Latest news with #RyanNeile
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
TikTok ice bucket challenge warning issued to pet owners
A warning has been issued over a disturbing online trend in which people perform ice bucket challenges involving their dogs. The clips, which have been viewed millions of times on TikTok, is a cruel twist on the viral online challenge created in 2014 to raise awareness of the motor neurone disease ALS. That trend saw millions of people worldwide douse themselves in icy water and challenge others to follow suit in a bid to raise awareness and funding for ALS, which degrades nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to difficulty walking, talking, eating and breathing. A decade on, instead of dousing themselves in icy water, some people have instead decided to subject their unsuspecting pet dogs to the same treatment. Animal welfare charities have condemned the 'egregiously cruel' trend, and urged people to report accounts posting such clips for animal abuse. 'Dousing an unsuspecting dog with water is an appalling betrayal of their trust that undoubtedly leaves them confused and terrified, and it's every bit as egregiously cruel as it would be if it were a child being harassed and antagonised,' Jason Baker of the charity Peta told Australian outlet 'Peta encourages animal guardians to use common sense, think about these senseless social media stunts from the animal's perspective, and always put their companion animal's well-being first.' The alarming trend appears to have developed in recent weeks after the University of South Carolina decided to resurrect the ice bucket challenge in order to support the mental health organisation Active Minds, using the hashtag #speakyourmindchallenge. However, some social media users decided instead to subject their dogs to the challenge, using the hashtag #barkyourmindchallenge. The latter iteration of the trend, however, has seen widespread condemnation on TikTok, with many users criticising those posting videos for mistreating their pets. Ryan Neile, head of behaviour at the UK pet charity Blue Cross added: 'This is an upsetting trend where you can see the animals are visibly confused by the human's behaviour in these videos. 'Dogs don't understand what is happening and we abuse their trust in us when we treat animals in this way. 'We're concerned that some people continue to use their pets as props to get more likes on their social media without thought for the shock and fear they are causing to the animal. We're also worried that others will follow this trend, putting animals across the country at risk. 'Pets are not toys to be exploited, humiliated or objectified for our own entertainment, and videos like this can lead to others following suit with dogs and cause serious behavioural issues.'
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Vets TikTok warning to dog owners over viral challenge that can cause 'serious harm'
Vet Sean McCormack says the trend 'baffles' him that dog owners 'would even think to do this to their own pet dog, who loves, trusts and looks up to them as their apparent best friend' A TikTok trend has been condemed by vets who warn it can cause serious harm to their dog. Animal charities including the RSPCA, Blue Cross and PETA have all issued calls to pet owners to avoid the latest push on the social media site. Similar to the Ice Bucket Challenge, which raised awareness for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2014, this current trend involves owners pouring ice-cold water over their unsuspecting dogs. This aims to usually snap light-hearted or humorous content. However, Sean McCormack, Head Vet at is warning it is not only uncomfortable for the animal but also can cause serious harm. He explained: 'While pet-related content is hugely popular and often fun to share, suddenly pouring cold water over dogs will cause shock and unnecessary discomfort, particularly if repeated for multiple takes. "It's important to remember that dogs may not understand what's happening, and most will find the experience stressful. It really baffles me that dog owners would even think to do this to their own pet dog, who loves, trusts and looks up to them as their apparent best friend.' Over recent weeks the trend has grown in popularity sparking animal welfare charities to urge pet owners to not take on the challenge. In one social media post Blue Cross called on owners to think twice before taking part. It said: "Please stop using your pets for likes on social media. Trends like these might seem like some harmless fun, but pets aren't toys to be exploited, humiliated or objectified for our own entertainment." Ryan Neile, Head of Behaviour at national pet charity Blue Cross, said: "This is an upsetting trend where you can see the animals are visibly confused by the human's behaviour in these videos. Dogs don't understand what is happening and we abuse their trust in us when we treat animals in this way. "We're concerned that some people continue to use their pets as props to get more likes on their social media without thought for the shock and fear they are causing to the animal. We're also worried that others will follow this trend, putting animals across the country at risk. "Pets are not toys to be exploited, humiliated or objectified for our own entertainment, and videos like this can lead to others following suit with dogs and cause serious behavioural issues.' TikTok, where the trend has been widely shared, has also included an AI-generated search advisory to highlight potential concerns and encourage responsible content creation. Sean added: "Just because something is trending doesn't mean it's safe or appropriate for every pet. "Instead of chasing viral fame at the expense of a pet's wellbeing, owners are encouraged to prioritise the safety of their pup. There are plenty of ways to showcase pets on social media that are both entertaining and respectful of their needs'. Sean explained why this trend poses serious harm to dogs. This is what he says: Temperature regulation and cold shock Dogs regulate their body temperature differently from humans, and a sudden drenching with icy water can cause a rapid drop in body temperature. This can be particularly uncomfortable (and potentially more serious) for smaller breeds, dogs with thin or short coats, puppies, and senior dogs. In some rare cases, especially if a dog has underlying health conditions, extreme cold exposure could trigger symptoms of hypothermic shock, including changes in heart rate, breathing, and circulation. While healthy dogs are generally resilient, it's important to be cautious when it comes to extreme temperature shifts. Respiratory risks Pouring water onto a dog's head increases the risk of water being inhaled. This is especially the case if the dog panics or gasps while the water is being poured. This could, in some instances, lead to aspiration pneumonia, a condition that occurs when foreign substances like water, food, or vomit enter the lungs instead of the digestive tract. Though relatively uncommon, it can be serious if not promptly treated. Psychological stress and behavioural effects Dogs, unlike humans, don't understand the context of social media trends. They might believe being suddenly doused in cold water is a threat or punishment, potentially triggering a "fight or flight" response. This can cause a surge in cortisol (the stress hormone), which may result in behaviour that's out of character, such as snapping, growling, or increased anxiety. In some cases, it could lead to a lasting fear of water, buckets, or even create tension in the bond between dog and owner. Ice cube injuries Some small ice cubes in water bowls can help keep dogs cool in warm weather, however large or broken chunks of ice are a different matter. They can become choking hazards, or if stepped on, can injure a dog's sensitive paw pads, or even cause a slip or fall for owners. Additionally, dogs with sensitive teeth may find chewing ice uncomfortable or painful.
