The countdown is on to find Wiltshire's top dog in a competition organised by the Gazette & Herald and this year's Bowood Dog Show & Country Fair. Your pooch doesn't have to have done anything dramatic - this award is open to all dogs - we just want to know what makes your pet special to you and your family. Perhaps he or she is the prettiest, the best behaved, or even the oddest looking - whatever it is we want to hear from you. The competition runs until the beginning of June and the finalists will be chosen at the end of May.They will be invited to the grand final at Bowood Dog Show & Country Fair at Bowood House, near Calne, on Saturday, June 9. Full Article

THE BEST man may look a bit "woof" and the bridesmaid is a real dog... but pet pooches have become the latest wedding accessory with no expense spared. Doting couples who want to include their faithful companion on their big day are willing to splash the cash, said a Wilmslow pet boutique owner who has witnessed a rising trend in special occasion wear for dogs. Tuxedos are best sellers at her Chapel Lane shop where you can buy a the whole range of wedding gear for all breeds of dog. Full Article

One pet insurance company has revealed that to date, it has donated in excess of £4.4million to benefit the health and welfare of pets. Registered as a charity on the 8th February 1994, the Petplan Charitable Trust was established by Petplan's founder Patsy Bloom and David Simpson as a separate entity and wider part of the Petplan. The Trust is funded through a unique fundraising whereby each Petplan client is invited to add £1.50 to their annual pet insurance premium by way of an optional charitable donation. Full Article

Ill dogs are being saved by the country's first animal blood bank. Pet Blood Bank UK collects, stores and supplies the red stuff for vets across Britain, and has already saved the lives of 12 animals. Each donation – usually a pint – takes five minutes and dog donors are given a bandana and an edible treat as a gift. Among the first to donate their blood were rescued greyhounds Lance, Seamus and Stanley, owned by Dianne Hubber, 40, from Durham. 'Before the national blood bank was set up, they would have to have another dog that cross-matches with it,' said Mrs Hubber, a voluntary worker with Sunderland- based Greyhound Rescue North East. Full Article

The new Animal Welfare Act, which comes into force on the 6th of April, represents a breakthrough in the fight to prevent cruelty to animals. The new legislation has been welcomed by all at PetClub UK, the UK's fastest growing internet based pet club. The Act brings in tougher penalties on neglectful owners and will include fines of up to £20'000, a maximum jail term of 51 weeks and a lifetime ban on some owners keeping pets. Full Article

A single gene could explain much of the size difference between dog breeds, according to a study. The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) shows the greatest range of body size of any mammal. Researchers studied 3,000 dogs from 143 breeds and found small dogs all shared a mutation in a gene that influences size in other animals. This form of the gene was almost absent in large dog breeds, an international team reported in Science journal. Full Article

Pictures of homeless cats and dogs could soon be helping users get access to secure websites and services. By using pictures that humans can easily distinguish, researchers hope to foil computerised efforts to get at valuable web services that perhaps offer e-mail accounts or sell tickets for popular shows. The research plan to use pictures was showcased at Microsoft's annual Techfest - a conference that gives the software giant's researchers chance to publicise what they are working on. Also on show at Techfest were Microsoft's latest efforts to improve the way people search for information that may help the company in its battle with rivals Google and Yahoo. Full Article

The UK dog population is currently around the 7 million mark, spread over 5 million households. It is estimated that 40% of the population is overweight, 15% of which are obese. Obesity is defined as being over 20% above the recommended weight range for the particular breed and gender. To put it simply, nearly 1 million dogs in the UK are clinically obese. With these figures in mind, you can understand why 'Yarvitan', the new doggy diet pill has hit the UK market with huge interest. Full Article

There's good news for fat dogs, as UK pet owners will now be able to get special medicine from vets to help their porky pooches lose weight. Just like humans, being overweight can be unhealthy for animals and vets say fat dogs often have problems with their heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. One in five dogs in the UK is thought to be overweight and this can cut up to two years off a dog's life. Owners are being told to combine the new drug with more walks for their pet. And they're being advised not to feed it too much either. Fat fighter The aim of the drug, called Yarvitan, is to stop fat from food being absorbed by the dog's stomach and digestive system. Full Article

A Greyhound rescue centre in the midlands is under threat of closure from the council after a small number of complains about noise were recieved. Solihull Council, which is responsible for the Perry Barr area of Birmingham, where the rescue kennel is based, is understood to have recieved complaints about noise from locals. The kennel has been in existence for over 20 years, firstly as a training establishment, but more recently as a Greyhound rescue centre. The Daybreaks Kennels, which rehomes dogs that have had careers at the local track in Perry Barr, Full Article

new dog training programme for young offenders in South Korea could well offer help to the UK’s own problem teenagers, given our national love of man’s best friend. The Cheonan Male Juvenile Correction Centre, 90km south of Korea’s capital Seoul, will offer five young offenders the chance to interact with carefully selected dogs, over a one year period to develop positive social interaction skills. The main canine skill candidates will learn is the British Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Bronze Award. Full Article

