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Newsweek
6 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Golden Retriever Finds Chicken Nugget—Viewers in Hysterics by What Follows
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A golden retriever's unwavering determination to find a chicken nugget has left internet viewers in stitches, as the dog refuses to give up hope—weeks after finding one by chance. The video, shared by the dog's owner who posts under the handle @piperthegoldengirlie, shows Piper the golden retriever excitedly sniffing around a bush where she once discovered a stray nugget. The clip, which has received more than 34,000 likes and over 211,000 views on TikTok, captures the pup's daily commitment to nugget hunting. "My golden retriever found a chicken nugget here one morning 4 weeks ago and now we have to check every morning if there is a new one," the owner wrote in on-screen text. "It's part of our morning ritual now," they added in the caption. Piper's dedication might seem hilarious, but it is not unusual behavior for a dog. The American Kennel Club says that sniffing is a crucial way for canines to gather information, likened to humans scrolling social media. Returning to the same spots is common, as dogs remember areas where they have previously found interesting scents—or tasty treats. Golden retrievers in particular are known for their love of food and routine. The PDSA notes that this large, affectionate breed requires plenty of mental stimulation and a minimum of two hours exercise per day, which often include enthusiastic sniffing and occasional scavenging. While Piper's nugget quest is adorable, experts caution against letting dogs eat random finds on walks. The Ontario SPCA recommends teaching the "leave it" command and rewarding pups for ignoring tempting items. Using a short leash, avoiding high-risk areas, and carrying treats to redirect attention can also help prevent scavenging. Stock image: A golden retriever sniffs some grass. Stock image: A golden retriever sniffs some grass. Rupendra Singh Rawat/iStock / Getty Images Plus Still, internet users couldn't get enough of Piper's persistence. "Pls [please] hide a chicken nugget there," one posted. "If I lived anywhere near Charleston I'd be on my way to put chicken nuggets in that exact same spot rn [right now] are you kidding me," another commented. "He thinks it grows from the trees," added a user named Jorg. "Just take him to McDonald's," someone else wrote. "Excuse you, chicken nuggets bushes occur naturally. They only right to check," said Karli. Other dog owners could relate. "My pom still drags me back two years later to the spot he found a scotch egg one Boxing Day morning. I thought it was a tennis ball till he bit it and egg popped out," shared one commenter. Newsweek reached out to @piperthegoldengirlie for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Yahoo
Dog thefts: what really happened during the COVID pandemic
Dog theft can be a devastating crime. During the COVID pandemic, newspapers suggested there was an epidemic of 'dognapping' in the UK. If you have a dog, the reports may have alarmed you at a time when there were already many reasons to feel afraid. There are mixed views on whether or not lockdown triggered an increase in dog ownership. Animal welfare charity Battersea attributed a 53% increase in dog adoption to lockdown, and online pet adoption service Pets4Homes said in their 2022 report that demand for puppies rose 104% at the peak of lockdown in May 2020. But animal charity PDSA said its survey data pointed to a gradual increase in dog ownership since 2011 rather than a dramatic surge during lockdown. However, we do know lockdown saw inflated prices for dogs, with some fashionable breeds going for £9,000. In terms of criminal activity, social distancing restrictions seemed to lead to a decline in some forms of crime, including shoplifting and burglary. But many media outlets reported the number of dog thefts had increased up to 250% during the pandemic. Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK's latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. We wanted to explore if the data supported claims of a dognapping epidemic and whether patterns in dog theft could suggest ways to help reduce it. Our recent study found new insights into dog theft patterns and showed the situation was more complicated than it seemed at first glance. Under the Theft Act 1968, dog theft is not a specific offence. It comes under other theft offences, such as burglary or theft from a person. This means police records on dog theft were not included in crime statistics. The only way to access such information is through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to individual police forces. There are 45 territorial and three special police forces in the UK, and each has its own reporting and recording practices. Although police FOI data for dog theft must be approached with caution, it is useful. Previous studies exploring police FOI data found an upward trend in recorded dog thefts in England and Wales: rising nearly 20% from 2015 (1,545) to 2018 (1,849) for 41 police forces combined; and up 3.5% year on year from 2019 (1,452) to 2020 (1,504) for 33 police forces. DogLost, a UK online community for reuniting lost and stolen dogs with their owners, reported a 170% increase in stolen dogs (with Crime Reference Numbers) registered on their website in 2020 (465), compared to 2019 (172). This figure was widely quoted as a national increase 'since lockdown started' by the media. The 250% increase figure first quoted in December 2020 was actually a comparison of two seven-month periods (January-July 2019 and 2020) for only one police force. Patterns