Are you a landlord or property manager in the UK? As part of a SCAS-funded study, researchers from the University of Lincoln are investigating possible problems and opportunities of having pet-friendly rental houses and would love to hear your opinions. For more information and/or to take part please access here:
https://unilincolnlifescienc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6LLR9akXioIcMoC
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We are looking for volunteers to join our 2022 public advisory panel. As a member of the SCAS advisory panel you would be invited to review some of this year’s applications for funding to help us to make decisions about the projects we fund.
Continue readingWith Easter fast approaching, springtime traditions such as egg hunts and Easter bonnets are in full swing. Alongside this there is of course the ‘Easter Bunny’.
With rabbits being one of the most popular pets in the UK, Easter can often be a time of year where rabbit sales soar. However, many people who purchase rabbits do so on impulse and are unaware of their complex needs which can result in immense suffering and surrender to rescue. This is reflected in statistics from the RSPCA who reported a 28% increase from the previous year of rabbits being taken into their care during 2021.
Continue readingSome of our members may wish to contribute to the consultation on equine identification and traceability in England. The purpose of this consultation is to seek views on the UK Government’s proposals for improving the equine identification and traceability regime in England. Resulting changes made will ensure the system better supports the Government’s priorities of animal health and welfare, and protecting public health.
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 28 June 2022
You are never too old to enjoy a good book and the company of a good dog (or cat, or rabbit, or guinea pig!). However, books inspire the imagination and reading is a good habit to encourage in children from a young age.
Continue readingResearchers from the Canine Behaviour & Research Department, Dogs Trust, UK, just published a study that reviews how we measure the human–dog bond. Questionnaires and interviews were conducted with dog guardians to investigate their views on how their dogs demonstrated a shared a bond. The findings provide a useful foundation upon which to build research tools that better reflect the reciprocal nature of the dog-human relationship.
Samet et al., 2022. Exploring and Developing the Questions Used to Measure the Human–Dog Bond: New and Existing Themes, Animals, 12(7), 805; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12070805
Following recommendations set out by the Pet Theft Taskforce, new proposals to make it easier to reunite lost or stolen cats and dogs with their owners were set out by the UK Government this week.
Reforms to pet microchipping regulations in England include:
Important information for cat and dog owners can be found on Gov.UK
A team of researchers, led by Dr. Colleen Dell from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, recently published their research demonstrating how therapy dogs can reduce pain and anxiety in patients.
‘Clinically significant changes in pain as well as significant changes in anxiety, depression and well-being were observed in the therapy dog intervention compared to control. The findings of this novel study contribute important knowledge towards the potential value of emergency department (ED) therapy dogs to affect patients’ experience of pain, and related measures of anxiety, depression and well-being’.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) told ITV News those arriving with pets will need to first contact the Animal and Plant Health Agency, who will confirm approval and organise necessary a quarantine stay if animals are required to complete a rabies treatment process.
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