A survey of 4,000 dogs by a veterinary charity, has revealed a disturbing trend amongst British dogs. The UK-wide picture of doggy health is 'paw' according to statistics from a pet health survey by the veterinary charity, PDSA. Obesity in dogs has increased to 21% compared to 17% back in 2003; dental problems have also soared, reaching 27% in 2006, compared to 21% in 2003. The findings come from a study of over 4,000 dogs given a free health check courtesy of PDSA's PetCheck vehicles, which visited over 160 locations UK-wide in 2006. On board, a PDSA veterinary nurse examined the general health of canine visitors, checking their weight, teeth, eyes and the condition of their coat. An additional worry is that nearly 8% percent of the dogs seen were suffering both dental and obesity problems; Full Article

The Metropolitan Police force have reported that the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the winner of K9 Magazine's "World's Best Dog" poll, is the most stolen breed in London. It ranked higher than German Shepherd Dogs and Rottweilers, representing over half of all dogs stolen in the capital. The report however, suggested that the dogs were being stolen in order to satisfy a demand for aggressive and dangerous dogs to be used in criminal activity such as drug dealing, robbery and dog fighting. K9 Magazine spoke to a prominent dog professional, who has hands on daily contact with dogs about the report. The views of this person reflected the general bemusement of many who know and work with dogs. Full Article

Area locals are taking a cue from Hollywood celebrities in the way they pamper their pet pooches. As a result, business is booming at A Doggie Needs a Doo pet salon and spa at 1581 Whiskey Road in the Mitchell Shopping Center. The pet salon and spa offers professional dog grooming, "pet-icures," facials, baths and even paw pad moisturizing. "Everybody is getting really into their dogs," said co-owner Dana Robinson, a professionally trained dog groomer. "They're getting more into it with grooming their dogs. We're pretty much the only ones in town getting into it extensively." Robinson added that though she did not know of many show dogs in Aiken County, Full Article

No doubt, the most headline-grabbing news this week from the world-famous Westminster Kennel Club dog show was that Bill Cosby''s pooch, Harry, was one of Tuesday evening''s finalists. But in the Super Bowl of dog shows, Scott County can lay claim to not one, but two of the show''s best-of-breed winners. To continue the football analogy, that''s like making the playoffs. Derby''s Academy Award and Derby''s Xhilaration Tertia, a pair of greater Swiss mountain dogs, were bred right here in the middle of horse country. Westminster judges named Academy Award, a male who also goes by Oscar, best of breed. Xhilaration Tertia, a female also called T-T, was chosen best of opposite sex. Full Article

The docking of dogs' tails in Scotland will be banned from the end of April, the Scottish Executive has announced. Those who break the law face six months in prison or a fine of up to £5,000. Animal Health and Welfare Minister Ross Finnie said the step had not been taken lightly and had followed wide consultation. The docking of lambs and pigs tails' and ear tagging are among the exemptions in the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act. The procedure of micro-chipping pet animals is also exempt along with the castration of farm animals. The act bans procedures which interfere with the bone structure or sensitive tissue of animals for non medical reasons. Full Article

With the frosty February days upon us, here are some useful tips to help make sure that your dog or cat stays healthy and comfortable during the winter months. 1. Keep all pets away from antifreeze solution, and promptly clean up any antifreeze spills. Antifreeze is attractive to pets but is lethally poisonous, even in very small amounts. 2. Do not leave your pets outdoors unattended when the temperature gets below freezing. Pets that are mostly indoors need time to adapt to cold temperatures. They must build up a thicker coat and allow their foot pads to toughen for snow and ice.Full Article

Fifteen pit-bull type dogs have been put down during Ballymena Borough Council's dangerous dogs amnesty. In the first such scheme in the UK, owners of pit-bulls and other dogs bred for fighting were given a month to hand in animals without fear of prosecution. At a council meeting on Monday night councillors were told that 61 dogs had been examined. The 15 confirmed as illegal were humanely destroyed, acting chief executive Maurice Watterson said. Ballymena became the first local authority in the UK to hold such an amnesty after a pit-bull attack on a family in County Antrim in November 2006. Sean and Deirdre Doherty, their son Ben and a family friend escaped with only minor injuries after an horrific attack by a pit bull-type dog in Randalstown Forest Park. Full Article

