When I settled down to watch Keith Lemon's Lemonaid on Saturday evening, I had no idea that the show would provoke a furore in the dog world, but as soon as it became clear that the program intended to give a puppy as prize to the child that succeeded in a competition, my stomach twisted. Three children who were each pestering their parents for a dog had been selected to compete against each other to win a puppy, and when a little girl won the competition a tiny six week old Pug puppy was duly produced and given to her to cuddle.
 

I've just had this appeal for help in. If you could help supply any of these items, or if you're in the North Devon area if you could spend some time helping, the contact details are at the end of the post:

SHORTLIST UNVEILED FOR DOGS TRUST HONOURS
Two and four legged nominees shortlisted for a national award
Dogs Trust has announced the finalists for the fifth annual Dogs Trust Honours Awards and now a total of 14 dogs and five humans are vying to take home a coveted Dogs Trust Honour.
The annual awards ceremony recognises dogs that have performed outstanding acts of bravery, dedication or devotion and the humans that have gone out of their way to improve the lives of dogs.

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: