Problem: Supply of dogs is outweighing demand in the UK.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home put down about one third of the dogs it took in during 2009 – a total of 2,815 animals, of which 1,931 were reported to be healthy. Many believe animal rescue centres are being left to deal with a problem of supply outweighing demand and irresponsible breeders and owners are to blame. As a result, the RSPCA now only rescues dogs genuinely at risk of cruelty. The charity’s Tim Wass said: “Last year, 2009, we killed 533 healthy dogs. You’ll notice I used the word ‘kill’ there, rather than ‘put to sleep’ or ‘humanely euthanise’. There’s been enough euphemism; we really need to tell it how it is. The buck has to stop somewhere, and too often it is the needle in the hands of an RSPCA officer, and that has got to be wrong.”
Battersea and the RSPCA believe a registration or licence scheme is the answer, so responsibility will lie with the owner. Other groups, such as the Kennel Club, are concerned this will just end up taxing good owners while irresponsible ones will continue to flout the law. We’re interested to know your thoughts on this, click below to comment.

The October issue of Dogs Monthly goes on sale 2 September. Inside you’ll find…

• Teaching heel 14 steps to success
• Firework fear? Expert tips and advice inside
• Inflammatory bowel disease All about the condition and treatments available  
• Have a go at working trials a doggy sport which tests obedience, agility and scenting
• Scoop that poop! The possible reasons why people don’t pick up their dog’s mess
• A-Z of canine diseases This month we look at zoonoses and zinc deficiency
• Westies All about this fun and popular little dog
• Voice control Teach your dog to stop barking and ’speak’ on command
• Pet project How to make a waterproof coat for your dog
• K9 Queries All answered by experts in their field on: care, health, training, legal, insurance, grooming, breeding & puppy care, behaviour, feeding and veterinary
• “Our dogs are lifesavers” Dogs trained to detect health problems 
• PLUS Many more entertaining and informative articles on all things dog!

See The Knights of the Damned at the shows.

We have 8 sets of family tickets (2 adults & up to 3 children) up for grabs to the Robin Hood Game & Country Shows this October. Held at Suffolk Trinity Park Showground (9 & 10 October) or Newark & Notts Showground (16 & 17 October), with over 200 trade stands and lots of canine activities including agility and Gun Dog Scurry, this is the show for everyone who follows country pursuits – and is the perfect day out for your dog and all the family! Click here to enter. Please write ‘Robin Hood’ in the subject field and state which show you want to go to. For more info & tickets visit  www.aztecevents.co.uk or tel. 01702 549622.

If only we all bagged & binned

The Kennel Club has renewed its plea for owners to pick up after their dogs, following reports of a child contracting toxocariasis in a children’s play area in the Manchester area. Doctors are fighting to save toddler Amiee Langdon’s left eye, after she fell into dog mess in a sign-posted dog exclusion zone. There are fears that her sight will be permanently damaged as a result of this rare infection.

CaniX is sweeping the nation!

This September East London is hosting a whole new kind of dog race. Hackney Marshes sees the London debut of CaniX on 11 September. It’s expected that over 100 participants with dogs of all sizes will take part in the 5k race around the Marshes. Anyone can take part, and there are various events to suit all. For more info visit http://tiny.cc/0rmu2