and trends Our study found the data for the period covering the COVID pandemic is also incomplete. Data was provided by 32 forces (71%) for 2020, by 27 forces (60%) for 2021, and 23 forces (51%) for 2022. Patterns and trends do, however, emerge. Between 2020 and 2022, the available data shows a 3.7% rise in dog thefts in the UK, from 1,573 to 1,631. When making adjustments for the number of police forces providing data (which decreased over the period), the estimated national figures suggest there may have been more significant rise of up to 44.2%. While we cannot assume that the forces who supplied data are representative of all 45 regional forces, if this were the case, it would equate to 2,212 recorded dog thefts in 2020, 2,645 in 2021, and 3,191 in 2022. There was a lot of variation between different areas. For example, Cambridgeshire, Gwent and Northumbria police forces experienced increases of 36%, 49% and 80% respectively in the number of recorded dog thefts between 2020 and 2021. Monthly analysis of data from regional police forces and DogLost, show that the number of reports of stolen dogs started to go up when the UK entered its first national lockdown and again during part of the third lockdown. But the average number of police-recorded dog thefts was actually slightly higher outside of lockdown periods than during them between 2020 and 2022. However, in contrast with police trends, DogLost data shows a 65.2% drop in dogs reported stolen on DogLost's website in 2022 compared to 2020. Lower DogLost numbers may reflect limited visibility or presence of their networks, the use of alternative lost and stolen dog services, or reluctance to share personal details online due to scams targeting dog theft victims. Our study found that, overall, there probably was an increase in dog theft from 2020 to 2022, following already identified increases in the preceding years. This rise was probably driven by a combination of opportunity (more dogs, higher value) and situational factors (accessibility, dogs unattended in gardens while owners were inside). Our evidence does not support the notion of a widespread epidemic as portrayed by the media. However, increased media interest probably amplified awareness of the issue, and influenced the creation of the Pet Theft Taskforce, a UK government initiative set up in May 2021 to investigate and tackle dog thefts. New research appears to confirm the idea that dog abduction has significant welfare effects on both dogs and their owners. We also know that few dog thefts are successfully resolved, with under a quarter of stolen dogs likely to be returned and around 1%-5% of reported dog thefts result in someone being charged. However, there is potential good news. Our ongoing research suggests the number of police-recorded dog thefts decreased slightly in 2023, and again in 2024. This is supported by research from pet insurer Direct Line, which has estimated a 21% decrease in the number of stolen dogs from 2,290 in 2023 to 1,808 in 2024 in the UK. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Daniel Allen is founder of Pet Theft Reform and patron of the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance (Sampa). Melanie Flynn is a member of the Research Advisory Committee of the Vegan Society (UK). John Walliss does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
STV News
15-07-2025
- Health
- STV News
Couple banned from keeping dogs after starving pet Husky
An Aberdeen couple has been banned from keeping dogs after they starved a Husky in their care. Deborah Duncan and Reece Gordon appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court on Monday where they were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. The pair failed to meet the nutritional needs for Kyro, a two-year-old male, grey Husky-type dog, whose extreme emaciation was described by a vet as 'clearly visible and avoidable'. Duncan brought Kyro into the PDSA after he had not eaten for several days and had not taken on any liquids for four. He was referred to Vets Now Veterinary Practice in Aberdeen for post-operative care following the removal of a foreign body from his stomach. Veterinary staff were alarmed by the dog's condition, describing him as emaciated with visible ribs, spine, and pelvic bones. SSPCA Veterinary staff were alarmed by the dog's condition. An inspector from the Scottish SPCA said: 'We uplifted Kyro into our care due to concerns about his condition and to ensure he received appropriate aftercare. The severity of his emaciation indicated that his nutritional needs had not been met for weeks, if not longer. 'The vet had found that Kyro's condition could not be explained solely by the recent illness or the stomach obstruction, and that his lack of muscle mass suggested long-term malnutrition. In their opinion, the dog should have weighed at least 22kg in a healthy state. Kyro, however, had clearly been deteriorating for several weeks, if not months. 'The extreme thinness of Kyro was easily identifiable by any reasonable person. It is simply unacceptable that veterinary care was not sought earlier, particularly given the owner's admission that the dog had not eaten in over a week.' Both Duncan and Gordon were banned from keeping dogs for 36 months, ordered to carry out 96 hours of unpaid community work, and Reece Gordon was also placed under a 12-month supervision order. The Scottish SPCA inspector added: 'Kyro should have been brought to a vet a lot sooner. He was visibly underweight, weak, and had clearly been suffering. His owners' delay in seeking veterinary help has led to prolonged and unnecessary suffering. Kryo has since been adopted and now living the life he deserves.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Husky 'had not eaten for a week' as cruel Scots couple banned from keeping dogs
