Anna's Blog

This week the RSPCA’s Dog Welfare Specialist, Dr Sam Gaines, joins Anna to discuss the latest on Breed Specific Legislation. Following a recent debate in Parliament prompted by a petition urging for reform as the 30th Anniversary of the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) approached on August 12th. We discuss that as a ‘nation of animal lovers’ the UK is behind other countries in its approach to dogs and public safety. The banning of four breeds: the Pitbull, the Japanese Tosa, the Fila Brasiliero, and Dogo Argentino has not worked with dog bites rising year on year.  We discuss other approaches not least education, bringing back dog licences, new bylaws that would be in the public’s safety. We chat about the potential of an independent review and study to ascertain whether certain breeds are more ‘dangerous’ than other breeds or cross breeds. If the independent review concludes there is insufficient evidence to support the Governments position on BSL, the hope is this aspect would have to be revised.  

This week Anna is joined by Steve Ignorant, the lead singer of the anarchic punk rock band, The Crass. He’s chatting about why animal activism was very much a part of the sub culture of punk rock. And he explains why he is so passionate about animals and why he despises all cruelty and neglect. Being a massive dog lover he is supporting the campaign Say No To Dog Meat,

This week Fi Harrison, Fundraising Manager, from Birmingham Dogs Home joins Anna to chat about their ‘Healing Hearts’ appeal. Its aim to raise £100,000 to help pawly pooches by investing in the own veterinary facility. Currently the Charity’s veterinary costs is over £200,000 annually in addition to the staff and running costs of their two facilities. The long term saving of an in house veterinary clinic will allow for more funds to spend on the rehabilitation of their dogs like Spike a Bulldog puppy with serious health issues and deal with emergency cases.

Amit Patel joins Anna to talk about his Guide Dog, Kika, and how she transformed his life following his sudden sight loss only eight years ago. The arrival of a young yellow Labrador straight out of training was a baptism of fire for Amit. At first he was unsure if this particularly stubborn, but brilliant dog would have his interests truly at heart.

Why I am so excited to offer natural nutrition consultations, as well as training and behaviour advice and more at the new LMH Townhouse. My journey inspired me to study with The College of Integrated Veterinary Studies. Combining my Psychology degree to help others with training and behaviour and more. My focus is on the three pillars of health, helping mentally, physically and emotionally.

Vet and Environmentalist Andrew Prentis joins Anna to chat about the excremental rise in dog mess since the pandemic began. Without pointing fingers, it seems that it's the owners of the pandemic puppies who do not understand why it's so important to pick up and bin poop as a responsible owner. We chat about whether a reluctance to pick up is down to some poop’s consistency, as generally overly processed diets can product voluminous soft poop that can be tricky to pick up. In contrast, naturally fed dogs tend to poop firm, easy to bag stools. We touch on the impact to the environment and whether an abundance of the smelly stuff is a public health risk. But as the minority spoils things for the majority, its time to shape up, not least for your dog’s reputation and self respect.

Mickey McMonagle joins Anna to talk about the first dog inspired column in a National newspaper, which set a big trend! How his love of dogs from Spaniels, Chihuahuas is now also focused on helping Spanish Hounds, known as Pondencos. A chance encounter on holiday in Ibiza introduced Mickey to the Spanish Hound, one variety is the Ibizan Hound and it was love at first sight.

The Broadcasting legend Jenni Murray, famous for Woman’s Hour, joins Anna to chat about the dogs in her life. From Taffy her first, a Corgi mix, her Mini Schnauzers and to Butch the first of her Chihuahuas, playing a significant role in Jenni’s life, not least for being her steadfast companion as Jenni battled  cancer.Through this journey Jenni and Butch became inseparable, with his funny quirks revealing how dogs most certainly have emotional intelligence, intuition , and a sense of humour. Jenni’s book My Boy Butch is a tribute to this little dog, as well as defining some of her darkest times. We chat about new animal legislation and sentience, whether dogs should be vegan, and why dogs are a social network without technology.The role of women and dogs and vice versa. What dogs teach us. And why dogs remain a constant in times of change. We chat about Jenni's new podcast Now I’m Grown Up, highlighting how we can adapt and develop news skills sets, and why life is just better with a dog.

As pesky as biting bugs, even as life threatening as overheating, the insidious grass seed often gets underestimated for inflicting the summertime blues.

Despite looking harmless enough, on close inspection grass seeds are shaped like a dart, about one to two centimetres long, with one end that can penetrate your dog’s outer skin.

The Financial Times’ Chief Features Editor Henry Mance joins Anna to chat about his incredible book: How to Love Animals in a Human Shaped World. We discuss how to bring balance back into our lives so that animals can live a fairer life. Investigating whether us humans should all give up eating meat, to the conflicts between animal activists, conservationists and environmentalists, it's an utterly brilliant read. Henry even worked in a slaughter house and on a pig farm to experience meat production on the ‘frontline’, revealing how meat gets on our plate, few have had such graphic insight. Whilst dogs sleep in our beds, pigs are gassed using carbon monoxide.

Environmental Advisor, Andrew Prentis, joins Anna to discuss a recent study highlighting how insecticides and pesticides from regular flea and worm treatments are contaminating our rivers. 

 

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Anna is joined by Woofstock’s organisers, Heather and Carol, who talk about staging this world-class dog centric festival as we ease out of lockdown. We get the scoop on the event, why in its fourth year, it draws crowds nationally. We find out what’s on, what you and your dog can enjoy.