Animals

Nov. 2 (UPI) — A rhesus monkey missing in rural Mississippi was found Sunday, according to authorities searching for the last few primates that escaped from a crashed truck hauling nearly two dozen of them nearly a week ago.

The monkey was found by a homeowner on their property in Heidelberg, located about 87 miles southeast of Jackson, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department said in a brief statement posted to its Facebook account.

The animal is now in the possession of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, according to the sheriff’s department, which added that it had no further details about the monkey at this time.

The search continues for two additional monkeys that escaped Tuesday, when a truck transporting 21 rhesus monkeys crashed along a rural stretch of Mississippi highway. Following the crash, the sheriff’s department said three monkeys were still missing.

Authorities initially stated the animals weighed 40 pounds and posed “potential health threats,” as they allegedly carried hepatitis C, herpes and COVID-19.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Department later recanted this statement, saying that the truck’s driver had stated the animals were infected with diseases, but the Tulane National Primate Research Center, which supplies monkeys to other research organizations, said the primates in question “are not infectious.”

Oct. 30 (UPI) — Los Angeles has toppled Chicago as America’s Rattiest City, according to exterminating company Orkin, which publishes a Top-50 list.

“With year-round warm weather, a booming culinary scene and dense neighborhoods that offer ample access to food and shelter, the City of Angels checks every box for rodent survival,” a company press release said.

“From bustling commercial corridors to hidden alleyways, Los Angeles’ signature blend of glam and grit creates a perfect storm for rodent activity.”

Chicago has held the top spot since Orkin created the annual list in 2015

The shift is most likely due to weather patterns, urban infrastructure and human behavior, the press release said.

“Rats and mice are more than a nuisance — they’re opportunists,” Ian Williams, Orkin entomologist, said in a statement. “If there’s food, warmth and a way in, they’ll find it. And once inside, their constant chewing and rapid reproduction can quickly turn a small issue into a large, expensive one.”

Rodents are known carriers of illnesses to humans, including Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, Lymphocytic Choreomeningitis, plague and typhus.

Orkin measures the number of calls to Orkin to eliminate rats to make the rankings.

The top 25 Rattiest Cities, according to Orkin are, in order, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Hartford, Conn., Washington, D.C., Detroit, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Denver, Cleveland, Baltimore and Boston.

Also, Indianapolis, Dallas, Milwaukee, Seattle, Atlanta, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Columbus, Tampa, Fla., Houston, San Diego and Grand Rapids, Mich.

AN ANIMAL charity has called out Katie Price with a brutal Halloween-themed costume and addressing what they deem the “grim fate” of pets in her care.

The shock seasonal dress-up attire, courtesy of PETA, comes against the backdrop of a petition designed at preventing the former glamour model from being a pet-mum, which has now reached more than 37,000 signatures.

It has also reared its head weeks after Katie, 47, welcomed a new puppy to her home.

Previously, the animal rights charity offered the mum of five a whopper £5,000 sum to stop her owning more animals – something which she rejected.

Now they have gone one step further to make their point, creating a £34.99 outfit mimicking KP.

It includes a mask resembling the I’m A Celeb star, a vest with the slogan Grim Reaper and a very eerie coffin filled with animals.

wrong step

Katie Price narrowly avoids stepping on her tiny new puppy

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To complete the spooky look, there’s a black and silver scythe included within the Grim Reaper for Pets get-up.

Talking of the significance of the October outfit, PETA Vice President for UK and Europe Mimi Bekhechi told MirrorOnline: “Too many animals have met a grim fate under Katie Price’s ‘guardianship.’

“This Halloween costume may be a joke – but the message is not: being responsible for lives and needs of animals who are entirely dependent on you is serious business.

“And anyone who doesn’t treat it as such needs to stick to stuffed toys.”

They added of the costume: “All proceeds support work to promote responsible animal guardianship, as well as spay/neuter surgeries to help fight the homeless-animal overpopulation crisis!”

Recently, Katie’s home life was thrown into chaos last month when her cat Doris had kittens, yet they became seriously unwell.

NEW POOCH

Earlier this month, Katie took to her Snapchat page to showcase her new tiny puppy cuddling on her shoulder as she told fans she was “so tired”.

In another slide, she spoke of her new family member purely to say: “And this little one just does not leave my side.

“I can’t wait for him to meet Rookie, he’s met all of the other animals.

“This is Rookie’s new little friend for when we go horse riding, walks, everything.”

Katie was recently slammed for allegedly putting black dog Rookie in danger as she headed on a horse ride.

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It came just weeks after she was called out by the animal charity over a “dangerous” move which saw her dog hanging out of her car window.

PET BACKLASH

A petition was previously created to stop Katie from owning animals amid concern for their welfare in her care.

It came about after a number of complaints from fans over how she handles the multiple animals she has owned over the years.

Over the years, a number of tragic incidents involving Katie’s pets have been revealed.

This includes her German Shepherd guard dog being killed after being hit by a vehicle on the A24, which was close to Katie’s East Sussex home.

It happened just seven months after another of Katie’s dogs, Sharon, was killed on the same road.

Katie’s horse was also killed on the A24, after it broke free from her field.

In 2020, her French Bulldog Rolo suffocated after being squashed underneath a chair.

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Katie also had to give away an out-of-control Alsatian, Bear, for attacking other animals.

A small segment of her furious followers have then quizzed “how are you allowed to keep animals?” as they voiced their anger.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 (UPI) — The Smithsonian museums and research centers, along with the National Zoo, closed to the public Sunday for the first time during the federal government shutdown and are likely to remain closed until Congress reaches an agreement over national funding.

Though the shutdown officially began Oct. 1, outside funds from donations and endowments allowed a brief extension. Now, its administrators said, the Smithsonian complex must cease public operations until a budget deal.