She's blonde, bubbly and a bit of a flirt but despite all her good points, Pippa has a weight problem. It started off with the odd biscuit here and there as a youngster eventually leading to eating the left-over dinner. However, this is not your average tale of obesity because Pippa is a seven-year-old cocker spaniel and her weight was leading to health problems. But she has joined a new pet slimming club and the weight is dropping off. Pippa, like many dogs, was guilty of flashing her sad brown eyes at her owners as a way of getting a treat.She learned the skill as a puppy and it was something her owners from Newport in south Wales, couldn't say no to. But it led to the dog hitting the 23.5kg mark - 8kg (1st 2lbs) more than her ideal weight of 15kg - and worsened athritis she had developed in her joints. Full Article

Despite what recent reports in the media would suggest, it is not possible to determine the breed of a dog, or composition of a dog's breeding without seeing a pedigree, which relies on the pedigree being genuine. This is about to change however, with the launch of a DNA test that can tell you what breed of dog you are dealing with if you are unsure. MMI Genomics, a subsidiary of the life science group MetaMorphix, Inc., announced today the launch of the first commercial, DNA-based, diagnostic test that can genetically determine the breed composition of dogs. Canine Heritage(TM) is a diagnostic test that uses MetaMorphix's state-of-the-art, SNP-based, DNA technology to certify up to 38 major breeds. Full Article

The Labrador Retriever is keeping its paws firmly in place as the UK’s most popular registered breed for 2006, receiving over 45,000 registrations. Known as one of the best all round dogs in the world, this is not surprising, especially as the breed is used for retrieving game, has made its mark in the world of guide dogs, drugs and arms detection and is a wonderful family pet. It has remained consistent at the top of the list for the last 15 years. Hot on the heels of the Labrador Retriever and in second place is the Cocker Spaniel. The breed known for its gentle and affectionate nature and intelligence has seen a steady 17% increase in registrations since 2005. Full Article

If you want to live a healthier life get a dog, research suggests. The companionship offered by many pets is thought to be good for you, but the benefits of owning a dog outstrip those of cat owners, the study says. A psychologist from Queen's University, Belfast, said dog owners tended to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Writing in the British Journal of Health Psychology, she says that regular 'walkies' may partly explain the difference. Dr Deborah Wells reviewed dozens of earlier research papers which looked at the health benefits of pet ownership.She confirmed that pet owners tended in general to be healthier than the average member of the population.Full Article

The popularity of rabbits as pets is growing, according to the Scottish Rabbit Club (SRC). The claim comes as fanciers in Scotland prepare to celebrate National Rabbit Week, which starts on Monday. David Sim, of SRC, said the club, which is Scotland's oldest rabbit group, had seen its membership grow from nearly 50 people to almost 200. Work is also under way to establish the SRC's most northerly branch, the Caithness Rabbit Fanciers' Association. The national week culminates at the weekend when thousands of enthusiasts will head for the Bradford Excel Small Livestock Show at the Yorkshire Event Centre in Harrogate. Full Article

When a family loses a pet, it can be a heartbreaking situation. In many households, pets become a part of the family, making their loss even more painful. So when the call comes that a lost pet has been found, it makes for a joyous situation. Imagine then, the joy Johnny Long’s family felt when they got the call Jan. 13 regarding the whereabouts of their 8-month-old pet Shih Tzu dog “Buddy,” who had been missing since Dec. 3. However, the Greenwood family wasn’t able to immediately retrieve its beloved canine. The reason? Buddy turned up in Waterbury, Conn., 837 miles from home. Full Article

A strict diet and lots of exercise have turned a corpulent cat called Willie into UK pet slimmer of the year. The nine-year-old has shed 2kg (4.4lb) to be crowned UK pet slimmer of the year at a trim 6.9kg (15lb). Owner Helen Ebrahim said the turning point was moving from the USA to Pembrokeshire about three years ago. "When we were in America he was an indoor cat and just got bigger and bigger as I was away all day in work," she explained. "He went to the vet regularly in the states but they would just say 'he's big' and that was the end of that," said Ms Ebrahim, of Manorbier. Full Article

All but one of the 27 pit bull-type dogs seized in County Armagh last week are to be put down. Armagh City Council was granted destruction orders at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Thursday. Officials are still trying to find out who owns the one dog which is not subject to a destruction order. The dogs were seized at derelict farm buidlings on the Old Scarva Road near Tandragee last Friday after a member of the public called the USPCA. The council's acting chief executive, John Briggs, has revealed that the animals were chained up separately in such a manner that none could be in direct contact It is understood the site contained pits thought to have been made for the dogs to fight in. Full Article

Scruffts - the show that celebrates the canine species in all their glorious cross-breeds - is returning to The National Arboretum, Westonbirt for the second year in a row. Organised by the Kennel Club, Scruffts is the nation’s favourite annual cross-breed competition, and its just one of many fun events for dogs and their owners at the arboretum’s Dog Days weekend on February 17 and 18, 2007. Dogs entering this year’s Scruffts competition have their work cut out for them. Last year the winner of the Westonbirt heat, a pooch named Dylan who was owned by Mandy Blake from Portishead, went on to be the overall national champion. Full Article

