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A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Jeff Nieboer pushes Charlie through the breakers during the World Dog Surfing Championships (Eakin Howard/AP)</p>

world

Canines hit the waves as thousands attend surfing competition for dogs

Labs, terriers and spaniels were among dozens of dogs riding the surf at Pacifica State Beach, about 14 miles south of the city, in the annual World Dog Surfing Championships.

<p>Niall Harbison: "In the space of just two and half years, we have amazingly reached 90-95% coverage of dogs sterilised here on the island of Koh Samui... we’ve stopped a vast amount of unwanted, unloved and uncared lives being brought into this world."</p>

outdoors

Neglected and mistreated 'street dogs' around the world.... and the man working to save them

<p>Dogs must be kept on a lead while in the park — sign at Connemara National Park. Picture: Anja Murray</p>

outdoors

Anja Murray: Off-leash dogs can cause havoc with wild birds

Picking up dog poop

outdoors

Parks and playgrounds are a hotspot for dangerous dog parasite

VETINARY SPECIALISTS

news

Clinic looks for doggie blood donors as it prepares to install Ireland's first animal dialysis machine

waiting

outdoors

Carbon pawprint of pets: Are our dogs and cats secret climate culprits?

Dog French Bulldog / Bouledogue Francais three adults different colors

Dogs can better understand you if you slow down your speech, study finds

New research suggests dogs’ comprehension of human speech relies on a slower tempo

Tue, 01 Oct, 2024

‘Gifted’ dogs can remember names of toys for at least two years, study shows

‘Gifted’ dogs can remember names of toys for at least two years, study shows

The hope is that the talented dogs could help scientists understand more about how animals other than humans retain their memories

Sat, 14 Sep, 2024

Thousands of Turks protest against controversial law to remove stray dogs

Thousands of Turks protest against controversial law to remove stray dogs

Thousands of demonstrators have gathered in Istanbul to protest against recent legislation that critics say is leading to the killing of stray dogs across Turkey.

Mon, 02 Sep, 2024

Turkish assembly clears way for ‘massacre law’ to round up stray dogs

Turkish assembly clears way for ‘massacre law’ to round up stray dogs

Politicians have approved a new law aimed at removing millions of stray dogs from Turkey’s streets that animal lovers fear will lead to many of the dogs being killed or ending up in overcrowded shelters.

Tue, 30 Jul, 2024

Mass cull fears as bill to regulate Turkey’s stray dog population approved

Mass cull fears as bill to regulate Turkey’s stray dog population approved

A Turkish parliamentary commission has approved a bill aimed at regulating the country’s large stray dog population, a move that has raised concerns among animal rights advocates who fear many of the dogs would be killed or end up in neglected and ...

Wed, 24 Jul, 2024

Smell of human stress affects dogs’ emotions, study finds

Smell of human stress affects dogs’ emotions, study finds

University of Bristol-led researchers suggest the findings are important for dogs in kennels and when the animals are being trained for roles such as assistance dogs

Mon, 22 Jul, 2024

Cork woman who kept dogs in 'appalling conditions' banned from owning animals

Cork woman who kept dogs in 'appalling conditions' banned from owning animals

She refused to surrender some animals to the ISPCA, so they had to be kept in boarding kennels at a cost €56,000

Mon, 22 Jul, 2024

Howling puppy

Richard Collins: Using AI to interpret dog barks

Researchers are exploring the possibilities of AI to more accurately identify whether a bark conveys playfulness or aggression

Thu, 20 Jun, 2024

ULSTER Puppies

Pairing shelter dogs together ‘could cut stress and help them find homes sooner’

The findings offer one possible solution for animal shelters struggling with limited space and long waits for dogs needing adoption, researchers say

Wed, 12 Jun, 2024

Paralysed dog walks again with pioneering 3D-printed spine

Paralysed dog walks again with pioneering 3D-printed spine

Bespoke 3D-printed spinal screws and special surgical cement helped stabilise Arthur the Cockapoo's spine

Thu, 06 Jun, 2024

Watch: Shep the border collie finds forever home after over 2,000 days in care at Dogs Trust

Watch: Shep the border collie finds forever home after over 2,000 days in care at Dogs Trust

The border collie was one of the dog welfare charity's longest residents

Mon, 27 May, 2024

dog worrying sheep

Remote-controlled shock collars for cats and dogs to be banned

Owners who currently use these collars will be able to register for an exemption for their dog with the department

