Members of a national dog meat farmers association hold a rally in favor of the meat's consumption in central Seoul on Thursday. Photo by Yonhap

SEOUL, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Animal rights groups held protests against dog meat consumption on Thursday in Seoul.

More than 200 people attended the protest, including animal rights activists, lawmakers and singers, to call for putting an end to dog meat trade, Yonhap reported.

The protest was held on Thursday, considered as the last hottest day of summer, according to the traditional lunar calendar. Eating dog meat has long been considered a seasonal ritual in South Korea to spend hot days of summer as people believe it will help them beat the summer heat.

As more households have dogs for pets, a growing number of people are opposing dog meat consumption.

Animal rights groups have called the way dog farms raise and slaughter dogs "unethical."

"The society shifts toward the end of dog meat consumption. Let's gather our voices to change our society," said the Korean Animal Welfare Association at the protest, according to Yonhap.

The animal rights groups met with a counter-protest staged by the Korean Dog Meat Association, calling for legalizing the dog meat trade.

"Ban on dog meat trade is the declaration to swipe off livestock farmers," the group said.

"The animal rights groups falsely have claimed that dogs raised for meat are illegal and we call an immediate investigation on their false claims," it said.</s>Chorley Council has won two court cases for dog control orders following dog attacks in the area.

The council won these cases after another animal has been injured or died from a dog attack.

Chorley Coun Paul Walmsley, who is responsible for enforcement action, said: “There have been a few dog attacks in the Chorley area recently and we have won two court cases which have meant dog control orders have been implemented.

“Dog attacks can be serious so it’s important that these are dealt with properly to prevent them from happening again.

“We ask that dog owners are responsible for their dogs and have control of them when taking them out in public to make sure things like this don’t happen.

“If anyone has witnessed a dog attack please come forward so that it can be dealt with properly.”

One case involved a dog attack that was tried at Blackpool Magistrates Court on Wednesday, July 11.

The case was regarding a Welsh Terrier and an Airdale Terrier attacking a cat after running off from their owner in woodlands adjacent to Long Copse, Chorley.

The Airdale Terrier returned to its owner but the owner was unable to get the Welsh Terrier back on a lead when it then proceeded to attack the cat again.

“This case is an example of poor control over a pet dog resulting in a serious injury on another person’s pet,” added Coun Walmsley.

“It’s a traumatic experience, especially when someone’s pet is left injured or has died from such an incident, so it’s important dog owners are responsible for their dogs when out in public.

“We have rules in place for a reason so we ask that people follow them and are respectful of other people and their pets.”

The court issued an order that the Welsh Terrier be kept under proper control by being securely held on a lead whenever in public.

Costs were also awarded for the sum of £1665.00.

The second case involved a dog owner that didn’t attend court on Thursday, July 26, but an order was made that the dogs must be kept on a leash.

The council is currently investigating four other cases in which two cats have died as a result of a dog attack.</s>For the first 8 weeks of a puppy’s life it is being taught the ways of the world by mommy dog. Observing what happens in those first 8 weeks is fascinating, if only for the subtleties, or maybe not so subtle ways, that mommy dog is laying down the law to her new puppy. A flick of the nose, a movement of the paw, a sharp grrr: all these actions, and more, are laying the foundation for life in the pack.

All of a sudden, the puppy is removed from the only pack it has ever known and thrust into a world of humans and much more. Dogs are amazing at adapting to change but, like any living creature, they need help along the way so they can get used to new and “strange” experiences. From the time the puppy is introduced into your home, try to get it around as many other dogs and people as you can so that it begins to assimilate to it’s new reality. The only caveat to this is don’t take your puppy to off-leash dog parks until it has had appropriate shots, for fear of picking up a virus from the hundred and one things that are lurking in the park.

If you decide to help socialize your puppy by taking it to the mall, bear in mind that only service dogs have full access by law to restaurants, stores, etc so you will need to do your homework ahead of time to know which stores are open to having puppies visit. Most pet stores are amenable as well as stores like Bass Pro.