The closures affect what had been one of the most accessible forms of public education and sightseeing in the United States With 21 museums, 14 research centers and the National Zoo, the Smithsonian is the largest museum and research network in the world.

The absence of open museums cast a palpable gloom over the capital. Though the weekend brought rainy weather that may have suppressed tourism anyway, the lack of activity around the National Mall left the area unusually quiet.

Washington’s reputation as a destination for cultural visitors has long been tied to its museums, and their closure underscores how dependent the city is on federal operations and how vulnerable that model becomes in shutdowns.

Moreover, many district residents work at various Smithsonian complexes, and the shutdown means a majority of Smithsonian staff members have been furloughed. Some essential operations, like at the National Zoo, must continue for animal care, using existing reserves.

The 163-acre public zoo is home to more than 2,200 animals. The private Conservation Biology Institute is in Front Royal Va., 73 miles away. The two employ in total more than 300 staff members and scientists.

For residents and tourists, the museums and zoo had been a “free of cost” option for learning and cultural engagement.

Most of its museums cluster along or near the National Mall, with several other in the D.C. metro area and two facilities in New York City — also closed because of the shutdown.

The portfolio includes institutions devoted to natural history, air and space, African American history and culture, American art and many specialized fields.

In addition to public galleries and exhibitions, the Smithsonian operates research and education centers. These focus on areas like the cnservation Institute, tropical research Institute and conservation biology.

Oct. 11 (UPI) — A hidden breeding facility in Spain was found to contain the remains of 250 animals and 171 live animals that were endangered and recovered to receive veterinary care.

The illicit breeding facility was located in the back of a warehouse in Meson do Vento in Ordes, Spain, the Spanish Civil Guard announced Saturday.

The warehouse manager has been detained and faces charges for alleged animal abuse, professional intrusion in the field of veterinary medicine and illegal possession of protected species.

Most of the deceased animals were dogs and birds, including Chihuahuas, and some of the animals found living fed on the remains in the absence of food.

Many were in “different stages of decomposition, some even mummified,” the Civil Force said, as reported by CBS News.

Exotic birds, dwarf horses, chinchillas, chickens and ducks were among those found living, as well as dogs.

The kennels and cages housing the animals were covered in excrement, which contributed to the dangers faced by the remaining animals.

Civil Guard officers also found a large supply of expired medicines and other veterinary materials that lacked prescriptions.

Spanish authorities have discovered several animal trafficking rings this year, including one in which two men had more than 150 exotic species kept and an unlicensed pet store in Nules.

Officers also broke up an online ring based in the Balearic Islands that trafficked large cats, including pumas, lynx and white tigers.

The site of the latest illicit pet breeding facility was located in northwestern Spain and about 350 miles north of Lisbon.

THERE’S nothing like a lovely relaxing autumnal dog walk, but there are plenty of hidden dangers pet owners need to look out for, it turns out.

This comes as new research from dog walking insurance providers, Protectivity, reveals that the majority of pet insurance claims are linked to dog walking.

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Since these hazards can end up not only being dangerous for your pet, but costly when the vet bill arrives, it’s good to know what to avoid.

Luckily, Protectivity has partnered with three certified canine experts to share practical tips and advice to safeguard dogs on their autumn walk.

Ingesting slugs or snails 

The damp weather that autumn brings can lead to an increase in slugs and snails that can carry lungworm larvae, a potentially fatal issue if left untreated.

Sadie Geoghegan-Dann, Canine Welfare Expert & Dog Trainer at Nervous Rex warned: “Having personally lost one of my own dogs to lungworm, I can’t emphasise enough how dangerous it is to let your dog play around with slugs and risk eating one.”

The expert added that lungworm can take hold very fast and can be fatal in no time if not spotted.

Terry Cuyler, Certified Dog Trainer and owner of Pawsitive Results Dog Training added: “My default solution to this problem is to train a good “drop it” command.

“Occasionally, despite our best intentions, a dog will grab something while we’re not able to intercept them. An effective ‘drop it’ guarantees that they’ll drop the object at once, and this can be a life-saver.”

Fallen fruits from apples, pears and plum trees

As autumn rolls around, fruit trees start to shed their sweet-smelling fruit and while it may seem enticing to dogs, fallen fruit can cause severe stomach upsets and present a choking hazard. 

Dog owner, Shakira Sacks, from Leeds, explained how her four year old cocker spaniel, Autumn, had to receive medical treatment after ingesting a fallen plum on a walk.

Shakira said: “Being a cocker spaniel, Autumn is forever eating things she shouldn’t. Over the years, we’ve implemented lots of training commands but on a recent walk in our local park, she ate a fallen plum, including the stone. 

“After speaking to our vet, they asked us to bring her in immediately and two hours of induced vomiting and a £350 bill later, Autumn was her happy self again.

“It was, however, a very scary experience and has made me even more hyper-vigilant of hazards that I wasn’t aware of previously. I had no idea that although plums are usually safe for dogs to eat, the stones can be toxic, as can the flesh when it’s mouldy.” 

Acorns on the ground 

The phrase ‘are acorns poisonous to dogs’ has been searched 7,000 times on Google in the UK in the last month alone, revealing the very real concern owners have. 

Terry warned: “In my experience, one of autumn’s most underappreciated perils is the abundance of acorns. I have worked with dogs who have come to significant injury from eating them.”

Acorns contain tannins, the dog pro explained, which can cause stomach issues and even kidney damage in dogs. For smaller breeds they also pose as a chocking risk.

Fallen conkers

Conkers are another highly toxic risk for dogs on autumnal walks, with severe cases costing up to £2,000 in veterinary treatment. 

Terry said: “I see this process repeat itself time and time again during autumnal walks. Dogs have an instinct to be attracted to conkers, acorns, and fallen fruits, as these trigger their hidden foraging instinct and carry scents of wild animals to them.”