Tue, 07 May, 2024

Close up of a cute funny jack russel terrier in the arms of a female veterinarian doctor. Healthy pets, profession concept

Quality time with dogs can reduce stress and anxiety

Any interaction — grooming, feeding, or playing — generates electrical activity in the brain associated with relaxation, concentration, creativity, and attention

Wed, 13 Mar, 2024

West Cork couple complete mission to save dogs abandoned on islands off Hong Kong

West Cork couple complete mission to save dogs abandoned on islands off Hong Kong

A kayaking trip led to an extraordinary effort to neuter and rehome pets in a story that has parallels with the Wes Anderson movie 'Isle of Dogs'

Mon, 04 Mar, 2024

Greyhound Races at Kilcohan Park

Champion greyhound being offered for stud services in China

Gardaí are investigating how a former British sprinter of the year ended up being offered for stud in the Far East

Mon, 19 Feb, 2024

Donal Hickey: Do e-collars work — and are they cruel?

Donal Hickey: Do e-collars work — and are they cruel?

The deadline for public consultation on e-collars is February 16

Thu, 08 Feb, 2024

Dog running in the field

Council had to call gardaí after man pretended to be dog warden and handed out fines

Rogue warden was pretending to be an official from South Dublin County Council and was defrauding owners who were letting their dogs off the leash in a public park

Mon, 05 Feb, 2024

Which dog breed is expected to live the longest?

Which dog breed is expected to live the longest?

Flat-faced dogs have '40% higher risk of shorter lives than other breeds'

Thu, 01 Feb, 2024

Royal visit to Kent

ITV’s For The Love Of Dogs to return with new host after Paul O’Grady’s death

O’Grady, who died last March, became an ambassador for the shelter in 2012 after the success of the award-winning programme.

Tue, 30 Jan, 2024

Girl and the dog resting on the grass

Study finds link between having a dog and girls’ physical activity

The researchers say the study indicates that having a dog in the family could help promote healthy movement behaviour.

Tue, 30 Jan, 2024

South Korean parliament endorses landmark legislation banning dog meat industry

South Korean parliament endorses landmark legislation banning dog meat industry

South Korea’s parliament has endorsed landmark legislation outlawing the country’s dwindling dog meat industry. Public calls for the ban have grown sharply amid animal rights campaigns and worries about the country’s international image.

Tue, 09 Jan, 2024

Polish animal shelter gets warm response to plea to house dogs during cold snap

Polish animal shelter gets warm response to plea to house dogs during cold snap

An animal shelter in Poland which sent out an urgent appeal to people to adopt or temporarily shelter some of its dogs during a dangerous cold spell received a warm response.

Sun, 07 Jan, 2024

Donal Hickey: Should dogs be allowed off-leash at beaches or in parks with deer?

Donal Hickey: Should dogs be allowed off-leash at beaches or in parks with deer?

It's lovely to get out for a blast of fresh air at a beach or national park but don't let your dog cause havoc to local wildlife

Sat, 30 Dec, 2023

Dogs arrive in style to see Santa in Kerry

Dogs arrive in style to see Santa in Kerry

Animal shelter benefits from Mid Kerry Veterinary Centre fundraiser

Thu, 21 Dec, 2023

Spring weather 21st Apr 2020

Scientists a step closer to finding out why some dogs are ‘gifted word learners’

Some “gifted” dogs have a unique ability to learn the names of hundreds of different toys, and scientists believe they are a step closer to finding out why.

Thu, 14 Dec, 2023

Dramatic image of a small territorial chihuahua dog defending his ground .

Pete the Vet: Tackling bad behaviour and biting in dogs

Many people get it wrong about dogs and some methods touted by so-called professionals can do more harm than good

Thu, 05 Oct, 2023

'Unprecedented number' of dogs being abandoned and taken into shelters

'Unprecedented number' of dogs being abandoned and taken into shelters

The ISPCA says it rescued some 724 dogs between January and the end of August this year

Wed, 04 Oct, 2023

A woodcock sits in the snow.

Letters to the Editor: Hunters hard done by

Below are four responses to ‘’ (Donal Hickey, September 21): Regarding your article on 21 September, ‘Four birds added to hunt ban list’, the statement that hunters throw away shot game is untrue.

