KATIE Price has shocked fans after appearing to KICK her new puppy in newly surfaced footage.
The reality star, 47, recently added new pup Arlo to her family, posting loving snaps of her new dog with son Harvey on her social media accounts.
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Katie Price only debuted her new pup Arlo to fans on Snapchat earlier this monthCredit: GettyBut she sparked concerns around the pup’s welfare after appearing to boot him in a videoCredit: Katie Price/Facebook/Backgrid
But on Tuesday, Katie shared a sponsored post on her Facebook account where fans insisted she appeared to boot Arlo in video promoting a clothing brand.
“Taking my new baby Arlo for walkies [dog emoji]”, she wrote, before adding the link to a grey trench coat she’s wearing in the video.
But eagle-eyed fans were too distracted by a moment in the video, where the reality star appeared to have booted her pup.
One joked: “She just kicked the poor thing [laughing emoji]”.
THE resort town of San Sebastián on the Bay of Biscay is known for its beautiful beaches, and is making plans to keep it that way.
San Sebastián’s city council has announced that it wants to put new rules in place to conserve its famous coast.
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San Sebastián has three very popular beaches and the new rules are to keep them cleanCredit: AlamyDuring the summer, the pretty beaches of San Sebastián can get very busyCredit: Alamy
The first rule is a smoking ban across all its beaches, something that is becoming more common in Spain.
If it goes ahead, San Sebastián will become the second town in the Basque region to fully ban smoking on its beaches after Zarautz.
Beaches in San Sebastián could also have new rules when it comes to pets.
During the summer, dogs will only be allowed to walk on the beaches from 9pm until midnight.
Previously, locals were able to walk their dogs on public beaches between September 1 and May 30 at any time of the day.
Thanks to a growing number of noise complaints, loudspeakers could be joining the ban list too.
The city is inviting its locals to share their thoughts on the new rules from October 20, with the aim of the new rules being fully implemented by June 2026.
San Sebastián has three main beaches, La Concha, Ondarreta, and Zurriola and last year, Which? named San Sebastián Spain‘s ‘best coastal town’.
It was rated on factors like the quality of the beach and seafront, safety, food and drink, accommodation, and value for money.
An overall score was calculated based on satisfaction and the likeliness to recommend each destination, with places ranked out of 100.
La Concha Bay is popular with locals and tourists thanks to its soft sand and mountain viewsCredit: Alamy
San Sebastián claimed first place with an overall score of 88 per cent out of 100. Factors like its beach, attractiveness and food and drink scene were awarded five stars.
The town’s most famous beach is La Concha, a shell-shaped bay very close to the city’s Old Town, while Ondarreta is generally much quieter with calm waters.
Zurriola on the other hand is known for having stronger waves – which makes it a popular spot for watersports.
“As I enjoy views from the open-air bar on San Sebastian’sMonte Urgull hill, I can see the wild Bay of Biscay on one wise, and on the other, a panoramic view of the city and its shell-shaped beach.
“If you want to get out and about, there is so much to keep you entertained in San Sebastian, from surfing on Zurriola beach to enjoying the viewpoints at Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo.
“A charming funicular railway comes in handy if you don’t fancy hiking up the latter. But the best activity is devouring yet more food in the Old Town, savouring the city’s famous “pintxos” scene.
“Pronounced “pinchos”, and most easily described as the Basque version of tapas, these elaborate, bite-sized treats are around €2.50 a pop and found in every bar.
“And regardless of how full you get, no visit to the Old Town is complete without stopping by La Viña, the restaurant where the now-viral Basque burnt cheesecake originated.”
The pooch went missing during a journey from Buenos Aires to Barcelona, prompting a claim for losses from the owner. Now the European Court of Justice has handed down its ruling
The ruling is a blow for pet owners (stock photo)(Image: Getty Images)
Pets on flights can be classified as baggage, the European Court of Justice has ruled.
In a blow for pet owners, the ruling means that airlines are not required to pay higher compensation if the animal is lost.
The ruling was handed down by Europe’s highest court, the ECJ, after it was asked to intervene in the case of a lost dog. The pooch went missing during a journey from Buenos Aires to Barcelona, prompting a claim for losses from the owner.
Mona, the dog, had been put in a special pet crate, only to escape on the way to the plane. Mona was never found, prompting a claim of €5,000 (£4,340) for “non-material damage” by the passenger, and a six-year court case.
The airline involved, Iberia, accepted liability for the loss of the pet but not the size of the claim.
The Spanish court that heard the case then referred it to the ECJ, asking whether the concept of “baggage” in the Montreal Convention governing air travel incorporated or excluded pets traveling with passengers.
“According to the Montreal Convention, other than carriage of cargo, aircraft perform international carriage of persons and baggage,” the ECJ wrote, summarising its judgment.
“The concept of ‘persons’ corresponds to that of ‘passengers,’ with the result that a pet cannot be considered to be a ‘passenger,'” it said. “Consequently, for the purposes of air travel, a pet falls within the concept of ‘baggage’ and the compensation for the damage resulting from the loss of a pet is subject to the liability rules for baggage.”
A key point was that the passenger had not submitted a special declaration of interest in delivery. That is a formal step that involves paying an additional fee, which would have allowed them to increase the liability limit for the precious cargo.