Daily Mail
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Vets SLAM Yungblud for featuring dog in prong collar in his latest music video
Vets have slammed Yungblud over his decision to feature a dog wearing a prong collar in his latest music video for Lovesick Lullaby. In the video, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be seen wearing a prong collar - a controversial training tool pinches at the dog's neck when they pull on the leash. While the dog may not look like it, experts have said that the pooch was probably in pain. Ryan Neile, Head of Behaviour at national pet charity, Blue Cross, expressed his disappointment in the singer's choice. He said: 'We are disappointed that Yungblud's production team chose to feature a bull breed wearing a prong collar. 'We wouldn't, under any circumstances, advocate the use of prong collars as either an aversive training tool or fashion accessory. 'We are concerned that videos like this glamorize the use of these type of collars, which can cause pain and distress, and may be copied by dog owning fans.' In the short scene, a black Staffordshire Bull Terrier lies on the bed next to Yungblud and a woman while wearing a chunky silver chain, known as a prong collar. Information about the collars on the RSPCA website reads: 'They're based on the principle of applying something painful or frightening to stop unwanted behaviour. 'When a dog pulls on the lead, the metal prongs of the collar close and prong the sensitive skin around the neck. 'The prongs cause pain as well as potential injury and infection from puncture wounds and nerve damage.' While prong collars are often marketed as dog training devices, experts have warned that they can do more harm than good. The RSPCA added: 'They're likely to cause confusion. 'The pain a dog feels when wearing one might have them relate it to something else completely. 'As an example, if a dog is pinched by the prongs at the same time as being approached by a child, they might link the child with the pain they feel from the prongs. 'This can then cause the dog to view children as something to be worried about - leading to behaviour problems that didn't exist in the first place.' Following the release of Yungblud's music video, the Blue Cross is calling for prong collars to be banned entirely. Neile said: 'Blue Cross is calling for a ban on all aversive training tools including prong collars. 'We are also urging governments to conduct further research on the harmful nature of aversive training tools.' A spokesperson for Yungblud said that the singer is 'distraught' at the news. Speaking to MailOnline, they said: 'Yungblud had no idea that the collar the dog was wearing was contentious and the owner was present at all times. 'Had we known we would, of course, not have used it in the video. 'Yungblud is passionate about animal welfare and is distraught at the thought that people think a dog may have been harmed in the making of this video.'
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Vets SLAM Yungblud for featuring a dog in a prong collar in his latest music video - and claim the controversial training devices should be banned entirely
Vets have slammed Yungblud over his decision to feature a dog in a prong collar in his latest music video. The singer, 27, released the official music video for his latest hit, Lovesick Lullaby, this week. In the video, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier can be seen wearing a prong collar - a controversial training tool that uses prongs to pinch the dog's neck when they pull on the leash. While the dog might look cute lying next to Yungblud, experts have warned that the pooch was probably in pain. Speaking to MailOnline, Ryan Neile, Head of Behaviour at national pet charity, Blue Cross, expressed his disappointment. 'We are disappointed that Yungblud's production team chose to feature a bull breed wearing a prong collar,' he told MailOnline. 'We wouldn't, under any circumstances, advocate the use of prong collars as either an aversive training tool or fashion accessory. 'We are concerned that videos like this glamorize the use of these type of collars, which can cause pain and distress, and may be copied by dog owning fans.' In the short scene, a black Staffordshire Bull Terrier lies on the bed next to Yungblud and a woman. Around its next is a chunky silver chain, known as a prong collar. Prong collars are training devices that are designed to stop dogs from pulling on their leads. As the name suggests, the devices feature blunt prongs, which dig into the dog's neck. 'They're based on the principle of applying something painful or frightening to stop unwanted behaviour,' the RSPCA explains on its website. 'When a dog pulls on the lead, the metal prongs of the collar close and prong the sensitive skin around the neck. 'The prongs cause pain as well as potential injury and infection from puncture wounds and nerve damage.' While prong collars are often marketed as dog training devices, experts have warned that they can actually do more harm than good. 'They're likely to cause confusion,' the RSPCA added. 'The pain a dog feels when wearing one might have them relate it to something else completely. 'As an example, if a dog is pinched by the prongs at the same time as being approached by a child, they might link the child with the pain they feel from the prongs. 'This can then cause the dog to view children as something to be worried about - leading to behaviour problems that didn't exist in the first place.' Following on from Yungblud's music video, the Blue Cross is calling for prong collars to be banned entirely. 'Blue Cross is calling for a ban on all aversive training tools including prong collars,' Mr Neile told MailOnline. 'We are also urging governments to conduct further research on the harmful nature of aversive training tools.' MailOnline has contacted Yungblud for comment.
