DogCast Radio
Home Episodes Articles Blog Breed profiles Book reviews Photos Contact

DCR 294 - Great British Dog Walking Challenge and the Imports Bill

294_DogCast_Radio.mp3

Released Sat November 29, 2025
Length: 0:30:18
Download MP3 (41.6MB)
(To save MP3 file, right click and select 'Save Target As')

Mitch Hutchcraft and the Great British Dog Walking Challenge

Mitch Hutchcraft - with his dogs, Buddy and Teddy - will be undertaking the Great British Dog Walking Challenge in December 2025 to raise money and awareness around illegal dog breeding and the the growing overpopulation crisis in animal sanctuaries across the UK while trying to get as many dogs rescued in the process.

You can get involved and follow his progress via his Instagram account, and rescue dog Teddy has an account too. Teddy spent four years in a concrete cage on a puppy farm, never had a walk, never even had a name, but now he's living his best life and inspiring others to adopt rescue dogs.

Mitch us still recovering from summiting the World’s highest mountain as part of the longest ever climb of Mt. Everest in history, during which Buddy accompanied him for part of the way. The Great British Dog Walking Challenge will see him run 700km run from his hometown of Ramsey (the UK’s lowest point) to the summit of Ben Nevis (the highest).

Good luck Mitch!

The Imports Bill

On Friday 21 November 2025, The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill passed its final stage in the House of Lords which is great news for animal welfare.

Despite ear docking being banned in the UK, a loophole has allowed ear cropped dogs to be imported and sold here. But now this new bill will put an end to that.

To find out more about the bill, and ear cropping Julie spoke to Ben Parker, Public Affairs Manager at Battersea.

Sharing

DCR 294 - Great British Dog Walking Challenge and the Imports Bill

In this podcast we're talking dog welfare. Amazing Mitch Hutchcraft is taking on Great British Dog Walking Challenge to raise money and awareness around illegal breeding and overpopulation in animal sanctuaries. Ben Parker from Battersea reveals why the Imports Bill is great news for animal welfare.

189 - The Dog Healers and War Dogs Remembered

In this episode you can hear Mark Winik talk about his debut novel, The Dog Healers, and listen to Julia Robertson explain why she founded the charity War Dogs remembered. Plus there's the DogCast Radio News, and what Mischief the German Spitz puppy has been up to.

188 - Service Dogs UK and Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

In this episode you can hear about Service Dogs UK, a fantastic charity which trains assistance dogs to support veterans of any service - military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and the coastguard - who develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to their job. Also, listen to Dr Jody A Dean, a clinical psychologist talk about how her book, Roxie the Doxie finds her Forever Home, is helping children understand and talk about adoption and other family issues. Plus the DogCast Radio News and some thoughts on the alpha dog myth.

187 - Muffins Halo and Chorley Fun Dog Show

In this episode you can hear about Muffin's Halo for Blind Dogs, and what motivates people to enter their dog in a fun dog show. In the DogCast Radio News, listen to stories about the latest dog related research. Plus there's a new member of the DogCast Radio team!

186 - Maxwell Muir on wolves

In this episode you can hear trainer, behaviourist, writer, broadcaster and wolf expert Maxwell Muir talk about what wolves mean to him personally, their plight in a modern world, and his hopes for their future. Plus we have the DogCast Radio News.