The Spanish airline argued it exceeded the liability for lost luggage without any special declarations as to the crate’s contents.
“The dog got out of the carrier, started running near the plane and could not be recovered,” the ECJ papers say.
It was heard at the earlier court hearing in Spain that despite an intense campaign on social media launched by Mona’s owner, the dog has never been recovered.
The dog owner’s lawyer in Madrid, Carlos Villa Corta, said he disagreed with the arguments made in the Luxembourg court. “I believe that a great opportunity has been missed to continue raising awareness of the rights of animals and the people who care for them. Ultimately, the ECJ considers that pets do not deserve special or enhanced legal protection compared to a simple suitcase,” he said, the Guardian reported.
According to Spanish reports on the first court case, it was ruled that because a special declaration about the animal was not made before the flight, the pet owner was entitled to only €1,578.82.
In a statement, the ECJ said: “The fact that the protection of animal welfare is an objective of general interest recognised by the European Union does not prevent animals from being transported as ‘baggage’ and from being regarded as such for the purposes of the liability resulting from the loss of an animal.”
Katie Price has been subject to a brutal swipe by animal charity PETACredit: GettyThe organisation has created the Grim Reaper of Pets costume seemingly based on the starCredit: X/PETAShe has a chequered history with pets – which has sparked a petition to stop her owning animalsCredit: Splash
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!”
The parent of five was branded ‘grim’ and ‘grim reaper’ by the charityCredit: SplashKatie has been struck by a series of pet tragedies, including many animal deathsCredit: SplashPETA has urged her to ‘stick to stuffed animals’Credit: Splash
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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Hidden dangers could lead to hefty vet billsCredit: Getty
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It’s importatn to keep your eyes on your dog during autumn walks, the pros saidCredit: Getty
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.
Urgent warning for pet owners as contaminated dog food recalled after salmonella found with ‘do not use’ warning issued
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.”
Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she’d never own
By Marsha O’Mahony
HUSKY
Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy.
If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him.
It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold – look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs.
DACHSHUND
Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive.
The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. “Because of their long backs, they’re really prone to intervertebral disc disease,” said Dr. Rachel.
You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive.
GREAT DANE
These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are “goofballs.”
But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak.
DOODLE
These are the current “it” dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed.
Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities.
But this couldn’t be further from the truth, said our vet.
“These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently,” she wrote.
Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems.
BULLDOGS
These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog.
“I just would not own them,” she said. “They’re just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces.”
Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease.
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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Vets reveal the eight breeds they’d never own themselvesCredit: Getty
Dr. Catis a vet based in the UK with over 35k followers on Instagram.
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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They may be loyal, but German Shepherds are super reactiveCredit: Getty
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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Breathing problems are very common in pugs, bulldogs and boxersCredit: Getty
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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Border Collies need more mental and physical enrichmentCredit: Getty
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.”
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Shar Pei
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Shar Peis are prone to all sorts of problems, and are not happy because of themCredit: Getty
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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The huge breed comes with challengesCredit: Getty
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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The little dogs get huge back problemsCredit: Getty
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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Cavalier King Charles spaniels can suffer from heart diseaseCredit: Getty
The super popular breed of family dog is known for their affection.
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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Your pet licking their lips is one of the signs owners need to be aware ofCredit: Getty
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.
INCREDIBLE moment hero vet staff save dog from choking on favourite toy
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 study of 2,000 pet owners found only 19 per cent feel confident in identifying if their pet is suffering with gut health problemsCredit: Getty
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.
Your product recall rights
Chief consumer reporter James Flanders reveals all you need to know.
Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action.
But it’s often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk.
If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer’s website to see if a safety notice has been issued.
When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you – the customer – to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don’t there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault.
If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer.
They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice.
In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected.
You should not be charged for any recall work – such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item
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Salmonella is a food bug that can cause illness in both humans and animals
Spanish cops have now released an image of James, in their desperate attempt to locate him.
He is pictured ordering food at the kebab joint wearing a blue T-shirt with his Jack Russell on his lap.
In one photograph, three diners appear to be enjoying a meal behind him as he stands at the checkout.
It comes as official records show James reported his passport as lost or stolen at the Irish Embassy on August 19 – a day after he was last seen or heard from.
At the time, his half-sister Nikita said: “We know he’d had a drink but as a family we don’t believe he would recklessly set sail in the dark at night,” she said.
“It doesn’t make sense for it to be ‘oh he fell overboard’ because he was drunk, there are a lot of holes in the story.”
Paddy’s Anchor previously shared appeals by James’ worried family on social media saying: “Many of you have been asking, so we want to share this post from Jemsie’s family.
“His sister is still searching for him after he was last seen here in Las Palmas.
CCTV Footage of last recorded sighting of missing British woman Sarm Heslop revealed in BBC documentary
“His boat has since been found off the coast of Gran Canaria, but there has been no contact from him since.”
A call was made between August 24 and 25 in relation to James’ boat as police found it a day later 50 miles offshore.
At first they said James’ Jack Russell, known as Thumbelina, wasn’t on board but later said she was found with the boat.
