Wild Thang is sixth time lucky, crowned World’s Ugliest Dog

Wild Thang, an eight-year-old Pekinese, won this year’s World’s Ugliest Dog competition, the BBC reported. The dog from Coos Bay, Oregon, had entered five previous versions of the competition, but this is his first win. Wild Thang’s look stems from the attack of canine distemper he suffered when he was just 10 weeks old. While the pup survived the disease that can often be fatal, it prevented the growth of his teeth, because of which...

From shelter to stardom, Giuseppe’s story shines light on animal adoption

Imagine going to a job interview, or on a first date, smelly and covered in dirt. That’s what it is like for millions of shelter pets across the world that are waiting to get adopted. Giuseppe’s arrival at Española Humane in Espanola, New Mexico, USA, started out as a heartbreaking case of neglect, but ended as a testament to second chances. Five pounds of matted fur covered up a host of health issues and rendered...

Cockroaches and lizards as therapy animals? Apparently, it works

The use of animals as therapy partners to help people recover from various physical and mental illnesses is not a new concept. What might be unusual is the use of insects and reptiles. We are not referring to butterflies and turtles here, but others in their genera that usually tend to make people jump in fright or disgust. Sure, El Indio (Gian Maria Volonte) in Sergio Leone’s classic For a Few Dollars More (1965) used...

5 tips to set up a safe, cozy home for your cats and dogs

As much as you love your pets and work hard to make them part of the family, they are also a big responsibility. Part of that responsibility includes setting up your home so that it’s equal parts stylish (for you) and functional (for Tara, Browny and Bittu). Show your furry friends a little love, beyond the walks and snuggles, by making your home more pet-friendly. Set Up Their Space Near an Entry: It’s common for...

U.S. allows tiny Makah tribe to hunt limited number of gray whales off Washington

The Makah tribe in Washington state in northwestern USA has received federal approval to hunt a limited number of Eastern North Pacific gray whales off the state’s coast, according to reports on science news website phys.org and news portal dnyuz.com. The tribe, with only about 3,000 members, will be allowed to harvest up to 25 whales over the next decade, the reports said. The decision by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to allow a...

AI & ML could be the saviours of lab rats, dogs, and monkeys

For a long time, the practice of testing new products, particularly pharmaceutical drugs, on certain species of animals to determine safety of use in humans has been opposed by animal lovers. Help may finally be at hand, with artificial intelligence and machine learning systems offering a way out, according to a BBC report. Testing of new products on animals is one of the dark realities of scientific research. The testing has continued though in some...

First California Adopt-a-Pet Day finds homes for 3,609 pets, 50% more than planned

The California Animal Welfare Association, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals today announced the results of the first-ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day, with 3,609 pets adopted into loving homes on June 1. The day-long event included more than 170 animal welfare organizations across the state working collaboratively to exceed the original goal of finding homes for 2,024 pets. The ASPCA...

Hitesh Swali, straight-talking vet who believes in keeping it simple

There is no surprise when one meets a veterinarian who says he, or increasingly she, loves animals. Indeed, most people tend to think a veterinarian must necessarily love animals. But Hitesh Swali, well-known practitioner in Bombay’s western suburbs, is not that veterinarian. Dr Swali is a fan of Dr Asthana aka Maamu, the immensely popular character from Rajkumar Hirani’s superhit directorial debut film Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003). Like Dr Asthana, he believes doctors must be...

Global aquaculture market seen almost doubling to Rs48 lakh crore by 2035

The aquaculture market, which was valued at $311.1 billion, or Rs25,98,000 crore, in 2023, is expected to reach $573.7 billion, or Rs47,90,000 crore, by 2035, growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 5.2%, according to a new report from Allied Market Research. The Asia-Pacific region holds the highest market share, accounting for more than two-thirds of global aquaculture market revenue, and is expected to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, the report...

Getting ready to welcome your new pet dog home

Bringing a dog into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth transition for you as well as your new friend. From selecting the right dog to setting up your home and establishing routines, here is a guide to help you. Choosing the Right Dog The first step is selecting the animal that fits your lifestyle, living situation, and personality. Here are some factors to consider:...