North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has reportedly ordered his citizens to give up their pet dogs for meats in restaurants due to acute shortage of food supplies in the country facing the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jakarta-displays-dummy-coffin-to-raise-awareness-about-dangers-of-coronavirus-321662" hreflang="en">Jakarta displays 'dummy coffin' to raise awareness about dangers of coronavirus</a>

Kim Jong Un's move has been described as cruel and inhuman, but the North Korean leader has used class difference as an excuse to justify the step.&nbsp;

According to the Mirror's report, Kim said that poor people raise livestock and cattle while only the rich and elite have pet dogs. The North Korean leader said that the dogs are a sign of &nbsp;"capitalism" and "bourgeois ideology."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-causes-motorway-accidents-in-berlin-in-islamist-act-prosecutors-321651" hreflang="en">Man causes motorway accidents in Berlin in 'Islamist' act: Prosecutors</a>

The North Korean dictator has even ordered a ban on petting dogs as he thinks it is a symbol of "western decadence."

According to reports, North Korea is facing a shortage of food due to the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has inflicted "drastic economic hardship" after 90 per cent fall in trade with China.

A few weeks ago, the United Nations said that families in North Korea were starving and very few can afford one meal a day.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has reportedly ordered his citizens to give up their pet dogs for meats in restaurants due to acute shortage of food supplies in the country facing the coronavirus pandemic.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has reportedly ordered his citizens to give up their pet dogs for meats in restaurants due to acute shortage of food supplies in the country facing the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Jakarta displays 'dummy coffin' to raise awareness about dangers of coronavirus Kim Jong Un's move has been described as cruel and inhuman, but the North Korean leader has used class difference as an excuse to justify the step. According to the Mirror's report, Kim said that poor people raise livestock and cattle while only the rich and elite have pet dogs. The North Korean leader said that the dogs are a sign of "capitalism" and "bourgeois ideology." Also read: Man causes motorway accidents in Berlin in 'Islamist' act: Prosecutors The North Korean dictator has even ordered a ban on petting dogs as he thinks it is a symbol of "western decadence." According to reports, North Korea is facing a shortage of food due to the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has inflicted "drastic economic hardship" after 90 per cent fall in trade with China. A few weeks ago, the United Nations said that families in North Korea were starving and very few can afford one meal a day.

Amid food shortage, North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders citizens to give up dogs for meat

A Dubai-based day-care centre for dogs has established a mini-water park where the canines can enjoy a cool splash in the water to escape the heat of Dubai's summer. The facility which opened its doors to the public in 2018, introduced the indoor swimming pool and play area earlier this month.

Dogs take a dip in Dubai's 'Aquapawk' to cool down during summer

It is a tough time for everyone, including the house pets. To stay away from the infection, people have been stepping out of the houses only with a face mask. This has perplexed the pet dogs.

So, during the pandemic if your neighbour's dog barks at you like it has gone mad, remember that it is scared. You may be wearing a facemask and dogs fear those.

Dogs hear the&nbsp;familiar voice&nbsp;but when they look up, your face is unrecognisable. For them,&nbsp;it is a moment of total confusion.

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They&nbsp;are really good at reading human facial expressions. When a human is angry, fearful or happy, their heart rate goes up but since we now cover our faces, the pet dogs&nbsp;are unable to tell how their masters are feeling which scares them, including fear of a stranger.

A proof of this is the trend of funny videos shared on the internet during the Halloween holidays. Internet is filled with such videos&nbsp;where the dogs can be spotted flipping in fear, barking or turning tail in&nbsp;perplexity when they see people dressed in funny costumes. The dogs continue to do so until they hear their master's familiar voice.

Getting used to it

It's been six months since the coronavirus outbreak. Many pet dogs are used to seeing their masters with a facemask. However,&nbsp;with the easing of lockdown restrictions, it is getting difficult to handle a dog, especially&nbsp;near shops or public transport.&nbsp;

The dogs&nbsp;get overwhelmed on seeing a sea of people wearing facemasks. In such situations, dogs need to be trained and taught, leading dog trainers believe. The experts also suggest to avoid taking dogs outdoors during busy hours.

You must train the dog by taking off your mask and wearing it again several times, and awarding them with a treat at every successful step.

It is a tough time for everyone, including the house pets. To stay away from the infection, people have been stepping out of the houses only with a face mask. This has perplexed the pet dogs.

