Thug jailed for stabbing sharpei puppy to death
Matej Ciroka has been sentenced to 18 months in prison and banned from keeping animals for life after fatally stabbing his seven-month-old sharpei, Aki, with a kitchen knife in Stoke-on-Trent.
Matej Ciroka has been sentenced to 18 months in prison and banned from keeping animals for life after fatally stabbing his seven-month-old sharpei, Aki, with a kitchen knife in Stoke-on-Trent.
Jollyes Pets thanks customers for donating 424,000 tins of food, with £40,000 profit shared among five UK animal welfare and community charities. Read how this supports vital work.
Plans for a vital 20-bed safe centre in Erdington to support vulnerable West Midlands children are recommended for approval, addressing a critical regional shortage.
A major legal change for primate owners in the UK comes into force in April 2026. Find out if you need a licence, how to apply, and the penalties for non-compliance.
Labour's DWP boss warns welfare shake-up is 'not done' as figures show 1.2 million claim sickness benefits for mental health. Read the latest on potential cuts.
Young people on Universal Credit must accept job offers or risk losing benefits under a new government scheme aiming to cut welfare bills and boost workforce numbers. Read the full details.
Official data shows four million people receive jobless benefits without needing to look for work, a rise of one million in a year. Political reaction and DWP response inside.
An 81-year-old woman has died after a hit-and-run on Longmoor Lane, Fazakerley. Police are hunting the driver of a dark-coloured vehicle and appealing for dashcam footage.
Pupils and staff at Our Lady of Pity RC Primary in Greasby have rallied to support the Shoebox Full of Love Christmas appeal for the second year, donating gifts for vulnerable people and pets across Merseyside.
As Christmas approaches, RSPCA Southport, Ormskirk & District Branch cares for 92 animals. The independent charity relies on community support and hosts festive events to raise vital funds. Discover how you can help.
Freshfields Animal Rescue launches its vital Christmas appeal. Your donation, doubled until Dec 8, provides safety, medical care & hope for homeless UK pets. Help save lives.
The Animal Welfare Bill has become law, banning the import of young, mutilated, and heavily pregnant pets. Discover how this crackdown protects animals and buyers.
A think tank warns the Autumn Budget's welfare changes create a huge disparity, where non-working families could receive more than those in work. Read the full analysis.
Erica Crompton explains why claiming benefits leaves her better off than a taxed wage, as the DWP faces a major welfare shake-up under Labour. Read her full story.
New data reveals over 5,000 people now receive benefits for obesity, costing nearly £144m since 2019. The North West has the highest number of claimants. Discover the regional breakdown and expert analysis.
Curly Tails animal rescue in Newton Longville receives a £1,000 Community Champions donation from Persimmon Homes, aiding its work uniting people and animals for wellbeing.
A Birmingham man has been disqualified from keeping animals for five years after his German Shepherd attacked a woman in Wigginton Park. Read the full court details.
A Leicestershire pet care business launches its annual Santa Paws Christmas collection for RSPCA Woodside, a vital animal centre that receives no government funding. Donate supplies or funds to help.
New DWP data reveals a sharp 60% rise in PIP claims for obesity since 2019, with over 4,400 now receiving the benefit. Explore the regional breakdown and political response.
The DWP has relaxed rules for parents of children with ADHD and anxiety, removing education requirements. Read about the new welfare reforms and what they mean for families.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves axes Motability Scheme for PIP claimants, calling it an 'easy win'. Critics warn cuts target the vulnerable. Read the full story.
Two unwell pet rats were abandoned in a Birmingham park. One was euthanised, highlighting a 23% national rise in animal abandonments. The RSPCA is appealing for information.
Nearly half of UK drivers don't know they must report hitting goats to police within 24 hours. Discover which animal collisions require immediate police notification under Highway Code Rule 286.
Five cats were hurled from a white van in Crewe in a horrific act of animal cruelty. The RSPCA is investigating and appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Residents of James Turner Street in Birmingham give their mixed reactions to the Budget, with some welcoming extra funds and others calling the plans 'daft'.
Residents of Birmingham's James Turner Street, famed for Channel 4's Benefits Street, give mixed reactions to Rachel Reeves' Budget. Some welcome extra cash while others call it 'stupid'. Read their views.
Young benefits claimants face a new DWP 'ultimatum' under a Youth Guarantee scheme. Learn how this rule change aims to cut welfare and its impact. #UKNews
Lauren Hopkins sentenced after starving five-month-old Staffie Stella for three months. The emaciated puppy had the lowest possible body condition score. Read the full investigation details.
Loulabelle's Jungle in Huddersfield wins a highly commended Animal Star Award. Their hands-on workshops help children overcome fears and build a passion for protecting wildlife, including snakes and spiders.
Keysoe Cuddle Therapy Ponies provide free animal-assisted therapy for children with eating disorders. Discover how these gentle ponies complement NHS CAMHS teams across Bedfordshire.