He recommended looking out for key warning signs, like over-sniffing at ground level, sudden stops during walks, and that familiar head-down posture showing keen interest in something to eat.

But mostly, pet owners should be aware of the “freeze and stare” posture just before their strike and correct immediately with a high-reward treat and a ‘leave it’ command.”

Oct. 7 (UPI) — A shuttered Canadian amusement park said that without an infusion of cash it will have to euthanize 30 beluga whales after a government official blocked it from sending the marine mammals to a Chinese theme park.

Marineland, the aquatic theme park located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, laid out the dire situation in a letter Friday to Canadian Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, The New York Times reported.

Thompson announced days earlier that she denied Marineland’s request to export the belugas to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park in China because it “would have meant a continued life in captivity and a return to public entertainment.”

She further said that she was following requirements of the Fisheries Act meant to prevent the exploitation of marine mammals.

“Like many of you, I am angered that these whales have lived a life of captivity and as a result their health has deteriorated,” Thompson said. “As Canadians, we know that whales belong in the ocean, not in tanks for our amusement.”

Thompson told CBC News that she had visited the closed Marineland facility and concluded the whales belong in the ocean after she “looked the belugas in the eyes.”

Marineland’s business model struggled after a federal law passed in 2019 that banned keeping whales, dolphins and porpoises for breeding or amusement, according to the CBC.

The theme park said there is no suitable ocean “sanctuary” or facility for the whales. Meanwhile, Marineland said its financial situation continues to crumble, leaving it unable to meet the whales’ costly care.

However, Thompson told Marineland in a letter sent Monday that there would be no bailout, The Canadian Press reported.

“The fact that Marineland has not planned for a viable alternative despite raising these whales in captivity for many years, does not place the onus on the Canadian government to cover your expenses,” Thompson wrote.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford told The Canadian Press that the federal government should rethink its position.

“It should be the federal government that allows them to move (the belugas) to China or other marine areas that will take them, but saying no to everything and not coming up with a solution is not a great suggestion,” Ford said.

A dozen groups including the Toronto Zoo, World Animal Protection and Animal Justice wrote to Ford urging the provincial government to seize the animals.

VETS have revealed the eight dog breeds they’d never own – warning they may look cute, but each one can lead to “total heartbreak.”

The animal experts, who have treated thousands of pets over the years, said some popular breeds are plagued with painful health problems, short lifespans and sky-high vet bills.

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Dr. Cat is a vet based in the UK with over 35k followers on Instagram.

While Ben the Vet has gained 211k followers on TikTok.

They urged potential owners to think twice before buying certain dogs – no matter how adorable they look – saying love alone isn’t enough to keep them healthy.

The vets have revealed the eight breeds they’d never own themselves – and say fellow vets agree on at least two of them.

German Shepherd

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First up is the German Shepherd.

Loyal and clever, yes — but the vets warned they can also be reactive, suspicious and anxious, making them “really challenging” to handle.

Pugs, bulldogs and boxers

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Flat-faced breeds might look adorable, but these brachycephalic dogs often struggle with breathing problems and other anatomical issues.

They are healthier than others, but they’re prone to a whole host of problems – from spinal issues and skin conditions to eye troubles.

Ben said: “There are specimens of these dogs that are healthier than others, but they are so prone to so many issues.

“Spinal issues, skin problems, eye problems. The fact that over half of them have to have a caesarean to give birth is enough of an ethical issue for me to never want to have one. If you’re OK with that, that’s fine but for me personally it’s not very fair.”  

Border Collie

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Super-smart and bursting with energy, working-line Border Collies need nonstop stimulation.

Without it, they can develop serious behavioural and mental health problems.

Cat said: “I just do not have enough time in my life to put into them to make sure they’re living their best lives with me.”

Shar Pei

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Shar Peis come with a long list of health and behavioural problems.

Their wrinkles can cause skin and eye issues, and being in constant discomfort often makes them grumpy.

Ben said they are also prone to constant “skin problems and have tiny, narrow ear canals.

“Some can get so stressed that they even bite the staff.”

St Bernard

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Saint Bernards might look lovable – but their size comes with messy challenges.

Constant slobber and hygiene issues can make life pretty tricky for owners.

Cat revealed: “Quite honestly, I cannot cope with the slobber. I had a client once tell me that she had slobber on her ceilings.”

Dachshund

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Steer clear of Dachshunds because of the breed’s health issues.

They’re lovely dogs, but one in four develops back problems in their lifetime.

It can range from mild pain to complete paralysis, often requiring spinal surgery.

The recovery is long and Ben added, “there’s too much potential for heartbreak.”

King Charles Spaniel

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The super popular breed of family dog is known for their affection.

But almost all of King Charles Spaniels develop the same heart condition – mitral valve disease.

It means they often spend their final days “struggling to breathe and eventually die of heart failure.”

Chow Chow

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Chow Chows can be tricky to manage and are known for a challenging temperament, especially in clinical settings.

They commonly suffer from “eye problems, they’re often aloof and not very friendly.”

Ben shared: “They’re often very aggressive at the vets, but it’s hard to fit a muzzle on their face.”

AN experienced vet has revealed the 10 signs that indicate your beloved pooch could have gut problems.

A quiz has been created for pet owners who might not feel confident when it comes to their dog or cat’s gut health – something which can have a huge impact on their overall wellbeing.

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Questions about their appetite and even stools will help to determine whether their diet needs a review, if a check-up with the vet is required or if their gut health means they’re full of life.

It comes after veterinary adviser at Protexin, Ronan Fitzgerald revealed your pet licking their lips, arching their back or being reluctant to move or jump up on furniture could be signs of tummy troubles.

