the dogs involved, as running at speed around oval tracks can cause significant injury to many dogs. In some cases, the injuries are so severe that it is necessary to euthanise the dog. 

Chris Burghes, Chief Executive of Blue Cross, said:

 “We are delighted to hear the news that the Welsh Government have decided, further to their consultation last year, to end greyhound racing in Wales. 

“Alongside our colleagues from the Cut the Chase coalition we have been actively campaigning for a phased end to the sport since 2022. In that time, sadly, many more dogs have lost their lives or suffered serious injuries in the name of entertainment. The Welsh Government’s announcement today will save the lives of countless greyhounds across Wales. 

“This is a huge step forward for greyhounds, we thank the Welsh Government for leading the way on this issue and hope the rest of the UK takes the same view to cut out the sport once and for all.”  

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said:

“Today’s announcement that the Welsh Government is committed to ending greyhound racing marks a significant step forward for animal welfare.

“Over the past six years, more than 2,700 dogs have lost their lives in the UK in the name of entertainment, with many more suffering serious or life-changing injuries. This is unacceptable, and we are pleased the Senedd is ready and willing to take decisive action to prevent further deaths and injuries. 

“There are now just four other countries worldwide where this cruel so-called sport still persists. With Wales now committed to ending greyhound racing, it’s time England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland followed suit and put a stop to this inhumane form of entertainment once and for all.”

Vanessa Waddon, Chief Executive Officer of Hope Rescue added:

“With over 35,000 dog lovers signing our petition to ban greyhound racing in Wales, we’re delighted that Welsh Government have agreed that the only way to fully protect greyhounds is to end this inherently dangerous activity.

“We’re grateful to the Petitions Committee for their support in progressing our petition, and to the cross-party Senedd Members who have supported the Cut The Chase campaign. Wales is once again leading the way on animal welfare.”

Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of Companion Animals at the RSPCA, said:

“This is an historic day for animal welfare in Wales; and will protect countless greyhounds from the inherent risks that come with competitive racing. 

“Greyhound racing has long been in decline as a leisure activity; and we know huge numbers of people have shared our concerns about the number of dogs across the UK dying or sustaining serious injury. 

“This campaign has been a monumental team effort – from the animal welfare groups involved, but also the animal-loving public across Wales who have made their voices heard loud and clear. With greyhound racing now continuing in so few countries, we hope the Welsh Government’s action sends a strong statement to the rest of the UK. 

“We now stand ready to work closely with the Welsh Government, the racing industry and racing greyhound owners to protect the dogs who will now exit competitive racing; and help find them a loving home.”

Tim Doyle, CEO of Greyhound Rescue Wales said: 

“This is a momentous day for greyhounds, an ancient and noble breed whose very recent history has been blighted by this cruel and unnecessary gambling product. We are pleased that the Welsh Government has put animal welfare first and added Wales to the extensive list of countries that have banned greyhound racing in recent years.

“While greyhound racing in Wales has had a high profile of late, the reality is that this campaign has been decades in the making. We want to pay tribute to each and every one of the greyhound advocates out there who have fought tirelessly over many years to protect these dogs who have no voice of their own.

“We are now hard at work with our partner rescues to coordinate and manage the rehoming of dogs leaving the industry, and we are committed to ensuring that no dog is made homeless by the end to greyhound racing in Wales.

“Sadly, we know the numbers of greyhounds needing rehoming from the rest of the UK and Ireland is unlikely to decrease in the near future, and we still have a lot of ongoing work to find homes for these dogs across Wales and the borders. However, we hope that respective governments will now take notice of Wales leading the way in putting greyhound welfare above entertainment.”

The coalition’s priority has always been the welfare of the dogs involved in greyhound racing, and member organisations remain committed to ensuring that this is not negatively impacted by the ban. The coalition has sent an open letter to both the Valley Greyhound Stadium and the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) offering their support with displaced greyhounds needing rehoming both during the transitional period, and after racing ceases at the stadium.

The coalition hopes to see other nations follow Wales’ lead in ending the industry, with support for an end to greyhound racing in Scotland also growing. In July 2024, Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Mark Ruskell, whose constituency covers the last unlicensed racetrack in Scotland, secured the required support to table a Private Member’s Bill.

The Proposed Prohibition of Greyhound Racing (Scotland) Bill will soon be introduced to the Scottish Parliament and seeks to promote the welfare of the animals by introducing an offence of permitting a greyhound to compete at racetracks in Scotland.  

#DogsTrust #greyhoundRacing #RSPCACymru #WelshGovernment

Oh! What’s occurring? Meet Gavin and Stacey, the puppies heading home for Christmas!

Named after the iconic characters, Gavin and Stacey are looking to steal the spotlight this festive season ahead of the Christmas Special of the hit TV series, due to air on Christmas Day. Luckily, both puppies will be heading off to their forever homes in the next two weeks, spending their first Christmas with their new families.

Arriving at Dogs Trust in late November as an unplanned litter at only nine weeks old,  these two crackin’ bundles of energy were looking to find active, forever homes that would help teach them all the things young puppies need to know, keep up with them, and help them settle into their happy place.

Getting bigger every day, the Dogs Trust team has enjoyed helping them learn the ropes and preparing them to head home just in time for Christmas.

Kim Davies, Manager at Dogs Trust said: 

“I won’t lie to you, these pups will grow up to be big, energetic balls of fun!

“Gavin and Stacey are two gorgeous dogs, we’re so happy that they will be heading home as a tidy addition to their two new families.

“When they head home in the next few weeks, we’ll be sad to see them go, but  we have many more dogs like Gavin and Stacey still searching for their happy place, so if you are ready to welcome a dog into your life, please pop over to our website and take a look, or come along to our rehoming centre to chat to the team.”

For more information on the dogs available for rehoming, or to find out more information about Dogs Trust, visit the following link.

[Lead image: Dogs Trust]

#DogsTrust #GavinAndStacey

Goodbye our darling Tilley aka Diva, run after bunnies, pain free, on the other side of the rainbow bridge, oh my god we miss you.

@leitrimanimalwelfarecentre @dogstrust_darlington @dogstrust

#Rescue #RescueDogsOfInstagram #RescueDogs #InstagramDogs #DogsOfInstragram #Pets #DogsTrust #Dogs #CollieCross #RainbowBridge #AdoptDontShop

Today is the anniversary of when Bobby and I got together.
#DogsTrust

Would you believe me if I told you this dog is gonna be 14 years old in a couple weeks and he needs monthly arthritis shots :blobfoxmeltsoblove:

#SeniorDog #Rescue #RescueDog #DogsTrust #MastoDog #DogsOfMastodon

Happy Gotcha day to the best hound. 6 years ago from the #DogsTrust living your best life #dogsofmastodon #rescuedogs

Pawsome! 🐾

Postcards from my two sponsor dogs at @DogsTrust

Mike
Stitch

#Dogs #DogsTrust