A great way to help with socialization is to have play dates for your puppy. Ask a friend who has a well-mannered dog whether they would like to bring their dog over to your house so the puppy can make a new friend. The beauty of this is that you can have the peace of mind that your dog is playing in an enclosed, clean space with a non-aggressive dog and you can observe the interaction, making notes of how your puppy is behaving.

Part of socializing your puppy is setting boundaries for it’s behaviour. When meeting people for the first time, you can let your puppy greet them but done in a way that is comfortable and acceptable to the people being met. You are teaching manners as well as allowing them to experience new people. Try to have your dog meet as many different types of people as possible: young and old, white, brown and black, wearing hats or hoodies. Over the years I’ve heard many stories of dogs being wary of, for example, men wearing hats or people carrying canes. One of the reasons for this is that they never experienced meeting such people.

By exposing your puppy to a variety of people and places, you are setting up your puppy for success. A well balanced, well socialized dog has to be the goal for all dog owners.</s>The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), the newspaper pointed out, has published data indicating that the consumption of meat per capita in fact increased from 77.5 kilos to 81 kilos between 2012 and 2016 and stayed at that level between 2016 and 2017.

Statistics Finland’s data shows on the other hand that the share of households on a meat-free diet rose from 5.3 per cent in 2012 to 8.0 per cent in 2016, according to Lehto. She says the data consequently suggests that a smaller share of the population is consuming a larger share of meat and meat products in Finland.

Meat-free diets were the most common among 25–34-year-old households in both 2012 and 2016, but their popularity increased in all age groups, with the exception of over 75-year-olds, over the four-year period.

Lehto tells that dietary habits seem to have changed particularly among 17–24-year-old households, with the share of meat-free households rising from 9.2 to 17.7 per cent in 2012–2016.

The survey defines meat-free households as households that did not purchase any meat, animal parts, meat products or pre-cooked foods containing meat during the two-week period the research data was collected.

The data also shows that the trend towards meat-free diets is spreading gradually from the capital region also to other parts of Finland. Lehto highlights that three-quarters of households who were classified as meat-free lived outside the capital region in 2016.

She also reminds that the next consumption survey will show whether giving up meat represents a real change in the food culture or simply a temporary trend. Statistics Finland will collect data for the next study in 2020–2021.</s>Animal rights activists say a meat based event is not appropriate family fun. Protesters came out Wednesday for the launch of Ribfest, which takes place at Kelowna City Park. Aug, 24-26.</s>You love your dog so much, it's only natural to let him lick you. And if it happens that he zeroes in on your lips, what's the big deal? After all, you've heard that a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's.

Except it's not true. You've seen the things your dog eats. It's no wonder dogs have their fair share of oral bacteria, making them no better than us when it comes to the microbial situation in their mouths. So you may want to think twice before putting your face so close to your four-legged buddy.

You may think your dog is doing this out of love, but there are a number of reasons dogs lick their owners, other dogs and even themselves, according to the American Kennel Club.

They like the way you taste. Dogs find something yummy about your sweaty, salty skin. That unique taste is also comforting because it comes from someone they love.

They're rewarded for doing it. What did you do the last time your dog licked you? Likely you gave him attention by petting him or saying something to him, which offered positive reinforcement, encouraging him to do it again. And, as the AKC points out, licking also releases endorphins (the “feel good” hormones), which increases the benefit of doing it.

To show submission. Puppies will lick their mother's mouth as a sign of subordination. Similarly, a dog will lick another dog (or a person) that they feel is superior to them.

For medical or behavioral reasons. A dog might lick a certain spot on his body because of allergies or other medical problems. But a dog that obsessively licks himself, a person or even an item may have anxiety or a disorder that may benefit from a consultation with a behaviorist.