Timeline of James Nunan’s disappearance
August 18:
18:16: James films himself on Facebook Live walking at Playa del Confital beach
22:00: He is last seen leaving Paddy’s Anchor bar in Las Palmas
22:39: Bank records show he purchased food from Rico Doner Kebab
August 19: His passport is reported “lost or stolen” to an Irish consulate in Gran Canaria
August 22: James’ mum reports him missing to Essex Police
Between August 24/25: A call was made in relation to James’ boat
August 25: Police find his boat 50 miles off the south coast of Gran Canaria
August 27: Police say they have also found his dog Thumbelina
There remains no information on where James could be.
A witness came forward to claim he spoke to James as he said the Brit was drunk but not acting in any unusual manner.
He had reportedly told him about his sailing adventures and that he planned to head to Lanzarote.
Some pub staff also claimed they were told not to speak to anyone about his mysterious disappearance.
A man reportedly answered phone calls at the pub saying: “It’s an open investigation and we’ve been told not to speak to anyone and I’ve just got to go with that I’m afraid.”
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James was sailing around the world when he vanished
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James’ Jack Russell, known as Thumbelina, was found
Asked if it was local police or Mr Nunan’s family who had asked him not to speak, he said: “I can’t talk about it, sorry.”
After his boat was found with the dog on board, it was towed back to Argineguin in the south of Gran Canaria.
A spokesperson for the Civil Guard said: “We are looking into this case. Several lines of investigation are being pursued.”
Jemsie had been about five-and-a-half months into his solo sailing trip when he vanished – and had been planning to travel to Brazil.
Nikita added that a distress signal was sent out in relation to his boat between August 24 and 25.
The dog found on board has since been taken to an animal shelter.
Jemsie’s father has travelled to the island searching for any signs of the missing 34-year-old.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has confirmed it is “supporting the family of a British man who has been reported missing in Spain“.
The National Police in Las Palmas and court officials on the island have been approached for comment.
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He was headed for Brazil on his world tour
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Police confirmed he last used his card to buy food at Rico Doner Kebab
A MAN has been rushed to hospital with serious injuries after he was crushed under a large tree.
The tree is believed to have been damaged in the recent stormy weather.
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The dog walker was rushed to hospital after being found with serious injuriesCredit: WlStoke_Lodge / X
The horror incident unfolded on Shirehampton Road, Bristol, just before 5pm.
Emergency services rushed to assist the man who was out walking his dog when the terrifying incident occurred.
Police and fire crews were scrambled to the scene where the man was found with “serious injuries.”
He was rushed to hospital to be treated by medics.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “We were called by the ambulance service shortly before 5pm to reports a man had been injured after a tree fell in Shirehampton Road in the Stoke Bishop area of Bristol.
“Emergency services attended and the man was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries described as serious.”
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The tree is believed to have been damaged in the recent stormy weatherCredit: WlStoke_Lodge / X
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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The attack involved four American Bull MastiffsCredit: Getty
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Owner of two of the dogs, Daniel Hutchinson, 33, has been sentenced to 18 months in prisonCredit: NNP
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.
Scots dog walker ‘dumps dead pet’ at owner’s home after walk in 27C heatwave
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.
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THERE are fears for a Thai princess after the royal palace shared a concerning health update following her three-year-long coma battle.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, the eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, is said to have developed a severe infection.
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Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol waves to supporters from inside a car as they arrive at the Grand Palace for a Buddhist ceremonyCredit: EPA
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Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn stands with his familyCredit: AFP
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She is a known fitness enthusiastCredit: Reuters
The 46-year-old, affectionately known as Princess Bha, collapsed in December, 2022, while training her dogs in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeast of Bangkok.
She has been in a coma ever since.
The Bureau of the Royal Household gave the first update on her condition in more than two years on Friday, saying she had suffered a “severe” blood infection.
The palace said in a following update that a team of doctors were closely monitoring her situation.
It read: “The medical team said that she remains in a state of low blood pressure, requiring continuous treatment.
“Doctors are administering medication to stabilise her blood pressure, along with medical equipment and antibiotics to support kidney function and breathing.”
Over the years, some reports have suggested her health condition is far more serious than the palace is letting on.
Princess Bajrakitiyabha was training her dogs at a working dog championship organised by the Thaiarmy when she collapsed.
Paramedics rushed her to a nearby hospital before a helicopter took her to Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn health facility.
Bajrakitiyabha is the daughter of the king’s first wife, Princess Soamsawali.
Tragedy Strikes: German Prince Harald von Hohenzollern Dies in Africa
She has been part of her father’s inner circle since he came to the throne in 2016 and is a senior officer in the king’s personal guard.
The fitness enthusiast is widely viewed as the most suitable successor for her father, who turned 70 this year.
She has post-graduate law degrees from two US universities and has long called for prison reforms in Thailand.
She was also the Thai ambassador to Austria between 2012 and 2014.
The 73-year-old king, who has seven children from four marriages, has not announced his chosen heir.
Though succession rules in Thailand favour men.
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Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol wave to supporters on arrival at the Grand Palace in BangkokCredit: AFP
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Well-wishers bow in front of an image of Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol at Chulalongkorn Hospital in BangkokCredit: AFP
IT’S been hailed a ‘game-changer’ when it comes to getting to sleep on hot nights.