Holding their bum in the air for long periods of time, drooling and pushing their food bowl away with their nose are also indications they could be experiencing issues.

A tender or gurgling tum and them not enjoying a belly rub can be another key indicator of problems with the gut as it can mean they’re experiencing abdominal discomfort.

While excessive flatulence and even blood in their stools could be signs they need a check-up at the vets.

This comes after a study of 2,000 pet owners found only 19 per cent feel confident in identifying if their pet is suffering with gut health problems.

A spokesperson for Protexin, which commissioned the research, said: “Many people believe they know their pets inside out – including how they feel.

“But while we may recognise several behaviours or symptoms as being linked to the gut, some aren’t as clear, such as excess lip-licking which can be linked to intestinal issues.

“Understanding and recognising the signs of good and poor gut health in pets is really important as this can have an impact on whole body health, helping our pets to feel full of life when the gut is working as it should.”

Ronan explained if your dog or cat adopts an abnormal stance like the ‘prayer position’ – front legs extended, chest on the ground and backside in the air – it could be worth a visit to the vets.

The research also found just 24 per cent of owners actively monitor their pet’s digestive health on a daily basis.

But a third (34 per cent) of dogs and cats display some signs of potential digestive issues a few times a year.

As a result, six in 10 (59 per cent) have changed their pet’s diet after noticing a digestive issue, while 53 per cent have gone to a vet specifically for this issue.

The typical owner spends as much as £426 each year, purely on keeping their pet healthy, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

Ronan said: “If your pet is showing signs of digestive discomfort there are a few things you can do.

10 SIGNS YOUR DOG COULD BE EXPERIENCING GUT PROBLEMS

1. Lip licking
2. Adopting a prayer-like stance (front legs extended and chest on the ground while their bum is in the air)
3. Drooling
4. Reluctancy to jump up on furniture
5. Vomiting or nausea
6. Not enjoying belly rubs
7. Gulping
8. Excessive flatulence
9. Diarrhoea
10. Blood in their stools

“Try to think about when the symptoms started and how severe they seem.

“Sometimes it helps to keep notes to see if there is a pattern, for example, are they feeling unwell or acting strangely at mealtimes?

“If your pet has a stomach upset for a day or two it may be that they’ve eaten something when out on a walk or hunting that’s not agreed with them and this will settle.

“But if you find your pet is experiencing ongoing, regular issues with their gut, or its health seems to worsen quickly and markedly, it’s worth visiting a vet for a full check-up.

“They will be able to recommend possible changes to your pet’s diet or even the introduction of a gut-health supplement.”

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A POPULAR dog food has been urgently recalled over fears it contains traces of salmonella.

Pet owners have been advised to avoid feeding the frozen product to their pooches and return it to stores immediately.

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Rhondda Raw’s Beef 80-10-10 has been withdrawn from shelves and the firm is recalling the packages.

The raw frozen dog food is unsafe because salmonella has been found in the product, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said.

The agency urged customers who brought the meat not to feed it to dogs and instead return it to a store for a full refund.

Affected products have batch codes 040825/BM and 050825/BM.

The packs, which include 454g of meat, are also marked with a best before of August 4, 2026.

The FSA said: “Rhondda Raw Ltd are recalling Beef 80/10/10 raw frozen dog food because Salmonella has been found in the product.

“Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause illness in humans and animals. The product could therefore carry a potential risk.

“Rhondda Raw Ltd is recalling the product. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product.

“This notice explains to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.”

Salmonella is a food bug that can cause illness in both humans and animals.

Owners could be put at risk while handling the pet food or bowls, as well as from animal poo.

Annual data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals there has been a significant rise in salmonella infections in England.

Cases hit a record decade high in 2024, soaring by almost a fifth in a single year to over 10,000 cases.

But separate data last month revealed cases in the first quarter of 2025 were even higher than 2024.

Some 1,588 cases were logged between January and March 2025, up on the 1,541 reported over the same period in 2024.

Children under 10 years old were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5 per cent of cases. 

Salmonella can cause a sudden bout of fever, vomiting and explosive diarrhoea, often striking within hours of eating tainted food.

The bacteria attacks the gut lining, damaging cells and stopping the body from soaking up water.

This is what leads to the painful cramps and nonstop diarrhoea as the body flushes out the water it couldn’t absorb.

Most people recover without treatment, but in rare cases it can turn deadly.

Around one in 50 sufferers go on to develop a serious blood infection, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of complications.

Salmonella lives in the guts of animals and humans and spreads through contaminated poo.

Food can get tainted if it’s grown in dirty water, handled with grubby hands, or touches surfaces exposed to animal waste.

Last month, an urgent warning was issued over “contaminated tomatoes” which could be the cause of a major salmonella outbreak.

The nasty outbreak has been linked to tomatoes and the UK Heath Security Agency has issued a new warning.

Experts revealed new, rare, strains of salmonella called as Salmonella Strathcona sparked the particularly severe bouts of sickness.

According to the ECDC and the EFSA, nine European countries have reported 29 cases of Salmonella Strathcona since January 2025.

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All Creatures Great and Small’s Siegfried Farnon actor Samuel West has opened up about his role and feeling ‘slightly jealous’ of his co-star

The sixth series of All Creatures Great and Small is set to grace Channel 5 on Thursday 25 September at 9pm.

In anticipation of the new series, Samuel West, who portrays Siegfried Farnon, has shared insights into the upcoming season. The 59 year old actor has been bringing Siegfried to life since 2020.

Siegfried, the quirky proprietor of Skeldale House veterinary practice, shines in Channel 5’s rendition of All Creatures Great and Small.

This beloved family drama is inspired by the treasured writings of Yorkshire vet Alf Wight, who wrote about his experiences as a rural veterinarian under the pen name James Herriot.

