THE scale of pet homelessness has risen to worrying new heights in the last five years. The data highlights a growing number of pets being surrendered, as the cost-of-living crisis pushes more UK families to make painful choices. Now, to help tackle the growing issue, Blue Cross has launched its Christmas appeal.

A STUDY has revealed for the first time the extent of the devastating impact of plastic pollution on livestock, humans and the wider environment on the Kenyan island of Lamu. The study was carried out by members of the Revolution Plastics Institute at The University of Portsmouth in collaboration with The Donkey Sanctuary, The Flop Flopi Project and the Kenyan Marine and Fisheries Research Institute.

THE owner of Sausage Dog Box has launched a new company called BreedFit by Surgery Suit, which creates post op recovery wear and compatible absorbent pads for pets in tailored breed-specific sizing. The innovative GOTS-certified organic cotton and OEKO-TEX Bamboo recovery garments are non-toxic and hypoallergenic to cater for pets with sensitive skin.

PET Blood Bank UK has issued an urgent appeal for dogs across the country to donate blood as supplies drop to critically low levels. The charity needs to collect 800 units before Christmas to ensure no dog is left without lifesaving blood this winter. With the colder and busier period of the year settling in, Pet Blood Bank has seen a sharp drop in appointments and an 18% fall in new donor registrations.

A PET food company backed by investors on Dragon’s Den has appointed a new canine behaviourist to help support dog owners and their anxious pets. Nico Joiner has joined the team at Omni Pet, which produces allergy-friendly, healthy food. He now leads the firm’s free behaviour consultation service, which offers tailored, one-to-one guidance to help overcome challenges such as separation anxiety, noise reactivity, travel stress, and fear of fireworks.