June heralds the seventh annual National Microchipping Month. But before you rush out to take advantage of cut-price chipping, thinking you are being a responsible owner safeguarding your dog, take a moment to consider the implications and possible health risks of having your pet implanted with a chip.

Read our special features by editor Caroline Davis…

click here to read Implanting doubt.

Click here to read ‘Chip ‘n’ Spin‘.

Click here to read ‘What you may not know about microchipping‘.

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The Retired Greyhound Trust has joined forces with the Great British Greyhound Walk to launch a national Greyhound walk. Dog lovers and walkers will put their best foot forward to raise awareness of Greyhounds and have some fun at walks up and down the UK on June 20. Organiser Janet Peacock said: “The walks are designed to be great fun for all the family, whether you own a Greyhound, are considering a dog as a pet – or just fancy a good walk. They are a great opportunity for people who are thinking about getting a dog to come along and meet a Greyhound. They will have the chance to ask questions to Greyhound owners, walk the dogs and find out more about the joys of adopting a retired Greyhound. Anyone is welcome.”

For more information about walks in your area and how to set up your own walk, log on to www.greatbritishgreyhoundwalk.org.uk

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The numbers of dogs abandoned or strayed in the UK has risen by 11% in the last year, with an average of one dog an hour being put to sleep say Pedigree. Rescue homes have been hit hard by a reduction in donations as a result of the recession, and recent news that the RSPCA will no longer take in abandoned pets is an indication that this problem is continuing to escalate.

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June heralds the seventh annual National Microchipping Month. But before you rush out to take advantage of cut-price chipping, thinking you are being a responsible owner safeguarding your dog, take a moment to consider the implications and possible health risks of having your pet implanted with a chip. Read our special feature by editor Caroline Davis, as she reveals the things about microchipping that they don’t tell you – click here to read article.

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Dog-lover and A Place in the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman will be taking part in the Dogs Trust Arctic Dog Sledding Challenge 2010 on 12 March to raise money for the charity.

Justine says: “As terrified as I am, and as much as I hate the cold, I think it’s worth it to help rescue and rehome unwanted and abandoned dogs!” If you want to support Justine, check out her JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/JasmineHarman “Thanks so much, I hope I can count on your support, however big or small. Every penny counts!” she says.

Photograph copyright David Poole (freezelondon.com)

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Three RAF Police Dogs have been honoured at the Wetnose Animal Awards in London.

Arms and explosives dog Billie the Springer Spaniel recently returned from Iraq; Kubo the German Shepherd Dog works as a police dog and Duke, a collie cross spaniel works in vehicle search. They received the Special Award for Bravery overseas, presented by Air Marshall Lord Craig of Radley OBE.

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Wales’ rural affairs minister, Elin Jones AM says that, subject to approval by the National Assembly for Wales, the use of electric shock collars will be banned in Wales. The ban is the first of its kind in the UK and is a ‘huge milestone for dog welfare’. After four years of campaigning, the Kennel Club has jubilantly welcomed the announcement.

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