But would you sleep on a gel pillow designed to keep your dog or cat cool in a heatwave?
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Lynsey Hope tested sleeping on a cooling mat during hot weatherCredit: Gary Stone
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Can the gadget guarantee a good night’s sleepCredit: Gary Stone
Pet cooling mats can be found at many high street stores in the UK, and whilst they are designed for animals, some people have been buying the gadgets for themselves – or nicking them from their four-legged friends.
Commenting on a TikTok video calling for people to share their ‘unhinged tips on how to stay cool’ during hot spells, one social media user wrote: “Borrowed by cat’s gel cooling mat as she’s uninterested in it and it’s a lifesaver.”
With temperatures set to hit the mid-30s in parts of the UK this week, I’m happy to give anything a go in a bid to stave off the extreme heat and get some kip.
There are lots available to buy including a Sunny Daze Cooling Dog Mat for just £5 at petsathome.com, or a slightly larger and more plush Weashume Dog Cool Gel Pad for £10.99 on amazon.
I opt for one from Chillmax costing just under £6 on Amazon, which has dozens of five-star reviews online.
When it arrives it doesn’t look much. It’s a simple blue mat filled with cooling gel.
But manufacturers claim it absorbs excess heat and dissipates it away for up to three hours, giving your skin a lovely cool feeling.
There’s no water so no refilling is necessary.
You simply pop it in the fridge and get it out when your pet needs a rest so they can lay on it and cool down.
I popped it in the fridge during the day, then laid it over my sheet when it was time for bed.
It was pretty hard to lay my entire body weight down on it as it felt icy cold. I really had to grit my teeth.
I laid on it feeling pretty uncomfortable, but after around five minutes, the initial discomfort eased, my body adjusted to the cold and I drifted off to sleep pretty quickly.
This was quite an achievement as I’ve been really tossing and turning of late due to the frequent spells of hot weather.
In fact, I think I fell asleep at least 45 minutes faster than I had on previous hot nights. It was actually quite calming too and refreshing.
The coolness wears off after a few hours and though it was soft enough to lay on, I woke up feeling a little uncomfortable.
But I just pulled it out from under me and tossed it on the floor.
The next night I tried putting it on top of my pillow case but I found the cold felt too extreme against my face.
It was a little better inside the pillow case, but still I preferred it near my body.
This funny little pet pillow has become a must-have in my bedroom now for hot nights.
Even better as it’s so small, you can easily take it away with you if you need to. No need to lug a big fan around instead.
You can also wipe it clean, making it a good gel option as most are built into the pillow and can’t be washed.
You can sit on it whilst working if you want to, though I did not find this comfortable.
But I didn’t mind using it as a foot rest on hot working days and it can also be used as a laptop cooling pad.
My kids kept stealing it saying it kept them cool so I guess I might be buying more to keep us all as cool as cucumbers.
Others have said similar pet mats are not only helpful in the heatwave but hot flushes, too.
One Amazon reviewer said it was brilliant for menopausal women, especially for the price.
You can spend £20 to £30 on a pet cooling pillow, but most of us won’t want to pay that much when the heatwave doesn’t last long in the UK.
Similar products designed for humans also tend to be more pricey.
This is wallet-friendly and effective. For less than £6 this is a real bargain. If it’s good enough for Fido, it’s good enough me.
No more sweaty nights here.
Five ways to keep your kids cool in the heat
IT can be really difficult – and costly – to keep kids cool when it’s hot outside. But Fabulous Digital Senior Reporter and mum-of-two Sarah Bull shares five ways to help, and they won’t break the budget either.
Strip them off
It might sound simple, but stripping kids off at home can really help them regulate their temperature when it’s warm outside. Just remember to regularly apply suncream, as more of their skin will be exposed to the sun.
Cool down bedrooms before nighttime
When it’s hot outside, it can be difficult for kids to go to sleep – especially if their bedroom feels like an oven. If you have a room that’s not in direct sunshine, keep the windows open to let in a breeze. It’s also a good idea to keep the curtains closed, to prevent the room from heating up.
Wear a hat
Another simple technique, but one that really works. Make sure that if your kids are playing outside, they’ve got a hat on. It keeps their face and head shielded from the sun, and also helps if you’ve got a little one who struggles with bright sunlight. If your tot struggles to keep a hat on, try one with a strap that goes under the chin to help.
Avoid the car
The car can be one of the hottest places during a heatwave, and often takes a long time to cool down. If you have the option, it’s better to stay at home rather than taking kids out anywhere in a hot car.
Stay hydrated
This is always important, but even more so in a heatwave. Make sure you’re regularly reminding your kids to have a drink, and top them up with cool liquids whenever you can. Use ice too to ensure it’s as cold as it can possibly be.
ANT McPartlin’s ex-wife posted a thinly veiled swipe at I’m A Celebrity host – amid a fallout over their beloved pet dog Hurley.
Strictly make-up artist Lisa Armstrong, 48, shares custody of the 12-year-old chocolate labrador with the ITV star.