Tue, 26 Sep, 2023

Barking dog

Sarah Harte: Rather than ban certain breeds, can people just control their dogs?

Yes, dogs can be life-enhancing in a myriad of ways. They just need responsible owners with a modicum of cop-on and consideration for others

Wed, 20 Sep, 2023

PSNI stock

Reward for information offered after dogs found dead in Co Tyrone lake

Two German Shepherd dogs were tied together and weighed down with a dumbbell in a lough near Aughnacloy on Friday evening

Mon, 07 Aug, 2023

Police Stock

Police appeal after two dogs found dead in Co Tyrone lake

The dogs had been found with a weight attached to them in the lake in the Carricklongfield Road area of Aughnacloy

Sat, 05 Aug, 2023

Number of dogs entering pounds jumps as does number being euthanised

Number of dogs entering pounds jumps as does number being euthanised

Cork county saw the highest number of dogs being euthanised, with 66, followed by Co Wexford with 51, Galway county with 28 and Co Clare with 24

Fri, 04 Aug, 2023

Bunratty Castle clarifies whereabouts of wolfhounds Méabh and Saoirse

Bunratty Castle clarifies whereabouts of wolfhounds Méabh and Saoirse

Bunratty Castle, in response to enquiries from members of the public, revealed Méabh was put down because she was terminally ill, while Saoirse was rehomed

Thu, 03 Aug, 2023

Dangerous Dogs Act

Children may learn to identify dog aggression with age and experience – study

In a study of children and adults, being older and having had a pet dog were associated with better ability to recognise dog emotions from facial expressions

Wed, 26 Jul, 2023

Happy dog sits near owner using laptop and watches him work

Pete the Vet: Our new understanding of animal consciousness

All animals — pets, horses, farm livestock and others — must be allowed to enjoy the 'five freedoms': freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, or disease; freedom to express normal behaviour (including having a social life); and freedom from fear and distress

Sat, 17 Jun, 2023

Young woman with Beagle dog in the park

Pete the Vet: I let my dog off the lead in a park near our house — is this okay?

The Irish Examiner's resident animal expert answers reader questions — plus, how to get in touch with pet peeves of your own

Sat, 10 Jun, 2023

South Korean dog farmers protest after first lady’s comments on eating meat

South Korean dog farmers protest after first lady’s comments on eating meat

Dozens of dog farmers in South Korea have staged a rally to criticise the country’s first lady over her reported comments supporting a possible ban on dog meat consumption.

Tue, 25 Apr, 2023

Dogs understand commands better when asked in a gentler voice, report finds

Dogs understand commands better when asked in a gentler voice, report finds

Expert dog behaviourist and trainer Suzi Walsh said she is not surprised with these results, which she has implemented into her daily work

Thu, 20 Apr, 2023

Young pit bull terrier dog in harness

Irish Examiner View: Stringent enforcement needed on new dog laws

Earlier this week Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue brought proposals to the Cabinet on this matter which look promising

Thu, 30 Mar, 2023

Woman suing pet shop denies tripping over her own dog

Woman suing pet shop denies tripping over her own dog

The owners of the Petzone store in Coolock deny negligence after woman claimed she tripped on a lip at the pet shop's door

Wed, 29 Mar, 2023

Alison O'Connor: Down from my doggy pulpit with a lesson in humility

Down from my doggy pulpit as Badger gives me lesson in humility

You think you know it all. I certainly did. I wasn’t slow to share my “expertise” in this column, or to criticise others for how they might have gone about their doggy business.

Fri, 17 Mar, 2023

Alison O'Connor: Down from my doggy pulpit with a lesson in humility

Alison O'Connor: Down from my doggy pulpit with a lesson in humility

I used to feel like a canine oracle — I am now far more humble (and exhausted)

Fri, 17 Mar, 2023

Best Friends

Having a pet dog or cat is associated with poor sleep quality

Scientists found that having a dog is associated with greater odds of having a sleep disorder, while cat owners have a higher chance of having leg jerks, also known as restless leg syndrome, according to scientists

Thu, 16 Mar, 2023

Looking down at three cats eating from a bowl

Pete the Vet: Managing pet temperaments, food dilemmas, pain issues, and more

Pete the Vet offers expert advice to cat and dog owners

Sat, 04 Mar, 2023