Readers’ Letters: Watch out for ‘dognappers’
Nearly every week, reports of the kidnapping of dogs – from back gardens, from their homes, or even while they’re out for a walk – hit the headlines.
Animals
Pebble-pinching penguins live-streamed online as breeding season begins
Pebble-pinching penguins have been captured on camera at Edinburgh Zoo building nests at the start of breeding season.
Lungs like noise-cancelling headphones help frogs hear mates, study shows
How does a frog listen out for mates among all the croaking from other species? They use their lungs to filter noises, according to new research.
Bats equipped with mini computers reveal echo hunting techniques
Bats are able to fine-tune minute prey echo sounds similar to a whisper when hunting, according to new research.
Diet of early lizards and snakes ‘more varied than previously thought’
The diets of early lizards and snakes may have been more varied and advanced than previously believed, according to new research looking at their prehistoric teeth.
Faking death to fool predators like ‘a conjuring trick’ – study
Animals have long been observed faking death in a desperate attempt to avoid predators but scientists say the length of time is kept long but unpredictable.
Meerkats react positively to return of zoo visitors after lockdown – study
Meerkats that may be used to interacting with zoo visitors reacted positively but cautiously to the sudden return of people after lockdown, a new study suggests.
Aberdeen man admits indecent images of children charge, and possessing extreme pornography involving animals
A man has admitted a charge relating to indecent pictures of children, as well as possessing extreme pornographic images involving humans and animals.
UK’s ‘loneliest degu’ finally finds love after series of rejections
The UK’s “loneliest degu” has finally found love after facing a series of rejections from fellow rodents.
MSP demands ‘real action’ to reduce dog attack numbers
An SNP backbencher has challenged the Scottish Government to take “real action” to tackle the number of dog attacks.
Wallaby bounces around Australian hospital in flying visit
A curious wallaby surprised a medical worker when it went on a flying tour of an Australian hospital on Australia Day.
Keepers celebrate success of pancake tortoise breeding programme
Keepers at Longleat are celebrating the success of their pancake tortoise breeding programme.
Endangered gibbons find new home at Sarajevo Zoo
Sarajevo Zoo has welcomed its first pair of golden-cheeked gibbons, joining the family of European menageries that are trying to save the endangered small apes from extinction.
Home Secretary pledges to ‘go after’ pet thieves
The Home Secretary has pledged to look at measures to tackle “absolutely shocking” pet thefts and to “go after” the thieves who are profiting from the crime.
Man runs 2,280-mile virtual Route 66 to raise money for Cats Protection
A Taunton man will run the equivalent of America’s Route 66, completing 2,280 miles around his home town, to raise funds for an animal welfare charity.
Meaty food and play reduce hunting by cats – study
The trick to keeping your pet cats from bringing in other animals is to play with them daily and give them meat-rich food, a new study suggests.
Trio of North American river otter pups born at zoo
Zoo Miami is celebrating the birth of three North American river otter pups.
Joy as lost cat rescued after spending hours in freezing cold conditions
A group of “true heroes” has been praised for their efforts to save a cat which spent the night stuck in a tree in freezing conditions.
Horse ‘recovering well’ after getting stuck up to neck in deep swamp
The RSPCA has said a horse is “recovering well” after getting stuck up to her neck in a deep swamp in North Wales.
Organised criminals turning to pet theft amid boom in demand for puppies
Organised criminals are turning to dog theft amid a rise in demand for puppies during lockdown, police have warned.
Parrot hatches on Facebook Live to audience of millions
A parrot was watched by millions on a livestream as it hatched out of its egg.
Bear cubs roll around in the snow after tearing into heart-shaped pinatas
Two bear cubs happily rolled about in the snow as they tucked into special Valentine’s Day treats – including marshmallows.
People posing as Scottish SPCA inspectors using fake vans to try to steal pets
The Scottish SPCA is warning over bogus inspectors using fake work vans to try to steal pets.
Projections on London landmarks thank dogs for lockdown companionship
Projections on to several London landmarks aim to pay tribute to dogs for providing lockdown companionship.
Turkish man strikes up 37-year friendship with swan
An unusual friendship between a Turkish man and a swan he rescued has endured for decades.
Arvy the pelican recovering after rescue from icy river
A pelican that got blown off course in the US and was rescued in chilly Connecticut has been flown to Florida, where he is recovering from pneumonia and frostbite.
App-y animals: Farmers use smartphones to keep track of livestock emotions
Farmers are turning to technology to keep track of their livestock’s emotional state in a bid to improve animal welfare standards.
Emotional reunion for dog and owner after house fire
A dog owner was reduced to tears as he was reunited with his pet after a house fire.
Scottish SPCA offers advice for looking after furry and not-so-furry friends in winter
Animal welfare charity the Scottish SPCA has dished out advice on how humans can make life a little easier for the wild animals around us over the chilly winter months.
Scottish SPCA warning as bogus inspectors attempt to remove animals
The Scottish SPCA has issued a warning after reports of bogus inspectors trying to remove animals from properties.