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Ant McPartlin seen here with the dog he shares with ex-wife Lisa ArmstrongCredit: Alamy
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Lisa and Ant share custody of Hurley ever since their divorceCredit: Instagram
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Lisa often posts pictures of her beloved dog when he is staying with herCredit: Instagram
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The former couple were married for 11 yearsCredit: Getty
But sources say the ageing pooch is currently in Portugal with Ant as he holidays with wife, Anne-Marie, and their family.
Fuming Lisa posted a video of “My Boy” Hurley on Instagram – before following it up with a photograph of him lying down in the middle of a golf course.
In an dig apparently aimed at Ant she wrote: “And now he’s taken from his mama. Poor old boy…”
Ant jetted off to Portugal last month and has been spotted playing golf with pals and frolicking on the beach.
Read more on Lisa Armstrong
A source said: “Lisa is worried about Hurley in that kind of heat because of his age.
“They both adore him and have shared custody of him ever since they split up.
“Lisa is concerned about the temperatures in Portugal.”
KATIE Price has revealed a pet tragedy after her cat gave birth to “so many” kittens.
The former glamour model, 46, is proud owner of Sphynx cat Doris, and previously made a witty social media post about how their figures were the same.
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Katie Price revealed ‘sad news’ about her pets on her social media pagesCredit: Snapchat/Backgrid
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She took to Snapchat to reveal how one of her cat Doris’ kittens had diedCredit: katie-price/Snapchat/Backgrid
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Katie, 46, has turned down a holiday to look after Doris and the new arrivalsCredit: Getty
Katie welcomed three of the bald cats into her home back in October – despite being blasted by animal charities for doing so.
On her Snapchat page on Friday, the mum of five told how Doris had given birth, and has now revealed she’s swerved a holiday to the Isle of Wight to look after the new litter.
Yet instead of kicking back and relaxing, she is keeping her house cosy with electric blankets and regular feeding patterns for the new arivals.
In a video which showed her in a cream jumper and her dark hair in a straight style, she added the caption “sad news” and four emotional Emoji icons.
In the clip, Katie told her followers there had been a death and said: “An update on the kittens, one unfortunately died.
“That’s the one wrapped in tissue, two hours after we fed it.
“Luckily I’m trying to help the kittens latch on to the mum, two are just about doing it but I’m having to put them on it, because they are so premature.
“As you can see how knackered I am, every two and a half hours through the day and through the night I’m feeding them for the mum.
“She’s a good mum, and then she keeps bringing one to the bed with her, she did that earlier, I think that was a sign to come and look in the box as one had died.”
Katie Price admits her family are panicked over star’s weight loss as mum fears eating disorder and dad calls her ‘thin’ legs ‘terrible’
Katie added: “But that’s good because she trusts us and loves us so thats good.
“So I’ve got two latching on to her now, so thats the update.”
She then panned the camera to new parent Doris, sitting on her bed, as she cooed: “Hey Doris good girl.”
CHARITY BACKLASH
Katie forked out for Doris and two other cats last year.
Katie’s troubled pet history
November 2017
One of Katie’s horses was killed on the A24 after it broke lose from its field. She announced the death on social media and said she was devastated.
February 2018
Katie’s dog Queenie was hit by a car near her home, with the former model blaming a delivery driver for leaving the gate open.
November 2018
Katie claimed the family’s pet chameleon, called Marvin, died from a broken heart after her children Junior and Princess moved in with her ex husband Peter Andre.
February 2020
Her Alsatian Sparkle lost her life after getting lose and being hit by a car. Katie posted the news on social media but was hammered by fans who called for her to be more careful.
July 2020
Fans rounded on Katie after her daughter Princess’s puppy Rolo suffocated. JRC Bullies who gifted the dog to Katie were furious and said: “We are heartbroken that this has happened as we told Katie not to leave a small puppy on its own. “We can’t believe that the puppy was left unattended as we had left strict instructions.”
November 2022
Katie came under fire after she revealed her pomeranian Sharon had been hit by a car and killed outside her Horsham home.
June 2023
Katie was slammed by PETA after her seventh pet was killed. She revealed her dog blade had been run over on the same stretch as road as her last dog Sharon.
October 2023
Katie had four Chihuahuas but in October she sold two of them for £2k each.
She showed her affections for the trio, even pushing them around in a pram.
Yet, at the time, she could not escape backlash from charityPETA(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
They called for the need for an injunction to be put in place, stopping Katie from owning pets completely.
PETA UK founder Ingrid Newkirk told The Sun: “If there was a way to file an injunction to stop this serial animal killer, PETA would do so, as this woman doesn’t care about the lives she wastes or listen to vital advice and is still treating live animals like stuffed toys: as disposable.
“If William Hill took totally tasteless bets, the odds would favour those betting on how little time this kitten has on Earth, given the hideous track record of animal deaths in Price’s custody. No one could call it ‘care’.”
THE trainee, in his 20s, was confronted by a maniac who attempted to steal the pet two miles away from the Swinton Barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire.
The incident on Friday afternoon sent shockwaves through the camp, though the young victim, who suffered a facial wound, is expected to make a full recovery.
It is understood that police are now investigating the attack.
It is not thought to be linked to the victim’s role in the Army.
A source said: “It was a random attack while he was out walking a dog.
“The attacker approached him and produced a knife, and demanded that he hand the dog over.
“Obviously he refused. The knifeman made a lunge at him, and he was wounded in the face.
