kola

here's the link: Derry Council Amanda x

On my way back from the shop today I pulled over outside the entrance down to the canal, there was a woman with a dog on the roadside unable to walk due to the heat. She has no garden and has brought him out to toilet and walked through a park and up onto the canal towpath at the back, before she knows it she has gone too far and the dog was in trouble, she's in a state and the dog was exhausted with the heat on him. He had a sleeve muzzle on and he just had his mouth open with his tongue pocked through, was lying down and in a right state. We carried him back down the track to the canal, where there is tree shade and using a bowl i had in the car managed to soak him with canal water which helped. He's at the vets, luckily there was no traffic and we got there in 10 minutes, they were fantastic. This was an exempted dog, not been home long and owner never muzzled a dog before, not on internet, didn't know how to do it right. She has put a sleeve muzzle on him as he pulls the other one off (hates wearing it as not been trained) I'm going to go visit and take round some muzzles and advice sheets later. Please - if you have a registered dog - get a muzzle the dog can pant and drink in, be aware of just how hot it is out and keep your dog cool at all times. I'm still shaking as a dog that can't breath is a bloody awful sight. Hot weather & dogs Amanda x

BBC News Dangerous dog seizures 'may rise' Dogs are used as 'weapons' in areas plagued by gun and knife crime Two potentially dangerous dogs are seized in London every day and this could rise during summer festivals, the Metropolitan Police has warned. A report to the Metropolitan Police Authority said the Notting Hill carnival, Peckham Rye and Brockwell Park fairs could trigger more seizures. The summer events could also lead to dog violence, the report warned. The Met has now set up a unit to tackle "weapon" dogs. Last year 719 dangerous dogs were seized in London. No less dangerous than a knife or gun, yet paradoxically harder to control Kit Malthouse, deputy mayor for policing The rise in dog seizures meant £1.3m of taxpayers' money was spent on housing 302 dogs in kennels. Analysts from the Met found a strong link between knife crime and dog fighting. Police have focused on 10 boroughs including Croydon, Newham, Hackney, Southwark, Haringey, Lambeth and Lewisham. The Met has now joined forces with the Greater London Authority and local councils to form The London Dangerous Dog Forum (LDDF) to tackle the issue. 'Potential killers' Calling for "tough legislation" and a "hard-line approach" Kit Malthouse, deputy mayor for policing, said breeding and selling "weapon" dogs are as alarming as knife or gun crime. "No less dangerous than a knife or gun, yet paradoxically harder to control - they often terrorise whole neighbourhoods, inflicting injury and killing pets and, tragically, sometimes people. "That their numbers are rising rapidly should ring alarm bells across government. "Make no mistake, these unfortunate animals are potential killers and we should treat them as such," he said. Last month, animal charity RSPCA said the capital was the country's hotspot for dog fighting where the animals were used as "weapons" resulting in the dogs suffering stab wounds, cigarette burns and broken bones. It said incidents of dog fighting had increased to 284 reports in 2008 from 24 in 2004.

Fingers crossed for this court hearing on 29th June then and to EGAR for getting through eventually and offering a space for poor Bruce. Amanda x

Sarah, your number was sent/posted on here on bebo also. I tried Rosie too-think she is away until Monday. Amanda from bebo tonight; Shannon-Leah Brown thanx everyone 4 help n support be at solicitors tomooro so will let u no wat happens xxx 24 minutes ago 10 hours ago Shannon-Leah Brown hi joan iv jus phoned my solicitor n they received it !!!! is there num i can speak to sarah?? if i cant get to speak to her bruce is goin 2 dublin a girl called jenna but wud prefare him 2 b n rescue kennels xx 12 hours ago Joan Moore Hi Shannon this is an extremely important message from Sarah in EGAR. She wants you to know that she has resent the fax to the solicitor today at 10.30am and it went through ok. You can contact me on 0857850684 if you have any questions. 13 hours ago Amanda Dogs EGAR has faxed a letter to the solicitor to confirm that they have offered a rescue space for Bruce in the ROI. EGAR specialises in bull breeds so bruce would be in great hands there, if it can be sorted legally by the solicior and Shannon agrees. Hope it works out. Amanda x 1 day ago Amanda Dogs East Galway Animal Rescue (EGAR) in southern Ireland have offered Bruce a rescue space. This is an experienced rescue and Bruce will be safe there. Can his owner or solicitor please reply/contact EGAR urgently.