To lick or not to lick

Because babies' immune systems are still developing, it's a good idea to keep dogs from licking them on the face, say experts. (Photo: Christin Lola/Shutterstock)

Your dog's mouth and intestines harbor all sorts of bacteria and parasites. Some of these are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to people and can cause disease, says veterinarian Ken Tudor of PetMD. Some common bacteria that can be transmitted this way include salmonella, E. coli, clostridium and campylobacter, which can be found in a dog's intestines.

Because pets lick their bottoms, these bacteria can eventually end up in a dog's mouth and then possibly be transferred to people with a lick.

If you're healthy, a few dog licks likely won't make you sick, most experts appear to agree.

“When dog saliva touches intact human skin, especially in a healthy person, it is extremely unlikely to cause any problems, as there will be very little absorption through the skin,” Dr. Leni K. Kaplan at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine told the New York Times.

But because disease-carrying saliva can be absorbed more readily through the membranes in a person's mouth, eyes and nose, Kaplan suggests it's best to avoid letting your dog lick those parts of your face. It's rare that illnesses are spread that way, but it's still a wise precaution since the disease can be fatal.

For one man in Wisconsin, licks from his own dog led to a bacterial infection in his blood caused by capnocytophaga and ultimately his limbs were amputated. "This infection in his blood triggered a very severe response on his body," Dr. Silvia Munoz-Price, infectious disease specialist at the Medical College of Wisconsin, told FOX 6. "More than 99 percent of the people that have dogs will never have this issue. It's just chance."

Just a few weeks after that, a woman in Wisconsin died from a capnocytophaga infection just two days after her new puppy nipped her and caused a small cut. "I was told she could get struck by lightning four times and live, win the lottery twice,” the woman's husband told WTMJ. "That’s how rare this is supposed to be."

While these two cases are extremely rare, there are other reasons why you shouldn't let a dog lick you.

Before you kiss a dog, or let a dog lick your face, “you have to think of where their nose has been,” veterinarian Clark Fobian, immediate past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, tells WebMD. “Has it been inside a dead opossum on the side of the road, or the posterior of another dog, or in the litter box?”

Fobian points out that you shouldn't think kissing your dog on his nose or the top of his head is much safer than on the mouth. If your dog has an infection, germs can travel all over his body through scratching, he says. And because dogs are constantly licking, whatever is on their mouth typically will end up on their skin, and vice versa.

If you have a compromised immune system — for example if you're on chemotherapy or have diabetes — you should definitely avoid the up-close-and-personal doggy mouth to mouth, Dr. Shelley Rankin, associate professor of microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, tells VetStreet. The same rule applies for pregnant women, babies, the elderly and anyone (like teenagers with acne) who have open sores on their faces.

“Anywhere the skin is broken, there’s potentially a risk," Rankin says.

If you get near a dog's face and he turns away, he may be telling you he's stressed you're so close. (Photo: naeg/Shutterstock)

To limit your chances of pet-related microbial issues, it's smart to take common sense health measures to keep you and your dog healthy. Here are some tips from the Companion Animal Parasite Council:
• Make sure your dog has regular heartworm, flea and tick control.
• Have your dog checked for parasites regularly and have puppies on a deworming program.
• Clean up immediately after your pet while on walks and in the yard.
• Wash your hands after cleaning up after your pet.

And use caution when sticking your face in front of any dog. Not all dogs want you that close and can show their stress by leaning or looking away or licking their lips. If you don't catch and respect those signs, a dog can eventually snap at you, veterinarian Melissa Bain, assistant professor at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, tells WebMD.

It’s just like trying to kiss a person who doesn’t want to be kissed. “We respect people who are like that; we should also respect dogs who are like that,” Bain says.

Editor's note: This article has been updated since it was originally posted in October 2016.</s>A Camden County woman was arrested after she allegedly dragged her dog behind her truck for nearly a quarter of a mile.

According to a report from the Kingsland Police Department, officers were dispatched to a call in reference to a live animal being pulled behind a moving vehicle. When they arrived on scene, the dog had injuries all down its body and from where it has made contact with the pavement.