The colourful personalities that inhabit the All Creatures books and their screen adaptations are drawn from real people, with Siegfried being based on Alf’s actual employer, Donald Sinclair, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Samuel, the actor behind Siegfried, has divulged details about series six and the animal escapades his character encounters.

He revealed: “We have our first Shire horse. That’s an amazing animal. I don’t know how it took us that long to get round to a Shire, but it was a beautiful, beautiful creature, and very well looked after. I had to get good at pulling up the hoof to look at it from the side.”

Samuel also confessed feeling ‘slightly jealous’ of his fellow cast member Callum Woodhouse, who plays Tristan Farnon.

He confessed: “I wish I had more to do with horses. When they said that Tristan was going to start looking at horses with me, it was the first time I felt slightly jealous.

“‘Let it be me! Siegfried is the one who’s good at horses! I’m the one who they asked for by name!’ But of course, you shouldn’t let me be comfortable in that – there are always new things to learn.”

He went on to say: “And there is such a thing as an aura around people. You meet it, and you can almost see it in people who are very calm or very disturbed – and animals certainly know it. Horses pick up on it immediately.

“So, working with them, I don’t know… I remember realising that our crew was so concentrated and so still and so talented that if I was doing a two-handed scene with a horse, and it was just me looking at the horse and waiting for a reaction, almost waiting for eye contact, or just sharing something that didn’t take words, I could probably wait there for a minute and nobody would say cut.

“And that’s an extraordinary feeling. It’s really good, because you’re filming something that’s invisible – something that’s happening between an animal that can’t speak and somebody else who is trying to read their thoughts, their feelings.

“But when we get it, we get it. We can see it. It’s like magnetism. It may not be visible, but we can sense that it’s there. I find that really exciting.

“It works with horses mostly, but you also get it with cows and obviously dogs and cats as well – but mostly with the larger animals.”

All Creatures Great and Small returns on Thursday 25 September at 9pm on Channel 5.

The third episode of Coldwater had viewers reaching for their remote controls as they blasted the ‘disturbing’ scenes aired in the ITV prime-time drama

Viewers of Coldwater were left scrambling for their remote controls as they slammed the ‘disturbing’ scenes broadcast during the third episode of the ITV prime-time drama.

Andrew Lincoln plays John in the crime thriller, which airs on ITV1 on Sundays and Mondays and is available to stream in full on ITVX.

The six-part series charts the journey of John and his family as they relocate to the rural Scottish haven of Coldwater following John’s witnessing and response to a violent incident in a London park.

However, John grows increasingly exasperated with his restrictive and tedious life as a middle-aged house husband, his concealed rage threatening everything he cherishes.

Despite longing for a more peaceful future for his family, he faces new challenges when he develops a friendship with neighbouring resident Tommy (Ewen Bremner), a seemingly charming man and devoted husband to local minister Rebecca (Eve Myles), with John becoming caught up in a series of disturbing events whilst falling into Tommy’s snare, reports the Daily Record.

During the third episode which broadcast on Sunday, September 21, audiences watched sinister Tommy (Ewen Bremner) kill pet cat Harlequin.

However, the unsettling scene sparked a wave of criticism on social media.

One viewer commented: “now the cat was a step too far! Absolutely no need to show that.”

A second posted: “I thought we moved past killing animals in shows, viewers hate it and it’s unnecessary. Yes it’s not real but it’s too disturbing, I immediately give up on shows for that so ITV you lost a viewer, only weak writers use animal deaths for a desperate attempt at tension. “

A third added: “It’s gone too far #Coldwater There’s no humour, or ‘art’ in plain cruelty. I’ve kept with it, but no more.”

And: “Wish they wouldn’t have cruelty to defenceless animals in these dramas.”

Andrew Lincoln has revealed that he turned down the role in Coldwater twice before finally agreeing to take it on.

The Walking Dead actor explained: “I got sent the script and loved it, it made me laugh in all the wrong places, made me squirm with recognition, and constantly surprised me with the unpredictability of the characters, but it made me scared as well.

“I was quite scared about playing a character that was so unpleasant and weak and emasculated, and I wasn’t quite sure tonally where it sat.

“So I said no twice to it and then I had a lovely chat [with writer David Ireland] and couldn’t walk away from it.”

Coldwater continues on ITV1 tomorrow and it’s available to stream on ITVX

IF you took a quick glance at this snail, you’d swear he was just like any other.

In fact, even if you stare at this creature you likely won’t spot his rare anatomical problem.

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However, this issue is said to be “ruining his love life” and condemning him to a “chaste and sterile” existence, according to scientists.

Officially dubbed Ned the snail, this little guy looks like a stereotypical snail, complete with two antennae and a brown shell.

But there is a prominent problem with his appearance, though most people won’t spot it.

Peel your eyes and examine this “shellebrity” closely – can you spot his off feature?

This common garden snail was discovered by New Zealand nature lover and author Giselle Clarkson.

Something off

She noticed that “something looked off” and said she even wondered if Ned was a different species.

So, have you spotted what it is that makes Ned so special?

If you’re still scratching your head, we recommend paying particular attention to his shell.

While Ned’s rare condition may not register to you, experts have launched an international campaign to find him an equally-rare mate.

You may even be able to help – but first, why not give it one last go to spot the odd feature?

Anyone who has ever seen a snail knows that it has a “whorl” – a pattern of spirals or concentric circles – on the side of its shell. 

However, nature lovers know that this feature can only be found on one side, usually the right.

Well you guessed it, Ned’s coils are on the wrong side of his shell.  

While a large majority of snails have the spiral on the right side, around one in 40,000 have the spiral on the left side.

Snails are asymmetrical, meaning they fit together like a jigsaw during “face-to-face” mating.

