I think we are all agreed that something needs to be done about the increasing number of dog attacks on children and visitors such as tradesmen to private property.  The question is: what is the best way that protects both the visitor and the householder's rights?  Ministers want to close a loophole in the law that makes it difficult to proosecute an owner when the dog attacks somebody on private property but the proposals mean that an owner could be prosecuted if a burglar enters and is attacked while they are out.  If a trespasser is on private land, surely it is absurd to crimininalise the owner if that trespasser is injured by the dog?  Along with many others, such as the Dogs Trust and the police, I believe that dog owners should only face prosecution if the victim is lawfully present and is attacked by their dog.

Regular readers of my blog know that I am an ardent lover of flat coated retrievers, especially working ones - so I was delighted to learn that the breed had taken the top trophy in the Gamekeeping classes run by BASC at Crufts this year.  Seven year old CH Blacktoft Stray Cat Strut, known as Keeper, won the Northesk memorial trophy. 

Those of you who are familiar with the breed will know that far too many die at an early age from cancer: data carried out by Cambridge University shows that 42% of flat coats die from confirmed tumours at an average age of nine.  The vet school is keen to continue to monitor the health of the breed and urges bereaved owners to help their research by visiting www.flacoated-retriever-society.org, clicking on health, then clicking on more health and following the link to the cause of death register.  Information will be collected in the strictest confidence but may help shed light on new or emerging problems for flatcoats.

Again, some of you will know that I was hoping for my third flat coat puppy in July.  Sadly, a recent scan has shown no puppies inside the bitch but I shall bide my time in the firm belief that the best things in life are always worth waiting for!

It's coming up to that time of the year again: holidays!  Those who are organised will have booked many months ago; others will perhaps be searching for last minute bargains.  But what about the dog?  If you are planning on taking him to the continent for the first time, do check that all your paperwork is in order - and spare a thought for the heat.  UK dogs are not used to Mediterranean sun!  Or perhaps you are holidaying in the UK and taking  the dog with you - in which case, you need to check just how welcome he will be.  For example, in most of the Lake District he will need to be on a lead.

But for some dogs, a holiday involves a spell in the kennels while others may stay in their own homes accompanied by a paid sitter.  Both of these last two options can be expensive and a recent survey suggested that an increasing number of people are forgoing a holiday because of the cost of dog care.  A small percentage admitted that they had not left the UK on holiday for at least five years - because of their dog(s), either because of the cost or because they felt guilty at leaving them.