The Independent

Do dogs actually mind being painted, even with non-toxic dyes?

Say no to doggy hair dye (because they can't bow wow out)

25 May 2012 12:00 AM

I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted a neon pink dog walking along a road with its owner near my house this weekend. I did a double take – then later heard via Twitter that the pink pooch had been spotted elsewhere in the capital. There are a number of non-toxic doggy dyes available online, but I can't believe any canine enjoys being painted. Plus, the only purpose it serves is as a statement about the owner (that they're a cruel wally).

Trending: The shaggy-haired beauty Pudsey who's won the heart of Simon Cowell

08 May 2012 12:00 AM

"I've had a lot of dogs in my life," deadpanned Simon Cowell on Sunday night's Britain's Got Talent, "but never one like this." The mutt in question was Pudsey, the shaggy crossbreed dance partner of 16-year-old Ashleigh Butler.

While eight in 10 consumers have changed their grocery shopping habits to save money, new research shows only one in 10 pet owners have cut back on what they spend on their animals

Pampered pets UK!

06 May 2012 12:00 AM

Owners would rather spend less on themselves than let their cats go without

Video: 500 caged dogs saved in China

27 April 2012 10:37 AM

Animal lovers in China helped rescue over 500 caged dogs.

Huge rise in cruelty convictions pushing RSPCA to 'breaking point'

24 April 2012 07:23 AM

A huge rise in the number of pet owners convicted of animal cruelty is pushing the RSPCA to “breaking point”, the charity said.

Dog owners face microchip costs

21 April 2012 09:34 AM

Millions of dog owners will have to pay for their pets to be fitted with a microchip, under plans set to be announced next week.

Dogs 'reflect owner's personality'

20 April 2012 08:13 AM

Dog owners are drawn to breeds that reflect their personalities, psychologists say.

Pets ban for couple who kept 56 dogs

20 April 2012 12:00 AM

A couple with five children who kept 56 large dogs in their four-bedroom house have been banned from keeping animals for eight years.

Pit bull terrier: The pit bull was bred as a dog to use in bull-baiting, a sport banned in the UK just before Queen Victoria ascended to the throne. Despite its ferocious nature, it is often considered friendly

Time to tame our four-legged fiends

17 April 2012 12:00 AM

The Dangerous Dogs Act was supposed to put a stop to the proliferation of aggressive 'devil' breeds on British streets. Instead, the problem posed by four-legged fiends is worse than ever. Alan Selby and Kevin Rawlinson investigate