International attention

This means a typical right-coiled snail and left-coiled snail such as Ned, who is named after famous leftie Ned Flanders from The Simpsons, won’t quite fit together properly when facing.

Now New Zealand Geographic has launched the “Let’s find a mate for Ned” campaign.

The campaign is telling gardeners to “head out into the garden and have a rummage” for another left-coiled common garden snail.

If anyone finds a left-coiled one, they’re urged to contact [email protected].

More brainteasers

Another tricky brainteaser features a gnarled tree but only those with high IQ can spot a sleepy cat hiding on it.

If that’s still not hard enough for you, then have a go at spotting the hidden broom amongst the clothes in less than five seconds.

Or you can have a go at figuring out the hidden message in this band’s cover art that has confused fans for years.

Lastly, puzzle fanatics have been left scratching their heads trying to find the lost feather in just 12 seconds.

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Sept. 1 (UPI) — A shark bit a boy’s leg while he was snorkeling in the Atlantic Ocean near Key Largo on Monday afternoon, prompting first responders to airlift him to a Miami hospital.

The Monroe County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office said the shark bit the 8-year-old at 3:24 p.m. EDT, and Trauma Star airlifted him to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in Miami, CBS News and WFOR reported.

Audio from first responders confirmed the boy suffered a shark bite to one of his legs.

The boy was snorkeling near Ocean Reef and off of Horseshoe Reef when the shark bit him above the knee on one leg, according to WPLG.

The boy’s condition is unknown, and the local officials said they notified the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about the shark attack.

The shark attack is the first reported in Monroe County since a shark bit a spearfisher a year ago in July near Key West.

Monroe County encompasses all of the Florida Keys and the southwestern portion of Everglades National Park.

A large variety of sharks inhabit the waters off of Monroe County, including Great Whites, Bull sharks, Hammerheads and Tiger sharks.

A MARRIED couple who were tragically mauled by four viscous dogs at a barbecue have been left traumatised and the husband “permanently disfigured.”

The male was viciously attacked, losing his lower ear, while his wife suffered scratches and was left “distraught”.

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On Thursday, the dog owners appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for the event which took place on December 27, 2021, ChronicleLive reports.

The court heard that when the attack occurred, friends Daniel Hutchinson, 33, and Michelle King, 44, were at a barbecue in North Tyneside.

Dog-breeder Hutchinson was hosting the event at his then-address on Blackhill Avenue in Wallsend.

His two American Bull Mastiffs called Flake and Major were there, along with King’s two dogs of the same breed, Ghost and Bonny.

King had purchased the dogs from Hutchinson.

During the barbecue, the four hounds ran off and attacked an unsuspecting couple.

Prosecutor, Rachel Kelly told the court that the four dogs were playing unsupervised when the four dogs ran off and mauled the victims at around 8.30pm.

She said: “Both were taken to the ground. [The man] was bitten a number of times, causing the loss of his lower ear.

“He sustained puncture wounds and injuries to his hands and fingers. [The woman] sustained scratches.”

Hutchinson – who said he’d been away buying cannabis at the time – and King, then ran to the dogs and rounded them up before returning to the house, where an ambulance was then called.

The dog owners appeared in court via video links on Thursday to be sentenced for offences of being an owner/person in charge of a dangerously out of control dog.

Both defendants pleaded guilty.

The court heard that the man had been left “permanently disfigured” after the viscous attack.

In a victim statement the woman said she felt “distraught that this could happen.”

While Hutchinson, from Fife, Scotland, had 24 previous convictions for 44 offences, including criminal damage.

He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, but due to time spent on remand, he will likely be released immediately.

Recorder Nathan Moxon said that attack was an “isolated, one-off incident” and did not ban either of the defendants from keeping animals.

King, from Thornton, Scotland, had a previous conviction for wasting police time, bur was of good character, the court heard.

The court was told that she was remorseful, saying the attack was a tragic accident.

Mark Harrison, defending, asked for King’s prison sentence to be suspended, explaining that professionals had previously been around her dogs and “felt safe.”

The court also heard that King has a history of poor mental health and is at a “low risk of repetition.”

She was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

Mr Moxon added that the incident must have been “a truly terrifying experience” for the victims.

No destruction orders were made and the two no longer own the Bull Mastiffs.

SCIENTISTS have discovered that a “punk rocker” dinosaur had metre-long spikes pointing out of its neck to protect it from predators.

The discovery came as analysis of fossils of the Spicomellus – the world’s oldest ankylosaur – was conducted by researchers, uncovering its elaborate armour.

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The Spicomellus, referred to as one of the “strangest dinosaurs” to have ever lived, roamed the Earth around 165 million years ago and had bony spikes fused onto all of its ribs.

This ultra-rare feature has never been seen before in any other vertebrate species, living or extinct, according to scientists.

Ankylosaurs were a herbivorous group of dinosaurs known for their armoured, tank-like bodies and a club-shaped tail tip.

A team of palaeontologists recently discovered remains, helping to build on the original description of the animal, which was based on just one rib bone found near the town of Boulemane in Morocco, which was sold on to a researcher in 2019.

The new fossils revealed the dinosaur had spikes measuring 87 centimetres emerging from a bony collar around its neck.

These could have been even longer during the life of the Spicomellus, according to the research published in science journal Nature.

Professor Richard Butler, from the University of Birmingham and project co-lead, described the fossils as an “incredibly significant discovery.”

He said: “Spicomellus is one of the strangest dinosaurs that we’ve ever discovered.

“It’s utterly unlike any other found anywhere else in the world.

“I think it’s going to really capture the imagination of people around the world, and tell us a lot about the early evolution of the tank-like ankylosaurs.”

He also told the BBC that the dino was the “punk rocker” of its time, alluding to its spiky looks which resemble loyal punk rock fans who may don spiky hair.