It is a tough time for everyone, including the house pets. To stay away from the infection, people have been stepping out of the houses only with a face mask. This has perplexed the pet dogs. So, during the pandemic if your neighbour's dog barks at you like it has gone mad, remember that it is scared. You may be wearing a facemask and dogs fear those. Dogs hear the familiar voice but when they look up, your face is unrecognisable. For them, it is a moment of total confusion. They are really good at reading human facial expressions. When a human is angry, fearful or happy, their heart rate goes up but since we now cover our faces, the pet dogs are unable to tell how their masters are feeling which scares them, including fear of a stranger. A proof of this is the trend of funny videos shared on the internet during the Halloween holidays. Internet is filled with such videos where the dogs can be spotted flipping in fear, barking or turning tail in perplexity when they see people dressed in funny costumes. The dogs continue to do so until they hear their master's familiar voice. Getting used to it It's been six months since the coronavirus outbreak. Many pet dogs are used to seeing their masters with a facemask. However, with the easing of lockdown restrictions, it is getting difficult to handle a dog, especially near shops or public transport. The dogs get overwhelmed on seeing a sea of people wearing facemasks. In such situations, dogs need to be trained and taught, leading dog trainers believe. The experts also suggest to avoid taking dogs outdoors during busy hours. You must train the dog by taking off your mask and wearing it again several times, and awarding them with a treat at every successful step.

Unmasking the fear: Coronavirus face mask are scaring dogs in 'new normal'

Students and residents in Dhaka are feeding stray dogs and wild monkeys that typically rely on food waste and may be going hungry amid coronavirus measures that have closed restaurants and slowed human movement.

Dhaka animal-lovers feed stray dogs and monkeys amid virus squeeze on food sources

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage on people are starved of physical touch and the absence of touching is beginning to take a toll on physical and mental health. For many people adopting dogs helped in relieving stress. Watch report.

Dog adoption on the rise in New York: Dogs are anxiety-reducing companions

British dog breeders have seen a huge surge in demand for puppies during the coronavirus lockdown and are worried that many families will give them up once they realise the scale of the responsibility ahead.

They call it puppy love: Lockdown Britain sees surge in demand for dogs

Demand for puppies in the United Kingdom has surged amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

British breeders reported an increased interest in buying puppies, given the lockdown. For the last three months, people in the country had been confined to their homes.

During this time, one organisation “Kennel Club” reported over 180 per cent increase in inquiries from people wiling to buy dogs.

However, analysts believe that many of these dogs/pups may end up abandoned once social activity resumes and people understand the gravity of responsibility that comes with it.

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Many breeders told Reuters that they feared for the future of the pups, saying that many families bought dogs to keep their kids or themselves entertained during the lockdown. However, they may or may not have thought about the effort, money that goes into raising the animal.

Based on this, breeders in the country have come up with a filtering process whereby they do a thorough background check on interested buyers and then ascertain the validity of the purchase. If it feels like a loose plan, the breeders reject the inquiries.

<img alt="hh" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1f215c72-6db7-4e7f-88cd-39f40810eecc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-3_17.jpg" />

This is mostly owing to the fear that these dogs will end up in rescue centres as the country begins to reopen.

"Generally it's 'I want a blue-eyed, black and white Siberian. I want a boy, how much is it and can I collect it tomorrow?'", Christine Biddlecombe who breeds Siberian Husky dogs with her husband Stephen, told Reuters.

Biddlecombe added&nbsp;that the number of inquiries about dogs had increased.

To filter out non-serious buyers, many breeders have hiked the prices or have put other background checking mechanisms in place.

Demand for puppies in the United Kingdom has surged amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown. British breeders reported an increased interest in buying puppies, given the lockdown.

Demand for puppies in the United Kingdom has surged amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown. British breeders reported an increased interest in buying puppies, given the lockdown. For the last three months, people in the country had been confined to their homes. During this time, one organisation “Kennel Club” reported over 180 per cent increase in inquiries from people wiling to buy dogs. However, analysts believe that many of these dogs/pups may end up abandoned once social activity resumes and people understand the gravity of responsibility that comes with it. Many breeders told Reuters that they feared for the future of the pups, saying that many families bought dogs to keep their kids or themselves entertained during the lockdown. However, they may or may not have thought about the effort, money that goes into raising the animal. Based on this, breeders in the country have come up with a filtering process whereby they do a thorough background check on interested buyers and then ascertain the validity of the purchase. If it feels like a loose plan, the breeders reject the inquiries. This is mostly owing to the fear that these dogs will end up in rescue centres as the country begins to reopen. "Generally it's 'I want a blue-eyed, black and white Siberian. I want a boy, how much is it and can I collect it tomorrow?'", Christine Biddlecombe who breeds Siberian Husky dogs with her husband Stephen, told Reuters. Biddlecombe added that the number of inquiries about dogs had increased. To filter out non-serious buyers, many breeders have hiked the prices or have put other background checking mechanisms in place.