"His owners' delay in seeking veterinary help has led to prolonged and unnecessary suffering." A cruel Scots couple have been banned from keeping dogs after starving their pet husky until the animal's ribs and spine showed through it's fur. Deborah Duncan and Reece Gordon, from Aberdeen, were convicted after their pet Kyro, a two-year-old male, grey Husky-type dog, was discovered having not had food in more than a week. He was taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA after undergoing an operation, where the extent of the neglect was discovered. Inspectors say he is now 'living the life he deserves' after being adopted. The pair appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court on Monday, July 14, where they were found guilty. In addition to the ban, they were also ordered to carry out unpaid work in the community. Duncan had brought Kyro into the PDSA in Aberdeen after he had not eaten for over a week, and not had anything to drink for four days. He had a foreign body removed from his stomach, and was referred to the city's Vets Now Veterinary Practice for post-operative care. Upon assessment, veterinary staff were alarmed by his condition, describing him as emaciated with visible ribs, spine, and pelvic bones. Heartbreaking images showed the state he had deteriorated into as a result of not being given proper nutrition. An inspector from the Scottish SPCA said: 'We uplifted Kyro into our care due to concerns about his condition and to ensure he received appropriate aftercare. The severity of his emaciation indicated that his nutritional needs had not been met for weeks, if not longer. 'The vet had found that Kyro's condition could not be explained solely by the recent illness or the stomach obstruction, and that his lack of muscle mass suggested long-term malnutrition. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! "In their opinion, the dog should have weighed at least 22kg in a healthy state. Kyro, however, had clearly been deteriorating for several weeks, if not months. 'The extreme thinness of Kyro was easily identifiable by any reasonable person. It is simply unacceptable that veterinary care was not sought earlier, particularly given the owner's admission that the dog had not eaten in over a week.' Following their conviction, Duncan and Gordon were banned from keeping dogs for 36 months, ordered to carry out 96 hours of unpaid community work, and Reece Gordon was also placed under a 12-month supervision order. The Scottish SPCA inspector added: 'Kyro should have been brought to a vet a lot sooner. He was visibly underweight, weak, and had clearly been suffering. His owners' delay in seeking veterinary help has led to prolonged and unnecessary suffering. Kyro has since been adopted and now living the life he deserves.'
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Climate
- The Sun
From snacks to your own swimming pool – five budget hacks to keep your dog cool
AS temperatures rise, your four-legged friend might struggle in the heat. Keep your dog cool with these paw-fect budget solutions to ensure tails are wagging, not flagging. POOL PARTY: Every dog deserves their own private pool for summer. Pick up a children's paddling pool from B&M for £8 as it's the perfect depth for most breeds to splash about in and cool down. Or for smaller dogs, a washing-up bowl works just as well. Remember to only fill with a few inches of cool water and watch them splash about. N'ICE IDEA: Skip overpriced pet shop treats and whip up your own healthy, cooling snacks. According to the PDSA, The vet charity for pets in need ( you can mash bananas and berries with water and add the mixture to an empty ice cube tray. Freeze and then give to your pets as a tasty, cold, lickable treat, while always keeping an eye on them to prevent choking hazards. Another idea is to freeze your pet's water bowl or add ice cubes to their water in hot weather. MAT'S THE WAY TO DO IT: A cooling mat is a great on-the-go option for dogs. Sainsbury's has a small breeds cooling mat for £5, or get a slightly larger one at Tesco for £7. Or fill a freezer bag with ice cubes, then wrap it in a thin tea-towel or towel. Place this under your pet's bed or blanket for an instant cooling effect that will last for hours. SHADE BRIGADE: Protect your pet from direct sunlight by hanging old bedsheets between fences or over your washing line to create a shade in your garden. Simple five-second rule to see if it's too hot to walk your dog and how to tell the four-legged friend has had a heatstroke, expert reveals If their bed is near a window, try moving it to a shady spot for the summer. A cardboard box on its side is also a way to create a shady 'den' for pets indoors. SPRAY AWAY: Dogs can get sunburn too, so if you're going to be out in the sun today, pick up a pet-safe solution. A cooling sun spray such as the Petkin Doggy Sunmist Spray SPF15 is a great option for £6 at 7 Deal of day 7 CATCH up on your fave shows in high definition. The Sharp 4K Ultra HD Roku Smart TV 50in was £299, now £249 at B&M. Check for stock at your local store. SAVE: £50 Cheap treat 7 WHIP up Angel Delight for tonight's pudding. Sachets are usually £1.05, but Co-op members can get them for 70p each. Top swap 7 MAKE like the A-listers watching Wimbledon in a pair of Ralph Lauren Polo sunglasses, £218, John Lewis or get a pair of Matalan Clubmaster sunnies, £4.80. Shop and save 7 FOR seriously fluttery lashes, try Ardell Wispies, on offer at Previously £5.99, now £4.49. Hot right now THE Bella Italia £5 pasta deal has been extended until July 11. Dine out and claim the code to get yours at PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