Professor Susannah Maidment of Natural History Museum, London, and the University of Birmingham, who co-led the team of researchers said the “absolutely bizarre” fossils were changing how scientists believe the armoured dinosaurs evolved.

She said: “When we originally named spicomellus, there were doubts that it was an ankylosaur at all.

“Now, not only can we confirm beyond a doubt that this interpretation was correct, but Africa’s only known ankylosaur is far weirder than anyone imagined.”

She added: “Spicomellus had a diversity of plates and spikes extending from all over its body, including metre-long neck spikes, huge upwards-projecting spikes over the hips, and a whole range of long, blade-like spikes, pieces of armour made up of two long spikes, and plates down the shoulder.

“We’ve never seen anything like this in any animal before.”

Professor Maidment said that while it is likely the armour evolved initially for defence purposes, it was probably used later to attract mates and show off to rivals.

The discovery of the spicomellus species was made after Professor Maidment acquired a rib bone from a fossil dealer in Cambridge in 2019.

This comes after a new species of dog-sized dinosaurs was discovered.

The Maleriraptor kuttyi is thought to be one of the earliest killer dinosaurs in history.

The now-extinct dinosaur is believed to have lived some 220 million years ago – during the Triassic period.

The small but mighty beast could grow to a height of 3.2 feet and a length of 6.5 feet – about the size of a large-breed dog such as a Great Dane.

And the creature was one of the earliest known carnivorous dinosaurs, along with the rest of the Herrerasauria family.

Dr. Martín Ezcurra from the Argentina’s Natural Science museum said: “Herrerasaurs represent the oldest radiation of predatory dinosaurs.”

The fossilised dinosaur bones were discovered more than in Telangana, India, forty years ago.

But only now have scientists identified exactly what species these bones belonged to.

Herrerasauria fossils were previously found in South and North America.

But the new bombshell discovery has proved that the creatures roamed far more of the Earth than previously thought.

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A MUM who swindled more than £75,000 in benefits to pay for a boob job and luxury holidays then turned to running an illegal puppy farm to make more cash.

Tammy Hart, 48, made at least £35,000 from her criminal farm after being released from jail for wrongly claiming tax credits to fund her plush lifestyle.

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Hart had also lied that she was single – when she was secretly married to the father of her two children.

A court heard she and her husband Neil Hart, 53, lived a “lavish” lifestyle after wrongly pocketing taxpayers’ money.

After being jailed for two years, she then turned back to crime, becoming an unlicensed dog breeder following her release.

Hart’s illegal puppy farm was busted, and the benefit swindler was ordered to pay more than £40,000 as a result.

The mum-of-two – then going by the name of Tammy Gunter – had already been ordered to pay back £23,358 from her benefits fiddle.

At the earlier hearing seven years ago, prosecutor Nuhu Gobir said Hart was granted tax credits by saying she was a single mother – and also made false claims for student finance and a £2,000 NHS bursary to train as a nurse.

Overall, Hart was handed £76,008.63 in tax credits between 2007 and 2016, the court heard.

The couple splurged the money on holidays to Las Vegas and Florida in 2011 and 2013.

She also took out a loan of £22,000 at one point for a holiday home in the US.

Mr Gobir said: “They were already in a relationship and had been living together as a family since 5 December, 1997.”

He said Hart claimed tax credits for nine years when she was working part-time in a shop and a garage.

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard Hart even forged a letter purporting to be from HMRC.

Mr Gobir said: “Tammy Gunter made a claim that she was a single person working at least 16 hours per week.

“She stated that she had two children and no other income. The defendant dishonestly maintained she was single. She enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.”

Describing her false claim, Mr Gobir said: “She stated that she was separated and was a single parent with two dependent children.

“Neil Hart lied about his address to assist Tammy Gunter with the application. The total loss to the public purse in effect is £87,450.”

The DWP, HMRC and the HS Counter Fraud Service Wales began a joint investigation in January 2015 and the couple were arrested.

Hart admitted being knowingly concerned in fraudulent activity undertaken with a view to obtaining tax credits, one count of forgery and four counts of fraud.

Byron Broadstock, defending Hart, of Blackwood, South Wales, said the couple had a “tumultuous” relationship.

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He said: “Many of the purchases that have been described as extravagant, they are out of the ordinary. They were often gestures in reconciliation.”

He said the plastic surgery “wasn’t simply for purely cosmetic reasons. It was psychological reasons.”

Hart was jailed for two years, while her husband was jailed for six months.

But when she was released she set up her dog breeding business.

Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard between September 2021 and May 2022 Hart had advertised 17 litters for sale, with puppies sold at upwards of £1,500 each.

She was found with 29 dogs cooped up in pens which were covered in faeces and urine. The animals were found to have serious health conditions with one puppy suffering from deformities.

Hart was given a suspended prison sentenced for unlicensed dog breeding and has been ordered to pay back the money in a Proceeds of Crime hearing.

She was sentenced to a 16-week custodial sentence suspended for 52 weeks for charges including causing unnecessary suffering to one of the 29 dogs.

She also admitted three counts of a banned practiced under The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 for not declaring selling puppies in course of business, two counts of unlicensed dog breeding and three counts of failing to look after the needs of animals.

Hart was also disqualified from dealing in all animals for a period of seven years under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Hart was ordered to pay a Confiscation Order of £35,639.43, to be paid within three months or face a custodial sentence of 12 months at Cardiff Crown Court.

She was also ordered to pay costs of £8,000, to be paid within three months after the confiscation order is paid.

Cllr Philippa Leonard, Caerphilly council’s Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Unlicensed dog breeding is a serious matter, and it is hoped that the outcome of this case will serve as a strong deterrent to those who operate illegally.