Police asked the dog's owner, Amy Sikes, how the dog ended up behind the truck and she said that she wasn't paying attention to her dog and noticed that someone was behind her flashing their lights and honking. After seeing that person she noticed her dog had jumped out of the bed of her truck and she pulled over.

The dog needed immediate medical attention so Sikes and the dog were escorted to an animal hospital. The hospital later called police stating Sikes did not pay her bill and did not take any of the medication which would prevent infection and treat the pain of the dog, simply took her dog and left.

When police made contact with Sikes again, she told them she took the dog and left because she did not have any money. When asked why she did not secure the dog in the truck, she said she never did and did not have a reason for not securing it.

She was arrested for theft of services and cruelty to animals.

The dog was taken to an animal hospital where it will be treated for its injuries free of charge.</s>COLUMBIA - The Audrain County Sheriff's Office says the widely-circulated story of a dog found with taped legs and muzzle was fake.

The man who said he found the dog has been arrested and faces charges of making a false report and animal theft.

The sheriff's office says Carl Nowlin, Jr., of Mexico, reported finding the dog walking along U.S. 54 Friday night. The dog was taken to the Mexico/Audrain Animal Shelter for care.

Sheriff Matt Oller says he released a statement on the report, along with the dog's picture, in hopes of finding the dog's rightful owners.

Several people called CrimeStoppers to say they had seen the dog at a local gas station for days and was getting food and water. Nowlin was on that tape, Oller said.

"On the day Nowlin made the report, he was seen visiting with the dog in the parking lot and loading the dog into his van and leaving the area just hours before he reported finding the animal bound in Audrain County," he said.

Oller said Nowlin has admitted he made up the story of finding the dog with taped legs and muzzle. Nowlin's motive is unclear, Oller said. In an interview with KOMU 8 News, Nowlin said he hoped to adopt the dog once it was released from the shelter.

Oller said the "silver lining" in the case is the owners of the dog, named Hershey, have been found - a family in Eldon.

"This afternoon, they were reunited at the Audrain County Sheriff’s Office Firearms Range, and he’s headed home," he said.</s>TWINSBURG, Ohio– The Twinsburg Police Department is looking for the dog that attacked a woman at a park.

It happened at the Twinsburg Dog Park on Liberty Road at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Police said the dog, described as a pit bull, injured the victim and her dog.

The suspect dog was named Daisy. She was about 2 years old and 40 to 60 pounds.

Anyone with information about the owner of the dog should call Officer Caporuscio at 330-425-1234.</s>Bree Reardon of Coaldale with her dog Daisy - winners of Daily Examiner dog popular vote.

Bree Reardon of Coaldale with her dog Daisy - winners of Daily Examiner dog popular vote. Adam Hourigan

WITH 33 per cent of the vote, Daisy might be famous now for winning The Daily Examiner's top dog poll, but she already had a long list of admirers across the world.

The pure-bred border collie from Coaldale has her own Instagram account, with more than 1000 followers.

Owner Bree Reardon set the account up to show off the many photos she took of her beloved pet.

"I always tell her she's Instafamous,” laughed Bree.

"She's always happy and obedient at home.

"She loves swimming and going in the car and going places - we always take her with us when we go somewhere.”

Daisy is 1.5 years old, and despite being the family dog still sees a bit of action on the farm.

"She does do a bit of work, but only really if she gets the opportunity,” Ms Reardon said.

"Our in-laws have cattle, and she's really intrigued with them, but mostly she's just our dog.”

In second place with 17 per cent of the vote was Whitney Heiler's adorable puppy "Malia” who was all dressed up for the occasion.

Coming in third with 9 per cent was the Michael Casement with dynamic duo Lucy and Penny.

The original call-out for dogs on Facebook attracted more than 300 of your best dogs, with the top 20 whittled down by Daily Examiner staff in which cuteness was an overwhelming factor in the decision.

You can visit Daisy the border-collie on Instagram at @daisythebcollie
Animal rights groups hold protests against dog meat consumption in Seoul.