Animals
"Few things scare a vet as much as seeing this as it is a genuine emergency that needs rapid surgical intervention or it can be fatal." This serious condition can be easily avoided with a change in routine
Gastric Dilation Volvulus has a high risk mortality rate in pets, here's what you need to know.
The world’s biggest horse is taller than most humans and can be found in England – meet the 199cm tall horse Hugo
A Guinness book of records winner, Hugo towers over the competition.
Exactly how many dog breeds are there in the world? We scanned every database to find out
From ancient working dogs to modern designer breeds, the world of pedigree pups is broader and more complex than you might think
“Unbelievable”: huge animal longer than bus seen leaping from Irish waters
No one knows exactly why these enormous sea creatures breach.
This barbaric animal fighting practice had a much longer history than originally believed, new study shows
Bear baiting became popular after the Norman invasion.
What's new?
Think Britain just has one venomous snake? Think again as another one has been hiding in plain sight…
Should you let your dog sleep in your bed with you? According to a vet, it's not quite that simple
It was impossible for dogs and foxes to crossbreed - until scientists made a massive discovery
For a long time, scientists believed that dogs and foxes couldn’t produce offspring together — but a groundbreaking discovery in Brazil has challenged that belief.
Your pet cat is still a wild hunter at heart – but understanding its ancient instincts could improve its welfare
From the Savannah to your sofa, your cat is more wild than you might think.
Do cats forget us when we’re on holiday? A behaviourist reveals what cats really think
Farm animals
You might be surprised how old sheep can get – but one lived to a remarkable age
We take a look at the lifespan of sheep and discover a ewe that broke a world record.
Fear not! Here's how to stay safe while walking near cows
Cows are generally docile, but if you get caught on the wrong side it can be bad news – but you'll be absolutely fine if you follow these steps
Dogs chasing farm animals can have devastating consequences – here's everything you need to know about livestock worrying (and its unlimited fines)
Livestock worrying doesn't have to involve a dog bite – it's just a chase... but the consequences – and punishment – can be significant
Horses
How do racehorses get their names?
Why do racehorses sometimes have ridiculous names? Naming conventions for racehorses can get creative at times. Here's how the monikers are chosen...
The silent architects: How horses have sculpted the British countryside over centuries
The countryside would look very different were it not for horses. Tiffany Francis- Baker reveals some of the surprising ways horses have sculpted our landscapes.
With just 300 left in the world, is this the rarest horse on the planet?
Once the lifeblood of Scotland’s island communities, this rare pony now faces a fight for its future
Pets
11 dog breeds adored by the Royal Family (one even has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame)
Did you know, Queen Victoria owned at least 28 different pedigree dog breeds? Ciara Farrell from The Kennel Club reveals more amazing facts about dogs owned by the Royal Family.
The surprising reasons your dog might be anxious
From changes in routine to a lack of mental stimulation, some causes of anxiety are easier to overlook than you might think.
The 10 everyday dog behaviours that could actually be a sign of anxiety
Sometimes anxiety can manifest in subtle ways – here's how to identify the signs.
poultry
Mike the Headless Chicken: the real-life chicken that lived for 18 months without a head
After a failed decapitation in 1945, a chicken in Colorado stunned the world by surviving for 18 months without a head
Meet the bizarre blue-egg laying chicken taking over British backyards
Bird flu: what is it, which populations are affected and what are the long-term impacts?
As bird flu hits the headlines again, we take a look at what it is, the long-term impacts and what to do if you find an infected bird