“This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adherence with dog-breeding regulations and the necessity to obtain the required licences so that we as a council can monitor and safeguard animal welfare at dog breeding establishments.”

“Whenever possible Caerphilly County Borough Council will use the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act to deprive convicted unlicensed dog breeders of their ill-gotten gains.

“If anyone is concerned or suspicious of illegal dog breeding, please contact our Trading Standards or Licensing teams. Your information will help us tackle illegal puppy breeding in Caerphilly and will help stop animals being exploited by unscrupulous breeders.”

A POLICE force is the first in the UK to trial a futuristic robot dog to hunt criminals.

The Terminator-style bot can climb stairs, see in the dark and operate in silence.

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Notts Police reckon the robo-dog could aid reconnaissance in armed sieges, hostage situations and chemical and biological incidents.

It is remote-controlled, can recognise weapons, scan its surroundings and has a loudspeaker to issue commands to suspects.

The device, funded by the office of the Chief Scientific Adviser, is under trial.

If results are positive, other forces will get them from next year.

Inventor Nathan Wallace, 22, of Gedling, Notts, said: “It can be used like a land-based drone.

“It has an AI camera which can detect weapons — handguns, knives, baseball bats.”

Supt Louise Clarke said: “It’s not hard to see how this technology can and will be used in the future to protect and serve the public.

“In the right circumstances this equipment can enhance officer and public safety.”

The force said there were no plans to fit the robot with weapons or replace police dogs.

Aug. 20 (UPI) — U.S. border officials in Michigan stumbled on multiple discoveries of likely disease-ridden African bushmeat within a week’s time.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents found two different passengers twice within a week in late July at Michigan’s Detroit Metropolitan Airport. Both the unidentified were from Togo and Gabon, respectively.

“These recent bushmeat interceptions are significant in bringing attention to the illegal importation of bushmeat through our ports of entry,” Detroit Metropolitan’s Port Director Fadia Pastilong said in a statement.

Bushmeat refers to wild animals often in the form of bats, non-human primates and cane rats from certain regions that, according to U.S. health officials, pose “significant communicable disease risk.”

The border agency pointed specifically to how the incidents showcase how it works with partner agencies to prevent disease outbreaks.

Border officials in Detroit added that while rodent-type bushmeat finds were sporadic as it is, the recently-located primate interceptions, they said, were “much rarer.”

“We routinely find various agriculture items and oddities,” stated Marty C. Raybon, Detroit’s director of field operations.

The Togan native from west Africa carried around 11 ponds of rodent meat. However, both travelers also had undeclared so-called “agriculture items.”

Raybon noted other similar finds include live giant snails, animal skulls and other “exotic food items.”

The unnamed traveler from central Africa in Gabon only two days later yielded some 52 pounds primate meat falsely declared as antelope.

Bushmeat is considered a cultural delicacy in parts of Africa and often consumed raw with minimal processing.

U.S. officials noted how the tradition also expands risk of disease spreading.

“Ebola, mpox, and other emerging diseases can have catastrophic consequences if they enter human populations,” they stated.

They added it’s also illegal to import bushmeat into the Untied States.

Last year in February a CBP K9 beagle agent named Buddey sniffed out dehydrated monkey remains from the Democratic Republic of Congo at Boston’s Logan Airport the traveler claimed was “dried fish.”

The illegal African bushmeat ultimately was turned over to CDC specialists for final disposition.

Meanwhile, the two unidentified African traveler were fined $300 each for the “undeclared agriculture items” in their attempt to bring their native “bushmeat” to U.S. shores.

Aug. 19 (UPI) — Mafioso, a high-pedigree Argentine Brangus breeding bull, sold for $200,000 for 50% ownership — the highest price ever paid for such an animal at a livestock auction in the country.

The sale took place at the Rural Society of Jesús María in Córdoba during an annual auction of elite breeding stock. The bull belonged to El Porvenir, an award-winning livestock producer.

Mafioso, a 3-year-old Brangus bull that weighs 2,041 pounds, is the son of Picante, an elite bull who won several national competitions. His lineage makes him a high-value genetic sire, giving the sale significance not only nationally, but also internationally.

Half of the bull was purchased by a group of ranchers along with Select Debernardi, an Argentine company that specializes in genetic improvement and bovine semen production for beef and dairy cattle.

Mafioso, regarded as a true “sire” of the Brangus breed, is expected to have his genetics used by leading breeding operations, securing his legacy in elite cattle production worldwide.

From a young age, Mafioso stood out. He won the titles of “Best National Calf” and “Best Pen Calf.” In 2025, he reached the elite of the breed as Grand Champion at the National Exhibition in Corrientes.

Walter Orodá, owner of El Porvenir ranch, said the sale price exceeded all expectations.

“We did not expect such a figure,” he said. “The price was not something we imagined, and it really surprised all of us. The bull will be used not only in Argentina but in many countries,” he told the Argentine outlet Perfil.com.

The Brangus breed is among the most prized in cattle ranching for its tender, high-quality meat with excellent flavor. It originated from a cross between the Brahman breed from India and the Aberdeen Angus from England and was introduced to Argentina in the mid-20th century. Brangus cattle are docile and highly resistant to parasites and common diseases.

In recent years, the Brangus breed has become Argentina’s leading exporter of bovine semen, surpassing the long-dominant Angus. Its expansion across South America, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, is driven by regulatory, genetic and strategic factors that have made the Argentine Brangus a regional benchmark.

In 2018, Brangus led Argentina’s bovine semen exports for the first time, with nearly 487,000 doses, representing 49.5% of all beef cattle breeds. By 2024, that share had grown to 56%, according to the Argentine Chamber of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction.

Brazil is the main buyer of Argentine Brangus genetics, followed by Uruguay and Colombia, with growing interest from Mexico and Costa Rica.