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Many condemn the dog cull in Baghdad.

Baghdad’s dog culling programme shows no sign of relinquishing. Started in April 2010, reports say its mission is to wipe out 1 million strays that roam the capital. Mayhew International says that indiscriminate culling is proven to be ineffective at controlling dog populations worldwide and the chosen methods, including shooting and poisoning, are inhumane, causing extreme and prolonged agony.
The charity is asking dog-lovers to write to the senior deputy minister of agriculture in Baghdad, Dr Subhi Al-Jamaily, and request the Iraqi government stop the inhumane killing of stray dogs and instead implement humane methods through education, vaccination, and sterilisation. The address is: Dr. Subhi Al-Jamailly, Senior Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, Agarguf Street Entrance, Abu Ghraib, Baghdad IRAQ.

Separation anxiety is a common problem.

If you live in the London and Lincolnshire areas and are the owner of a dog with separation-related problems then the University of Lincoln wants to hear from you. Veterinary surgeon Christos Karagiannis is doing a study to link dogs’ recovery from a behaviour problem to a scientific assessment of their emotions. For more information email Christos at dogseparation@hotmail.com

Key veterinary associations are very concerned that viewers of the BBC’s Panorama programme It shouldn’t happen at a vet’s, aired at 9pm on 22 July 2010 may now have concerns about their own vets. Lack of support and supervision for younger and less experienced and unqualified training staff was raised, as well as incidents of alleged fraud, dishonesty and bad practice.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) says it is vital to remember that the vast majority of vets enjoy a high level of trust from their clients because they are incredibly hard working and caring. It advises pet owners to talk to their vet, as well as the rest of the practice team, if they have any concerns.
The BVA and other professional veterinary bodies are calling the BBC to provide all of the evidence in the programme to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) for a full investigation.

National Poop Scoop Week runs from 26 July – 1 August 2010. Dogs Trust  is teaming up with local authorities to encourage dog owners to ‘Bag it and Bin it’ for a poop-free summer that everyone will enjoy. Get in touch with your local authority to find out your local Poop Scoop Week itinerary of events.

An Early Day Motion (EDM) is gaining signatures from across all political parties as MPs show their support for a compulsory microchipping scheme. Reports say the scheme would have a significant and positive welfare impact on dogs by assisting in the return of stray and stolen dogs to their owners, improving traceability of puppy-farmed dogs  an providing a lifetime of security for a one-off payment. 
Earlier this week Welsh Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones AM, announced proposals for the compulsory microchipping of all dogs and puppies sold or homed by licensed breeders, to improve traceability.

A new Dog Control Bill designed to tackle irresponsible dog owners – rather than the breed – has successfully passed its second stage in the House of Lords today. Liberal Democrat Peer Rupert Redesdale outlined before the Lords his intention to introduce major changes to current dangerous dog legislation, which is widely considered to be one of the most ineffective pieces of government legislation ever brought into force. These changes include:

• More emphasis on the owner’s responsibilities  
• Legislation will no longer be breed specific
• Attacks which take place on private property would also become a criminal offence.