Latest news with #RhodesianRidgebacks
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Shocking photos show starving dogs found in Bexleyheath home with dead puppies
WARNING - This article contains distressing images Photos have been released showing the condition of dogs found in a Bexleyheath home alongside two dead puppies and a dead dog. In April we reported that owner Kriss Kesson, 60, had been banned from keeping dogs for at least 10 years and was given a suspended prison sentence. The RSPCA have now released photos showing the condition of the dogs when they were found. (Image: RSPCA) On the afternoon of February 28 last year RSPCA officers went to Kesson's home on Rydal Drive accompanied by the police, prosecutor Joel Wootten told Woolwich Crown Court. Inside the home officers found three Rhodesian Ridgebacks and one Dalmatian, all of which were visibly emancipated with prominent ribs and hip bones. They also found two dead puppies and a dead adult Rhodesian Ridgeback, named Reggie. Mr Wootten said: 'The defendant told officers the dog had died a few days earlier and he was waiting for rigor mortis to end so he could bury him, while the puppies had died a few weeks ago.' When asked why the dogs were so emaciated, Kesson said he had a bad knee and wasn't able to take them out for much exercise, so he had cut down their food. (Image: RSPCA) The four living dogs - Ozzy, Max, Alice and Harry - were taken in by the RSPCA. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Tia Pennan said Alice, the mother of the puppies, was emaciated with all of her ribs, spine and hip bone showing. Max, who was in an emaciated condition, and Ozzy, who was very underweight, were both suffering with flea infestations and had fur loss towards their rears which had scabbed over. Mr Wootten said vets assessed that the dogs had been suffering for at least three weeks 'if not certainly longer'. Both Ozzy and Max died in RSPCA care while Harry and Alice have since made good recoveries. Vets also assessed the dead dog's bodies and found they were also significantly underweight. Kesson pleaded guilty to four counts of causing unnecessary suffering to animals. While he was released on bail with instructions not to keep any pets 10 more dogs and a number of fish were found in his home. Defending, Ben Wild said Kesson had been raising dogs for 30 years and was incredibly attached to them. He said that his health had deteriorated and the health of the dogs had followed. In the end it had been Kesson who had called the RSPCA, the court heard. On Tuesday, April 22, Judge Ben Gumpert KC sentenced Kesson to 30 weeks in custody, suspended for one year. 'These were sustained and prolonged periods of neglect, you failed to feed or care for these animals,' Judge Gumpert said. He said Kesson's behaviour suggested he was not remorseful, noting that the defendant had attempted to blame those who attempted to save the dog's lives for their deaths. RSPCA Inspector Clive Hopwood said: 'The degree of emaciation of these dogs would have been apparent to any owner and it was lucky we visited the defendant's home when we did as the other dogs may have died at his home.'
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Also known as the African Lion Dog, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is loyal and protective, but will they make for a good family pet?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Rhodesian Ridgeback overview Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years Size: 25-27 -inches (male); 24-26 inches (female); Coat: Short, dense and glossy Temperament: Sensitive, intelligent, loyal, protective and strong-willed Exercise needs: One to two hours Origin/native country: Southern Africa A breed of African lion hound originating from South Africa and Zimbabwe in the 1600s, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a cross between the European breeds of Dutch colonizers and the ridge-backed native hunting dogs of the Khoikhoi people. As you can probably gather, this is how they got their name (Rhodesia was the colonial name for the independent country now known as Zimbabwe) and they've since become popular pets and guard dogs. They're distinguished by a ridge of hair running along the back some two inches wide. But are Rhodesian Ridgebacks the breed for you? Large and a little intimidating, they may not always seem ideal additions to the home but they actually have many surprising qualities. So let's take a closer look at this hound breed and whether you'll be a good match. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are a very high-energy dog breed and they need to be kept significantly active every day otherwise they will become bored and destructive. 'These dogs were originally bred as hunting dogs in Southern Africa, so they are active and built for strength and endurance,' says expert vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan. 'They will need between one and two hours of play and exercise each day.' This generally includes taking them for long walks and runs rather than a gentle stroll. As such, they fare better with active owners who have a lot of time on their hands. They are also best suited to homes that have a large, securely fenced yard or at least a sizable, safe patch of land on which they're allowed to run free and satiate their desire for both mental and physical stimulation. Since Rhodesian Ridgebacks have a great sense of smell, you should play scent games with them, which can be as simple as hiding treats around the house or yard. Since they are very intelligent dogs, you will find Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not only relatively easy to train but are actually among the big dog breeds that make sensible pets. That said, you do need to have some experience of owning a dog because there are some challenges. 