“The attacker wouldn’t have known he was in the military, but obviously, with the threats soldiers face, this is still an alarming incident.”
Military sources said Wiltshire Police were investigating the incident as a civilian matter.
Swinton Barracks is a 320-acre military estate on the eastern edge of Salisbury Plain, which is regularly used for Army drills.
It houses two Royal Engineer regiments and two Signal regiments.
Wiltshire Police said: “At around 3.45pm on Friday, we received a report that an unknown suspect had approached a man walking a dog in woodland near Perham Down and attempted to snatch the lead of the dog.
Horror moment McDonald’s staff threatened with huge machete and four teens arrested
“The victim, a man in his 20s, suffered a minor injury to his face during the incident.
“Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
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A soldier was confronted by a maniac who attempted to steal his pet two miles away from the Swinton Barracks in Tidworth, WiltshireCredit: Google
A “CRUEL” Royal Mail postie has been caught on camera KICKING a customer’s “attention-loving” puppy in the face.
Nikki Walker, 49, was working from home last month when cockapoo Bella heard the garden gate open and jumped out of a ground floor window.
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Bella let out a pained yelp when she was kicked in the headCredit: Kennedy News
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The postman sent her flyingCredit: Kennedy News
Moments later Nicki heard the one-year-old pup yelp in pain and rushed to the front door to question a Royal Mail postman who had just delivered some letters.
She says the rude worker denied kicking Bella and told her to “do what the f**k she wants” when she threatened to check her doorcam footage.
Nikki was appalled to discover footage on the doorcam of the Royal Mail postie booting her pooch in the face.
The shocking video shows Bella run over to the postman who turns around and kicks the rescue dog in the face with his right boot.
Squealing, Bella is launched backwards in mid-air and runs off a couple of seconds before Nikki appears at the front door.
Nikki claims the postie told her he simply “put my leg up to stop Bella from jumping” but she believes he was lying.
The mum-of-four says she was “absolutely fuming” while reviewing the footage and has complained to Royal Mail.
She says they offered her £100 and a home visit from a staff member to apologise, but she rejected the latter as she wanted all correspondence in writing.
Nikki claims Royal Mail have since threatened to suspend deliveries to her address unless she ensures the dog is kept away from staff.
She describes Bella as a “faithful, cuddle-loving” puppy who has never bitten anyone and posted the video to Facebook where users branded the postie a “scumbag” and called for him to be sacked.
Royal Mail claim two other posties have reported Bella growling at them and insisted their “first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety” of staff.
The postman has now been removed from the round and won’t be delivering to the address on Nikki’s request.
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Nikki confronted the postie at the doorCredit: Kennedy News
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Poor Bella ran away in fear from the violent postmanCredit: Kennedy News
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The Royal Mail has threatened to stop delivering to Nikki’s addressCredit: Kennedy News
Nikki, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, said: “When I heard yelping I quickly ran outside the front door.
“When I asked what she’s yelping at he said he didn’t know. I asked if he’d kicked the dog and he said ‘no, I put my leg up to stop her from jumping’.
“That won’t be the case because he put his leg back and kicked. I knew he was lying to me.
“I told him I’d check the camera then he said ‘do what the f**k you want.
“Bella ran into the house, curled and cowered on the sofa and that’s not like her. I knew something had happened.
“I sat next to her to watch the video and when I did I was absolutely fuming.
A second said: “I hope he gets sacked, he wouldn’t be kicking a rottweiler.”
A third agreed and said: “Sack the scumbag.”
However one said: “Should keep your dog under control at all times.”
Nikki hit back: “She was in her own garden not running wild in the streets. it’s the postman who was out of control.”
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our postmen and a dog in Leeds.
“Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers.
The vast majority of dog owners are very responsible and keep their pets under control, However, last year, there were over 2,200 dog attacks on postmen and women in the UK – some resulting in life-changing injuries.
“We continue to appeal to dog owners to secure their pets when the postie arrives to help reduce the number of attacks, particularly at the door and in the garden.”
In a room inside a North Hollywood warehouse, dozens of pets are ready for their owners to take them home.
Boots, a young black-and-white domestic shorthair cat, lies on his back, pawing playfully at the air. A trio of red, yellow and green parrots and cockatiels sit on wooden perches, oblivious to the piercing stare of a blue-eyed feline a few feet away. Princess, a senior Chihuahua, rests with her eyes closed and body curled into a tight cocoon, as a frenetic hamster named Ponby stands upright, his eyes bulging. There’s a naked guinea pig, a giant red macaw and an adorably chunky pit bull named Messy.
Eyes, such as those shown here on Messy the pit bull, are made of glass and closely match the animal’s original colors.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
All of these animals are loose, liberated from the confines of cages and leashes, and yet no havoc has ensued.
These animals are also all dead.
It’s an everyday scene at Bischoff’s the Animal Kingdom, a Los Angeles taxidermy business that has been preserving animals for 103 years. The business is multifold — Bischoff’s creates and rents out prop animals to film studios, museums and nature centers. Posters on the lobby walls boast the company’s work on shows like “American Horror Story” and “Westworld.” But in recent years, a bulk of its taxidermy requests now come from bereaved pet owners, those willing to shell out thousands of dollars for a tangible commemoration of their late “fur babies.”
