DOG DAY AFTERNOON

THE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF NEUTERING.  The most fundamental of all changes that owners make to their dog is to decide whether or not the dog or bitch will breed. Both dogs and bitches are born genetically programmed to reproduce their genes, and thus provide the next generation. Owners may choose to do this by ensuring that the dog is secure within their home and garden so that he cannot go in search of a mate, or that the bitch is confined to the house or exercised on a lead while she is in season twice a year. Or they may decide the safest method of prevention is to have the dog castrated or the bitch spayed. This surgery is permanent and irreversible, and it does have benefits other than preventing unwanted puppies. Male puppies receive a surge of the male hormone testosterone shortly before birth which induces their male outlook on life. As they reach maturity testosterone will again come on stream, and the dog will begin to actively...

Government ministers are planing a reform of the law regarding dangerous dogs in the UK. But how long has the government been trying to tackle this problem? It may surprise you to know that dog law has existed since the Roman times. The ancient Lex Pesolania was probably the first edition of the Dangerous Dog Act., which made owners responsible for any anti social behavior of their dogs. Dogs featured greatly in early Roman lives, often used as weapons of war and kept as pets. In the third century anti social dog behavior was such a big problem that a law was passed to make owners responsible for any injuries suffered or damage caused as a result of a dog attack. According to the late historian and liberal MP John Roby "if a dog was in a square or public road and not tied up in the daytime and did any mischief, the owner was liable". The first fines for anti social dog behavior came about under Alfred the Great. The law dated back to 849 AD, said "If a dog tear trouser...