'Ridgebacks are smart, but they are also independent, meaning that training can be tricky for novice owners,' says Dr MacMillan. 'They can come across as stubborn and strong-willed, so consistent positive reinforcement training is essential.' Training is certainly important. Rhodesian Ridgebacks have natural guardian instincts which mean they need to learn how to engage appropriately with strangers. They also have strong prey drives so it's best to train them in areas free of distractions and then work on taming that urge to chase. Crate training should be considered as a way of dealing with separation anxiety because Rhodesian Ridgebacks don't like being left alone all day. As gregarious and gentle dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are protective of their families, which is why they are among the best guard dog breeds. But this can cause a problem. 'They can be a bit wary or reserved when first meeting strangers which is why appropriate training and early socialization is so important,' says Dr MacMillan. Even so, they tend to be calm within the home. 'Their large size can make them seem intimidating, but these dogs will make gentle and loyal pets with the right care,' Dr MacMillan adds. You may, however, want to avoid introducing them into a home with very young children simply because this breed's size could potentially cause injuries should they collide. 'They can be good with children, but they are very strong and large, so supervision is always required,' Dr MacMillan says. You will find Rhodesian Ridgebacks are rather low maintenance dogs. 'They have short and easy-to-care-for coats and they are considered low shedders, so they shed less than some other breeds of dog,' Dr MacMillan says. In general, you'll only need to give them a once over each week with one of the best dog brushes and that will remove any loose hairs. Keep the nails in trim, preferably using one of the best nail grinders for pets because it can be a stressful experience for Ridgebacks and give them the occasional bath. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are pedigree dogs so they are at risk from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. 'These are hereditary joint problems that can affect the development of your dog's limbs. If the joint doesn't fit together smoothly then painful lameness can occur and early onset osteoarthritis,' says Dr MacMillan. Dermoid sinuses can also be present at birth in some Rhodesian Ridgebacks. 'This neural tube defect is caused by incomplete separation of the skin and nervous system during development in the womb,' Dr MacMillan explains. 'This often painful condition is commonly found on the neck or upper spine. It is a congenital condition, meaning that affected parents can pass the problem on to their offspring. Dermoid sinuses are thought to be linked to the same genes that give these dogs the characteristic ridge on their backs.' Finally, hypothyroidism is also very common in Rhodesian Ridgebacks. 'This is a condition that can lead to weight gain, lethargy, hair thinning, and infertility,' Dr MacMillan says. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are wonderful, loyal dogs who adapt well to human family life. They infrequently bark, love to play and, if you're an active household, you're going to rub along extremely well – while ensuring this breed remains sufficiently stimulated and less prone to boredom and destruction. If you're time-poor, however, and you tend to spend the majority of your days outside of the home, away from pets, then you will run into problems. It's also important to devote a lot of time to training. Complete Guide to Rhodesian Ridgebacks | Amazon Using interviews with several top Rhodesian Ridgeback breeders, this book takes an in-depth look at what it really takes to successfully live with, raise, and train a Rhodesian Deal Want to learn more about African dog breeds? Here's everything you need to know about the Boerboel Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
Woman punched after asking dog walkers to use lead
Police are investigating an assault on a dog walker who reported being punched in the face and kicked in the ribs. The female victim said she had approached a man and woman on a footpath near Eyford House in Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, after her dog was bitten by one of the couple's two Rhodesian Ridgebacks. She told police that after asking them to put their dogs on a lead, she was punched by the man before being grabbed from behind by the woman and pulled to the ground and kicked. Gloucestershire Police is investigating the incident, which occurred at about 12:25 GMT on Sunday. The couple are described as being white and wearing matching black wax jackets. The woman had blonde hair in a ponytail and was wearing a pink cap and the man had short, cropped hair and a grey goatee beard and moustache. Officers are asking the man and woman to contact them to give their account of what happened and want any witnesses to get in touch. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Gloucestershire Constabulary
