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TV channel for dogs launched
The television shows have been created to cater to dogs' audiovisual needs.
DOGTV hopes to alleviate separation anxiety stress.

A new television channel made especially for dogs has launched in the UK this month.

DOGTV, available via subscription, features shows designed specifically for dogs, tailored to dogs' vision and hearing, the colours have been made easier for dogs to see, and the camera angles align more to a dog's line of vision.

The channel features three different kinds of shows for dogs, stimulation, relaxation and exposure. Stimulation shows programmes with playful animated sequences, dogs, and other animals to prevent boredom, while relaxation features programmes with calming scenes and soothing noises. 

Exposure shows programmes which are edited with limited exposure to sounds that can cause some dogs anxiety – such as car noises and door bells. These programmes allow for safe exposure to these sounds, making them less frightening in real life. 

DOGTV's chief scientist, Professor Nicholas Dodman said of the channel: “DOGTV is an excellent resource for dog owners to help alleviate some of the behavioural problems that can arise when dogs are left alone. 

“With numbers of dog owners rising over the pandemic, and owners now returning to work, DOGTV helps canines to feel relaxed and comforted until their owners return home”. 

Programmes for dogs are not the only thing available on DOGTV, as the channel also features some television shows for dog owners to watch as well! This content includes shows such as 'Dogstar', which features dogs who watch DOGTV, 'The Dog Chef' – which demonstrates simple recipes owners can make for their dogs, and 'Dogs A-Z'. which features tips on understanding dogs. 

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.