The DogCast Radio blog

Defra made an announcement on Monday that they are changing and extending the Dangerous Dogs Act, and they are also asking for input on the compulsory microchipping of dogs. If you are passionate in favour of mandatory chipping, or if you are staunchly opposed to it, Defra want to hear from you. Visit the Defra website to find out how you can have your say. The consultation period will end on 15th June 2012, so don't miss out.
 
Here's the Defra statement that caused a stir on Monday.

Here's the response from the RSPCE to Defra's announcement today:

New Government dog measures lack bite, says RSPCA

Coalition breaks promise to “target irresponsible owners”
Monday 23 April 2012

The Government has wasted the best opportunity to tackle irresponsible dog ownership in more than 20 years, claimed the RSPCA today.

The country’s biggest animal welfare charity has accused Defra of ignoring the advice of the country’s dog law enforcement agencies, and instead launching yet another unnecessary consultation.

Getting scanners into as many places as possible will help reunite lost dogs with their people and discourage dog theft. Excellent news!

Defra has today revealed plans to enforce every dog in the UK to have a microchip. Here is Dogs Trust's response:

Dogs Trust response to Defra’s announcement on Dangerous Dogs and Microchipping

23rd April 2012

Here's news of an event you might like to take part in. But just a quick word of warning here - hugging is not a natural method of communication for dogs. They may have become familiar with the fact that their humans wrap their arms around them from time to time, and maybe some of them like it, but do be very careful when or if you hug your dog. A dog has to have come to understand that a hug is normal non-threatening behaviour to be any where near comfortable being hugged. That said, let the hugging begin:
 

Latest press release from Dogs Trust:
 
ANIMAL WELFARE CONFERENCE ATTRACTS RECORD NUMBER OF DELEGATES
The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes Conference (ADCH) has attracted the highest attendance in the conference’s 12 year history.
 

Barbara Sykes has organised For The Love of Dogs to encourage and enable everyone involved with dogs to get together and consider the future for dogs. You can find more details below, and this is a great opportunity for people representing many different areas of the dog world to exchange views.
 

There's a brand new dog podcast for you to listen to, it's called The Dog News Show and the first episode is out now. The show is presented by Debbie Connolly (SafePets UK, Dog Borstal) and Julie Hill (DogCast Radio) - which of course is me!

It's Mother's Day in the UK this Sunday and Dogs Trust are appealing for a new "Mom" for Libby the rough Collie:
 
78 % OF DEVOTED DOGS WILL SEND A MOTHERS DAY CARD THIS YEAR

But what about the Homeless hounds searching for Mutterly love?

Dogs Trust’s response to Pedigree Dogs Exposed – Three Years On
 
28th February 2012
 
Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, commends the BBC for further highlighting the health and welfare problems affecting pedigree dogs.