Saddle up your horse - but take care of it too

  Despite the rising cost of living, it seems that we Brits still have an unstoppable love affair with horses - across all classes and social-economic groups. In fact there are 50% more people riding now than in 1999, but sadly, the number of horse welfare concerns investigated by the charity World Horse Welfare are soaring at an even faster rate - which is why the charity is keen to ensure that people are aware of the costs and responsibilities involved before they decide to buy a horse.

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Who will win this year's "Feline Oscars"?

  For millions of the UK's cat lovers, the forthcoming Rescue Cat Awards 2008 on Friday 1st August will be as significant as the European Cup or Wimbledon. For what has been dubbed the "Feline Oscars", our little furry friends and their owners will be battling it out for one of the top titles in the playing-field of real-life survival, bravery, best friend and heroism.

The card that proves that a dog really is for life ...

  The Dogs Trust has launched the 'Canine Care Card scheme', a completely free service that gives you peace of mind - knowing that your dog would be looked after in the event of your death.

Drop in - and raise money for pets

 Freefalling at a rate of 120mph, the ground hurtles towards you before a fully-qualified instructor pulls the cord of the parachute at just the right moment to guide you back down to earth safe and sound ...

Protect your cat from poisonous plants this Spring

  With Spring now well on its way our favourite flowers will soon be in bloom - but a large number of popular plants and flowers are poisonous to animals and might pose a serious health risk.

Easter Egg warning to dog owners

 Easter is synonymous with large amounts of chocolate, nicely wrapped up in the shiny, foil covered eggs, making it attractive not only to us humans, but also to dogs, and tempting though it is to share a little bit of chocolate with your pooch, even just a small piece of chocolate can be enough to kill a dog.

Make your cuppas count for Britain's needy pets

  The Blue Cross pet charity is encouraging tea drinkers to sit down and sup up in aid of a new challenge for Britain's needy pets.

Has your dog got the waggiest tail?

  You don't have to have a pedigree dog to be part of the Companion Dog Club - and you can pick up prizes for having the pet with the waggiest tail or the best fancy dress.

On the prowl for the feline Oscars

  The search is on for the UK’s favourite feline as Cats Protection launches its prestigious Rescue Cat Awards 2008 – and organisers are on the prowl for nominations.

Pensioners defend their pigeons - and a piece of history

A group of pensioners has vowed to save their Grade II-listed pigeon loft which is being threatened with demolition by developers - and they are prepared to hold a vigil against bailiffs on New Year's Day.

Help avert arthritis in your pet this Christmas

 With the festive season upon us, the PDSA is calling for pet owners to avoid over-feeding their animals - as obesity is one of the main contributory factors in making the debilitating condition even worse.

Walkies! Is your dog walking route the nation's best?

 Actor and former Blue Peter presenter Tim Vincent and his dog Ruby have launched a nationwide search to find the best dog walks across the country. Called the "Winalot Roasts Walkies Campaign" all dog owners are invited to put their dog-walking route on the map - and nominate their favourite walk.

 

Baby red squirrels in the pink!

 Three tiny, blind, newly-born red squirrels were given a second lease of life when they were rescued by Pauline Kerr from Coldingham in Scotland when forestry works accidentally chopped down the tree they were living in - and their mother went missing.

Training could save your dog’s life

  Training your dog to understand basic commands could save both yours and your dog's life, warns leading veterinary charity, PDSA.

Hunt is on for Britain's oldest "pet pensioner"

 If your pooch, moggie or pet canary is drawing the animal equivalent of an old age pension then the PDSA want to hear from you. They're searching for the country's oldest animals.