Birds are commonly preserved at Bischoff’s, but the business has made mementos of more obscure pets, including chameleons, roosters and hairless guinea pigs.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
From full-body taxidermy to partial mementos — skulls, bronzed hearts or freeze-dried paws, for example — such services provide closure in ways that, clients say, traditional burials or urns cannot.
“It was honestly really comforting to have her back, and just be able to touch her and, in a sense, talk to her too,” said Bischoff’s customer Zoe Hays of the preservation of her Chihuahua-Yorkie mix Pixie. “She was a great little dog — also a menace to society, for sure — but she’s still with me, and she always will be.”
Bodily preservation, beyond the ashes or cemented paw prints offered by veterinarians and animal hospitals, has become a growing facet in the world of pet aftercare, with traditional taxidermists fulfilling many of the niche requests.
Redlands business Precious Creature initially only offered full-body taxidermy of pets until customers started suggesting other ideas, such as lockets containing patches of fur and cat-tail necklaces. (Most recently, owner Lauren Kane sewed a zippered pillowcase using the black-and-white fur of a rescue named G-Dog, or, as his owner fondly called him, “Fluffy Butt.”) In her documentary “Furever,” filmmaker Amy Finkel explores the lengths to which pet preservationists will go, asking, “Who decides what kind of grief is acceptable, or appropriate?”
Bischoff’s co-owner Ace Alexander had a songwriting career before transitioning to taxidermy.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Ace Alexander, 40, and Rey Macias, 55, the fourth owners in Bischoff’s long history, have steered the company to meet the new demand. Describing each other as “good friends,” the two men dress similarly in unofficial uniforms of black T-shirts and black pants, and they’re so in sync they sometimes finish each other’s thoughts. Since taking over the business, both have transitioned to primarily vegan diets.
“Bischoff’s used to be taxidermists to the stars in the trophy era, but now we’re taxidermists in the pet preservation era,” Alexander said. “People no longer hunt. Now they just love their pets.”
Hollywood needs supporting actors, even if they’re stuffed
Over the decades, Bischoff’s has preserved hundreds of animals. The Sumatran tiger has made many appearances in films and TV shows, including “Snowfall,” “Palm Royale” and “Welcome to Chippendales.”
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
In 1922, when Al Bischoff first opened the business on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, he’d stuff and plaster any animal brought to him. Most of the time, that meant trophies from hunting and safari trips, but it also included beloved pets owned by Hollywood elite. Roy Rogers used Bischoff’s to preserve his co-stars Trigger the horse and Bullet the dog. Buck — the dog from “Married with Children” — also got the Bischoff’s treatment.
Under Alexander and Macias’ tutelage, that’s still the case. They’ll preserve any animal you bring them — so long as it is not a protected species or an illegal pet. They’ll even make you a unicorn or a sasquatch or a wearable Velociraptor costume that roars and can open and close its jaws. The largest animal Alexander and Macias have preserved was an 11-foot-long buffalo, while the smallest, not including insects, was a hummingbird. Off the top of their heads, the only animal they haven’t preserved — yet — is the genetically rare white tiger.
Bischoff’s owners Ace Alexander, left, and Rey Macias show off a custom order of a pink peacock (sans tail) for a film.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
The majority of Bischoff’s clientele still comes from Hollywood. Due to federal and state laws, as well as industry regulators like the American Humane Association, it often makes more sense to use body doubles for animals when filming and is occasionally mandatory (such as scenes that involve roadkill or drowning incidents).
On a recent Wednesday, Alexander fielded calls from studios about the types of snake skins in stock, how to clean dirt off a rented coyote and the particular body poses of their turkeys.
“So what are you thinking?” Alexander said, talking on the phone. “Turkeys in flight? Perched? Or did you need a floppy version?”
As for the pet sector, which accounts for around 40% of their business, dogs and cats, unsurprisingly, make up the majority of the preservations, but the team has also worked on rabbits, rodents, chameleons and roosters. And although they will preserve your pet goldfish, they will strongly encourage you to consider having a synthetic version made of it due to the oils in the scales, which inevitably lead to deterioration.
Bischoff’s works on pets shipped from around the country as well as overseas. Dr. Xanya Sofra, who is based in Hong Kong, has had at least half a dozen of her papillons preserved by Bischoff’s. Another client, who was an avid hiker, had Bischoff’s preserve his golden retriever in an upright position so that he could carry it in his backpack on his treks.
Neither Alexander nor Macias had a background in taxidermy when they started working at Bischoff’s. They were both musicians, which is how they initially met. Macias also owned an auto shop and has been taking apart and fixing appliances from a young age.
Alexander picked up jobs at Bischoff’s when it was owned by the previous owner, Gary Robbins. The pay was good, the work interesting and he realized he had a knack for airbrushing and sculpting. In 2017, when Robbins was ready to retire, Alexander and Macias, who by then had also started working there, decided to buy the business.
