This week in the Scoop we’re all about animal welfare, and how you can get involved and support some of the most pressing doggy issues in the news today. We also meet Forest, the golden retriever puppy who’s not so golden!
#EndBSL
Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) has been in the news again this week after a series of protests started across the globe to end BSL. In short, BSL classes dogs as dangerous based mainly on their appearance, however despite these laws being introduced 25 years ago, dog bites continue to rise in the UK. The RSPCA is campaigning to end BSL and asking that you please take action for dogs affected by this legislation. The DogBuddy pack have already added their names to the petition, and it’s not too late to add yours! #EndBSL
You can find out more about why BSL is bad for dogs, and doesn’t help us humans either, in our interview with the RSPCA.
The fight against dog meat continues…
It wasn’t too long ago we shared the good news for the fight against dog meat in China. There has now been another victory across the water in South Korea, as the Humane Society International (HSI) saved 149 dogs and puppies from being killed and eaten for the ‘Bok Nal’ summer season. During Bok Nal, more than one million dogs are killed and eaten as spicy soup, believed to improve stamina and virility.
The good news is these dogs are now being flown to animal shelters across the US, where they can have another chance at life and a loving home. HSI has now permanently closed nine dog meat farms, and rescued and rehomed nearly 1,000 dogs since 2014.
This, along with the progress being made at the YuLin Dog Meat Festival, is a massive step for animal welfare but there is still a long way to go to end dog meat once and for all. Find out how you can help!
Meet Forest…the mint green retriever!
Meet Forest, the mint green surprise in a litter of nine golden retriever puppies! Only thought to have happened three times before in the world, a family from Golspie in the Highlands were rather shocked when the puppies started to arrive, only to find that one of them had green fur!
It is believed that Forest’s colouring is caused by a bile pigment called biliverdin, found in the placenta of dogs. When mixed with the mother’s amniotic fluid – the liquid that protects her pups – it can stain the newborn’s coat.
Forest’s green tinge has faded quite a bit already, and will soon be gone, but his legacy will live on in his name. Let’s hope none of his siblings were ‘green with envy’ at his unusual coat!