CHARITY WARNS PUBLIC IS BEING DUPED INTO BUYING ‘FARMED’ DOGS

THE UK dog-owning public is being duped into buying dogs from puppy farms says Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, inadvertently fuelling the cruel trade and potentially landing themselves with huge vet bills.

In a recent survey the charity asked dog owners if they would consider buying a dog from a puppy farm. Although almost 95% said no, when asked where they had got their dog from 15.1% - potentially 900,000 dog owners – admitted they had got them from an advert in the newspaper, the internet, a pet shop or a pet superstore, all outlets often supplied by puppy farms.

In the past 6 months Dogs Trust, which has a Rehoming Centre in Huyton, Liverpool, has seen a marked increase in calls from concerned members of the public on the subject of puppy farming, many from dog owners whose pets have suffered illness and in some cases died as a result of having been bred at puppy farms.

Dogs Trust is calling for immediate measures to help to stop the puppy farming trade:-

1. General public

Dogs Trust is introducing the term ‘battery farming of dogs’ to associate the practice in the minds of the public with that of battery farming of chickens, and wants to educate the public as to where they can safely go to buy a ‘cruelty free dog’.

Dogs Trust’s message to the public is:-

* Be wary of buying a dog from the internet, from a newspaper, from a pet shop or garden centre

* Always ask to see the puppy interacting with its mother and be concerned if excuses are made as to why you can’t

* Check paperwork and be suspicious if previous owner details have been removed or disguised

* If you suspect a puppy has come from a farm don’t buy it. You may be saving a dog but you’ll be fuelling the battery farm trade

2. Government & Local Authorities

Dogs Trust is calling for the review of existing breeding licensing legislation.

Clarissa Baldwin, CEO of Dogs Trust, says:- “Battery farming of dogs is an appalling practice, abhorrent to all decent members of society. Breeding bitches are kept in unthinkably cruel conditions and bred from continuously until they are too old, then discarded. Puppies often suffer from medical problems and behavioural issues as a result of being inadequately socialised. While most people would never consider buying a dog from such a place, it seems that a large number are inadvertently doing so.

Most reputable breeders would never sell their dogs through newspaper adverts, pet shops or superstores, garden centres or internet websites. Anyone who sees an animal for sale in any of these places should be suspicious. Newspaper adverts and online websites are of particular concern since unscrupulous breeders or middle men (dealers) are difficult to identify, often posing as members of the public selling ‘puppies from unplanned litters’.”

WHAT’S WRONG WITH BATTERY FARMS?

Breeding bitches at battery farms:-

-Are kept in small pens without natural daylight or contact with other dogs

-They suffer the mental cruelty of having little contact with people and having no space to exercise or opportunity to play

-Are bred from continuously in these conditions until they are too old, then discarded

A battery farmed puppy could have genetic or other health problems relating to its poor breeding conditions. It could also have behavioural problems as a result of being taken from its mother at too young an age.

Common problems for a puppy farmed dog are:-

Parvovirus – can be fatal but cost up to £1,000

Worms – can be fatal but if it causes bad diarrhoea requiring a drip it could cost £500

Hip dysplasia – 2 total hip replacements would cost £7,000

Patella luxation (dislocating knee-caps) – surgery on both knees would cost £1,500

Congenital heart problems – if surgery required would cost £5,000-6,000

Dogs Trust offers advice for anyone looking to buy a puppy. The guide can be downloaded from:- dogstrust.org.uk.

Hospital appointments in the winter weather

EVERY winter the NHS experiences an increase in demand for its services and staff and managers at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust are working hard to ensure it is business as usual for patients.

As of Thursday, 7 January 2010, outpatient clinics at the Trust's Southport and Ormskirk sites were again operational.

Patients with an appointment for an operation should still plan to attend unless advised otherwise by the hospital.

However, if patients are concerned about travelling safely to hospital in the winter weather, they should call the number on their appointment card or confirmation letter for advice.  Patients who would like to rearrange or cancel their appointment should call:- 01695 656680.

Trust medical director Dr Geraldine Boocock said:- "This frosty New Year weather has been difficult for us all. But I am proud and delighted to say our staff have risen to the challenge of continuing to provide the high quality, safe, clean and friendly care our patients have come to expect."

Your chance to get involved in your local Hospital

IF you've gained senior level expertise in the private, public or voluntary sectors, Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust can offer an exceptional opportunity to put your talents to use by making a positive difference to the lives of people in your community. We are looking for an outstanding individual to serve as a non-executive director on Southport & Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust.

Significant or senior level experience in one or more of the following areas:-

► Legal experience in the private sector.

► Commercial experience at senior level; bringing both governance and private sector expertise.

A portfolio of high level governance and organisation skills in, for example, strategic planning, financial management, risk management, performance management or service development.

Preference will be given to applicants who live in Southport & Formby, Ormskirk & Skelmersdale and surrounding areas within West Lancashire.

Preference will be given to candidates who live in the area served by the Trust. In the interests of geographical balance on the board, the Trust would particularly like to hear from candidates living in the Ormskirk area.

We value and promote diversity and are committed to equality of opportunity for all and appointments made on merit. We believe that the best board is one that that reflects the community we serve.

The time commitment is typically just 2 and a half days each month and remuneration is £6,096 per annum.

This is a chance to influence and shape the NHS for the 21st century. The closing date for applications is Noon on 20 January 2010 and interviews will be held on 10 February 2010. For more information please visit their website:- appointments.org.uk/vacancies or by calling:- 0870 240 3802 quoting the reference:- NW9260C.

New figures prove that shoplifting is not a victimless crime

FOLLOWING the BRC's latest report showing a doubling in violence against shopworkers in the last year connected to a significant rise in shoplifting, shopworkers' union, Usdaw, is calling for people to remember that shoplifting is not a victimless crime.  John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, said:- "Usdaw works closely with the BRC, so these figures don't come as a complete shock. Shoplifting has gone up over recent months, which unfortunately often leads to violence against shopworkers.  Despite this, the number of incidents of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers is still significantly lower than in 2003 when Usdaw began its Freedom From Fear campaign. But we cannot be complacent. Abuse of shopworkers is never acceptable. According to Usdaw's latest survey, every minute every day another six shopworkers are abused and 10 per cent have been assaulted.  That is why Usdaw is redoubling its efforts to protect its members in the workplace. We are campaigning with Government about bringing in additional penalties for those who assault shopworkers, as already applies for emergency service workers. We are supporting a Scottish Parliament Bill, promoted by Hugh Henry MSP, that will deliver this additional protection for our members and we would like to see the Government introduce it for the rest of the UK.  We agree with the BRC, who are also calling on employers to make sure anyone shoplifting or being abusive to shopworkers is penalised properly. These are not victimless crimes and it is important that people treat shopworkers with respect."