Blending artistic skill with scientific knowledge
Each multi-level freeze-dryer can fit around a dozen pets at a time. Smaller pets need three to four months to dry out, while larger animals take nearly a year.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Bischoff’s specializes in a form of hybrid taxidermy, incorporating traditional techniques with the more new-fangled freeze-drying process. The results are not only more lifelike and long-lasting than the standard gut-and-stuff method, but it also allows for the bulk of the original animal to remain, including the skeletal structure, toenails, whiskers, eyelids, nose and teeth. The eyes, however, are made of glass.
The method leaves room for error. Water can be used to dampen and repose the body and paint can be removed or retouched.
“You can definitely backpedal,” Alexander said, making a note to check the texture of the preserved hearts on sticks in the next 24 hours.
Alexander credits this attention to detail to his predecessors, former owner Robbins and then-main taxidermist Larry Greissinger, who taught him the trade. Strict in their teachings, Robbins and Greissinger emphasized getting every bodily facet correct: from recreating the natural anatomy to sewing the perfect hidden stitch to making sure the eyes looked right.
“That’s where the emotion is,” Alexander said. “You can get the perfect body pose, but if the eyes aren’t sitting well or don’t carry any emotion, then the animal will never look alive.”
Bischoff’s has old and new taxidermy, including two polar bears from the 1940s and 1950s, a bull created in 2013 for the “Yellowstone” prequel “1923” and a buffalo that appeared in “The Lone Ranger.”
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
A few of Bischoff’s early taxidermy pieces are still on display, including a dog, which looks more like a cross between a wolf and a baboon, dating to the 1920s. Its plaster interior, an old taxidermy technique, gives it a stiff visage and makes it exceedingly heavy.
Bischoff’s prices reflect its modernized techniques, as well as the amount of time and attention to even the smallest of details required to make a dead pet come back to life. The cost for a fully preserved cat or a small dog like a Chihuahua starts at $2,640, with small birds, like a budgie, starting at $850.
A photo booth is set up in Bischoff’s warehouse, where images of the completed pets are taken.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Although most customers order full-body taxidermy, an “a la carte” menu has expanded over the years with jars of whiskers or fur, bundles of bones tied in a bow and, the most recent addition, freeze-dried hearts, which come mounted inside of a glass cloche. Bischoff’s also offers cloning services through its Texas-based affiliate Viagen Pets, to whom they send the pet’s skin tissues.
Pelts, paws and bronzed skulls are among the smaller items purchased by pet owners.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Bischoff’s in-house artist Laischa Ramirez creates hand-drawn portraits of pets for owners who request it.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
Costly though their work is, Alexander and Macias see it as an investment. Pets, they point out, are friends you look at every day. You’re intimately aware of their nuances and quirks, like how their left ear might curl back more than the right one or the way their nose tilts ever-so-subtly upwards. Entrust their preservation to a novice or lower-cost taxidermist, and you risk losing some of the elements that made your pet who they were.
Bischoff’s has seen its share of people who’ve preserved their pets with budget taxidermists only to be disappointed. “It’s unfortunate because at that point, there’s not much we can do,” Alexander said. Such pets are cremated “because they just can’t stand to look at them.”
Bischoff’s key component? Compassion
Pets and pet hearts sit in a freeze-dryer at Bischoff’s.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
In the back of Bischoff’s warehouse is where the equipment resides and the smells of the oils running the machines permeates the space. The company has one aquamation machine that uses alkali solution, heat and pressure to break down the organic material into ashes. With interior chambers lined with perforated metal walls, the contraption somewhat resembles a fast-food restaurant’s deep fryer. Except, one taxidermist notes, when the process is done, instead of having golden fried potato strips in each basket, all that is left are bones.
Oftentimes at the ends of these processes, Bischoff’s workers will find inorganic remnants from the pets, such as microchips, metal plates or orthopedic screws. They give them to their owners as keepsakes.
Macias’ son, 29-year-old Chris Macias, works alongside his dad at Bischoff’s. He started helping out to make extra money while attending nursing school, but when business picked up, he decided to transition fully into the taxidermy business. He does a little bit of everything — recently, it was prepping a seal pelt for the San Pedro Marine Mammal Care Center — but tends to do pet pickups the most. Less technical though it may be, it is more emotionally taxing as he’s interfacing with grieving clients who might still be in shock or confused as to what exactly they want to do with their late pets.
Two calico cats were returned to Bischoff’s by the children of the woman who owned them after her death.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)
“Everybody’s different, but I just try to be there for them,” Chris said. “Their pet was part of their family, so I totally understand. Because all of us here, we have our own pets as well. We get it.”
Though Alexander never imagined building a career out of preserving dead pets, he said, “We’ve found joy in this work and we just see preservation as another form of art.”
It’s that art that is helping keep the memories of beloved pets alive — for generations even. Hays, the owner of Chihuahua-Yorkie mix Pixie, already has a contingency plan in place for Pixie’s taxidermy upon her own death. It will be “adopted” by another family member. Her daughter has already called dibs.
And many of Bischoff’s pet preservation customers are repeat clients, which is something that Alexander and Macias take pride in. Two women picking up the taxidermy body of their late cat recently chatted with Alexander about their newest rescue, a diabetic stray cat burnt in the Altadena fires. They couldn’t help but comment on the “beautiful bone structure” of the feline, still very much alive.
“I was like, ‘Hmm, you’re definitely going on the altar some day,’” one of the women said.