I think the candles stay lit for 48 hrs but can be re lit as there was over 50 yesterday, some lovely but very sad messages for lost dogs too. Amanda

Sarah, i've pm'ed you a mobile telephone number for Bruce's owner, not sure if it is current (she was on it a few months back). Amanda

I've posted sarah's offer to take Bruce on the Bebo page/group for Bruce and asked the owner or the solicitor to contact EGAR. Maybe someone on there will have contact with the owner, amanda x

Twelve years on and thousands of dogs later…. Today is a special day for anti BSL campaigners within England, Scotland and Wales as 12 years ago our government did something amazing. They held their hands up, said “We made a mistake†and took the first step towards correcting that mistake by amending the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, a piece of legislation that has cost thousands of innocent lives Full Article Here For facebook users: Event-12 years on DDA Amendment 12 years ago today, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was amended to remove mandatory destruction of dogs deemed "type". Join us in taking a moment to remember the thousands of dogs lost, killed then and now because of physical characteristics. Light a candle by clicking the following link http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candle...eng&gi=ddaw Amanda x

News Article Magistrates in London are getting lessons on how to tell the difference between a pitbull and Staffordshire bull terrier. The move is part of an effort by police to get courts to process cases involving dangerous dogs more quickly.

Lancashire Evening Post 29th May. 'Residents in fear of youngsters' dangerous dogs' Status Dog Strategy: News Article

Thinking of you Billy Rest in Peace little man. Amanda x

this is a really stupid question but what is the difference between a c*** and a rooster? got myself a lovely chicken book but haven't been able to work it out yet, Doh Amanda x

we've been wanting to get some chickens for a long time, so very glad i've come across this thread, shall enjoy readin thru it from the beginning (altho that's gonna take a few nights) Amanda

Thanks, shall have a look, amanda x

Jackson Update Jackson's sisters have settled in well in their new home - he is still waiting on a home of his own. Jackson has been veterinary health checked, Micro chipped and is now crate trained and reasonably clean in the house. He is lead trained however due to his background he is still learning not to bounce around on the end of a lead in excitement! Jackson is good with people and dogs but requires ongoing socialisation with dogs. Jackson has taken time to understand the joys of human company and needs a home where his main “person†will be at home with him for most of the day in order to establish a good bond. Once that bond is established Jackson becomes an attentive loving pup who will do well at obedience or even agility. He is not used to cats or small furries. Amanda

I so relieved i'm not the only one, when watching a film I follow the dog/animal thru it rather than the real story, can't watch 'Babe' the film about the pig or the one with the chickens, just watched TT about a sunken ship, shall keep look out for this one amanda x

No, your're not weird, it made me think just reading what you said and I haven't seen it, shall keep an eye out for it thou, love Time Team. Amanda x

Should know more tommorow now, it's a bizarre legal situation or seems that way until we know more. Amanda x

Just spoke with the Company of Animals/Dr Mugford's office, they are in contact with the solicitor today and shall hopefully have an update on the situation (shall put up on their web site), the situation is very confusing as there is sketchy info on a review of the initial ruling, a reprieve, registration onto the Index (even thou the Amendment doesn't apply to NI) and case stated in court of Appeal. Bruce is still held. There was a legal hearing, it was suppose to have been a short one to determine a date for the Appeal, but it appears to have gone into a full hearing, maybe back in court next week-to be conformed Amanda

Dangerous Legislation for family dogs by Pete Wedderburn Telegraph Amanda

News Article: Cheshire Owner's Horror At Being Asked To Kill Famly Pet Amanda

Still hard to take it in as it is just so awful Maybe, one day, this stupid law will be gone for good and all the suffering it generates, towards people and dogs. Amanda

After along wait in rescue, Sophie has now gone on to a lovely new home in Berkshire and is currently have a great time with the resident shepherd cross Amanda

Thanks She's been settling in really well Amanda x