The Latest Breaking News from Justine Shotton

Sad snakes and geckos with bone disease – we vets see the dark side of the UK’s exotic pet boom

Thinking of purchasing a non-traditional pet? Don’t – unless you’re truly prepared to meet all its complex needs, says Justine Shotton

The Guardian - UK · Jul 3, 2023

Alarm as 2,500 private owners keep elephants, tigers and lemurs as pets

As exotic pet ownership soars, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is urging people to reconsider their choices, fearing many owners buy them on a whim and then struggle to look after the animals properly

Daily Mirror · Feb 19, 2023

Britons urged not to buy exotic pets ‘on a whim’ amid welfare concerns

British Veterinary Association calls for tougher rules as vets report many pets do not have their basic needs met

The Guardian - UK · Feb 16, 2023

UK vets' urgent warning after first dog-to-human case of serious disease

A woman was hospitalised after a case of Brucella canis

Wales Online · Aug 25, 2022

Vet issues stark warning to all dog owners as temperatures push towards 40C

The British Veterinary Association is urging dog owners to keep their dogs cool throughout the UK's heatwave - and to avoid walking them or leaving them outside in the middle of the day

Daily Mirror · Jul 18, 2022

Boom in UK dog fertility clinics raises welfare and ethics concerns

Experts worry about financial incentives for unnatural breeding methods without regulation

The Guardian - UK · Jun 24, 2022

Dog owners issued blue-green algae advice as vets say it can cause 'rapid death'

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) says animals can be exposed even if they don't go in water.

Daily Record · May 11, 2022

‘People say they want me arrested’: the owners putting their pets on vegan diets

The vegan pet food industry is now worth billions. But can plant-based meals really meet a dog or cat’s nutritional needs?

The Guardian - UK · May 11, 2022

Jack Russell terriers have the longest lifespan among pet dogs, study suggests

Researchers found that flat-faced dogs like pugs and French bulldogs had the shortest life expectancy.

The Independent UK · Apr 28, 2022

Mystery dog illness at beaches as expert 'certain' on cause after crabs die

The mystery illness is said to cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pooches, with some reports that it has even been fatal.

Daily Record · Jan 24, 2022