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Eighty per cent of Brits buy their dog a Christmas present
Food is one of the most popular ways for pet owners to treat their animals at Christmas.

Survey reveals extent of nation’s pet-pampering habits 

For many pet owners, buying a Christmas treat for their pet is part and parcel of the festive celebrations. But now a new survey by Mars Pet Care and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has revealed the true extent to which the British public pampers its pooches at Christmas.

Some 498 UK dog owners were questioned in the survey, which revealed that 81 per cent will be buying their pet a Christmas present this December. Of these, 40 per cent said they were planning to spend more than £10.00 on their four-legged friend, with 24 per cent admitting to spending more than £20.00.

But when it comes to cats, it appears that felines are not receiving the same treatment. The survey found that 17 per cent of cat owners who celebrate Christmas would not be spending more than £10 on their pet. This is compared to 31 per cent who claimed they would not be buying their cat anything at all.

“The UK is renowned for being a nation of animal lovers, so it’s no surprise that people want to treat their pets at Christmas,” said Gosia Faras, corporate affairs director at Mars PetCare UK. “Pets really are part of the family, with 64 per cent of owners wanting to include their pet in their seasonal celebrations.

“But it’s not just pet owners – at Christmas 21 per cent of pet seasonal sales are bought by non-pet owners who want to treat the pets of family and friends.”

The study found that one of the most popular ways for pet owners to treat their animals at Christmas is with food. Almost three-quarters of respondents (72 per cent) revealed they had given their dog turkey from their Christmas meal.

The finding has prompted Battersea to publish a reminder to the public that certain ‘human foods’ pose a threat to their animals’ health.

“Alcohol, chocolate, onions and some cheeses are all part of a long list of things that can be toxic for dogs and cats, along with raisins which we know are in many festive favourites like mince pies and Christmas cake,” said Battersea veterinary surgeon Claire Turner.

“While titbits from the Christmas plate may have them licking their lips, we would always recommend giving your dog or cat a treat that’s been specifically designed for them, so you know it’s formulated for their needs.”

Image (C) Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.