Talk about creature comforts - in response to customers who cannot bear to be parted from their beloved pets, one of the UK's biggest hotel chains has created a customised luxury bed for its canine and feline guests. Results from a survey conducted among 1000 people by Travelodge identified that almost two-thirds of respondents admitted they hate leaving their pets behind when they are away from home. To respond to this demand, Travelodge has customised a replica of their luxury king size bed to accommodate its customers' pets. The bespoke pet bed is 2' 6" long and 2' wide and comes complete with mattress, pillow and duvet in Travelodge colours. Full Article

The United Kingdom's first amnesty for pit bull terriers has begun in County Antrim. Owners of the illegal breed of dogs who live in the Ballymena area have been given the month of January to hand in animals without fear of prosecution. On Monday, a five-year-old girl was mauled to death by a pit bull terrier type dog, on Merseyside. Ballymena council dog warden Nigel Devine said two pit bull terriers had already been handed in. Both of the animals were put down, although Mr Devine stressed neither appeared vicious. Nine owners have asked him in advance to check their pets in case they had unwittingly been sold pit bulls - none of those examined turned out to be the illegal breed. Full Article

Owning a pet does not guarantee good health or an active lifestyle, researchers have found. A study conducted by scientists from the University of Turku in Finland found that animal lovers of working age have a slightly larger body mass index (BMI) than those who own pets, despite the commonly held belief that those owning pets are healthier than others. Instead pet owners are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, ulcers, sciatica, migraines, depression and panic attacks – far from a clean bill of health. "Pet ownership was very lightly associated with poor health in the general working-aged population when using several health and disease indicators," the study concludes. Full Article

DOG owners have been warned to be on the guard to make sure their pet is not stolen to become someone else's Christmas present. One in four dog thefts in the UK are in the South East, said Rupert Ashby, regional director of the Country Land and Business Association. "This is a year-round problem for our rurally-based members, but dog theft is rife in town and country alike, particularly in the South East," he said. "We just want to warn people, as Christmas approaches, to be on their guard. Those involved in this criminal trade will see Christmas as an opportunity." Full Article

Dogs Trust, the UK 's largest dog welfare charity and owner of the famous slogan A Dog Is For Life, Not Just For Christmas®, has launched an appeal to the public to remember vulnerable older dogs this Christmas. While on a recent visit to Dogs Trust West London, the actor John Barrowman fell in love with Teagan, a twelve year old Cocker Spaniel. John couldn't resist the lovable golden oldie and he is now part of his happy family. Research has shown that it is not just puppies who are abandoned during what staff have dubbed the "silly season". Full Article

For many people, a beloved cat or dog is another member of the family. If you’d like to expand your family, consider adopting a pet from the Humane Society of Delaware County. According to Brandon Clark, director of the Humane Society of Delaware County, there is currently a wide variety of cats and dogs ready for a home. “If we don’t have the type of pet you’d like, you can give us a wish list, and we’ll call you when that pet is available,” he says.If you don’t have a particular breed in mind, Clark says people can simply stop by the Humane Society and visit with the pets. Full Article

Councillors in Ballymena have backed a proposal to launch Northern Ireland's first pitbull terrier amnesty. The council's environmental services committee supported the move which must now be ratified by the full council. It is thought the amnesty will run for four weeks from January 2007. Dogs handed in would be destroyed. Council dog warden Nigel Devine said a recent pitbull attack on a family out walking in Randalstown Forest prompted the move. "What I don't want is people who have these dogs to dump them in the streets," he said. "On Sunday, I picked up one which had been dumped, this is what we don't want. "The reason behind this amnesty is so people can come forward and hand over their dogs without fear of prosecution. Full Article

Reptiles and even giant snails are starting to edge out dogs and cats as favorites of animal-loving Britons, a report says. The number of snakes, lizards and invertebrates kept as pets in the U.K. has risen five-fold in 10 years, The Independent reports. The British Federation of Herpetologists actually believes that the country now has more pet snakes than dogs. One new favorite is the bearded dragon, a playful 2-foot-long lizard. Experts say that the lizards have a lot of advantages, including not needing as much attention as dogs and cats. Sam Davies, 15, owns two bearded dragons as well as two corn snakes. Full Article

There are roughly 44 million meals eaten by dogs per week. According to the research company BMRB, "the grocery industry looking sluggish", but in spite of this the pet industry records a WEEKLY growth of £1.54bn. Of these 44 million meals, more and more of them are selected from premium ranges by doting dog owners for whom nothing is too good. Andrew Harding, customer development director at Nestle Purina further growth in the pet industry is still to come. Full Article