Amid increasing demand for puppies in the UK, breeders fear many will end up in rescue homes

Dogs’ ability to sniff out whether people are infected with coronavirus will be put to the test by British researchers, in a bid to develop a fast, non-invasive means of detecting the disease.

Britain’s government said on Saturday it had given 500,000 pounds ($606,000) towards the research, which will be conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Durham University and a British charity, Medical Detection Dogs.

“Bio-detection dogs already detect specific cancers and we believe this innovation might provide speedy results as part of our wider testing strategy,” innovation minister James Bethell said.

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Six dogs -- labradors and cocker spaniels -- will be given samples of the odour of COVID-19 patients from London hospitals, and taught to distinguish their smell from that of people who are not infected.

Medical Detection Dogs said it had previously trained dogs to detect certain cancers, Parkinson’s disease and malaria.

If successful, an individual dog could check up to 250 people an hour and be used in public spaces and at airports.

Researchers in the United States and France are attempting to train dogs to detect the disease too.

"In the dog's nose, there is an incredible tool for detecting molecules. If you compare it to human sight, you're able to see something 500 metres away, but for the dog, it'll be at 300 kilometres. That's simply the difference between the sense of smell between humans and dogs," Dominique Grandjean, veterinary professor at Alfort National Veterinary School and veterinary colonel for the Paris fire brigade said.

A small number of dogs are also known to have contracted COVID-19, most likely from their owners, according to vets in the United States, the Netherlands and Hong Kong.

"The next stage will be to verify the dog's capacity. We'll have to look at what the operational approach can be. We're not going to ask the dog to compare swabs. We'll ask it to tell us if a swab or a person is positive or negative," Grandjean added.

Dogs’ ability to sniff out whether people are infected with coronavirus will be put to the test by British researchers, in a bid to develop a fast, non-invasive means of detecting the disease.

Dogs’ ability to sniff out whether people are infected with coronavirus will be put to the test by British researchers, in a bid to develop a fast, non-invasive means of detecting the disease. Britain’s government said on Saturday it had given 500,000 pounds ($606,000) towards the research, which will be conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Durham University and a British charity, Medical Detection Dogs. “Bio-detection dogs already detect specific cancers and we believe this innovation might provide speedy results as part of our wider testing strategy,” innovation minister James Bethell said. Six dogs -- labradors and cocker spaniels -- will be given samples of the odour of COVID-19 patients from London hospitals, and taught to distinguish their smell from that of people who are not infected. Medical Detection Dogs said it had previously trained dogs to detect certain cancers, Parkinson’s disease and malaria. If successful, an individual dog could check up to 250 people an hour and be used in public spaces and at airports. Researchers in the United States and France are attempting to train dogs to detect the disease too. "In the dog's nose, there is an incredible tool for detecting molecules. If you compare it to human sight, you're able to see something 500 metres away, but for the dog, it'll be at 300 kilometres. That's simply the difference between the sense of smell between humans and dogs," Dominique Grandjean, veterinary professor at Alfort National Veterinary School and veterinary colonel for the Paris fire brigade said. A small number of dogs are also known to have contracted COVID-19, most likely from their owners, according to vets in the United States, the Netherlands and Hong Kong. "The next stage will be to verify the dog's capacity. We'll have to look at what the operational approach can be. We're not going to ask the dog to compare swabs. We'll ask it to tell us if a swab or a person is positive or negative," Grandjean added.

Researchers to test dogs' ability to sniff out coronavirus

Dogs' ability to sniff out whether people are infected with COVID-19 will be put to the test by British researchers, in a bid to develop a fast, non-invasive means of detecting the disease.

Britain's government said on Saturday it had given 500,000 pounds ($606,000) towards the research, which will be conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Durham University and a British charity, Medical Detection Dogs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/oxford-covid-19-vaccine-shows-promising-results-in-study-of-6-months-298976">Also watch:&nbsp;Oxford COVID-19 vaccine shows promising results in study of 6 months</a>

"Bio-detection dogs already detect specific cancers and we believe this innovation might provide speedy results as part of our wider testing strategy," innovation minister James Bethell said.

Six dogs - labradors and cocker spaniels - will be given samples of the odour of COVID-19 patients from London hospitals, and taught to distinguish their smell from that of people who are not infected.

Medical Detection Dogs said it had previously trained dogs to detect certain cancers, Parkinson's disease and malaria.

If successful, an individual dog could check up to 250 people an hour and be used in public spaces and at airports.

Researchers in the United States and France are attempting to train dogs to detect the disease too. 
A small number of dogs are also known to have contracted COVID-19, most likely from their owners, according to vets in the United States, the Netherlands and Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Dogs' ability to sniff out whether people are infected with COVID-19 will be put to the test by British researchers, in a bid to develop a fast, non-invasive means of detecting the disease.

Dogs' ability to sniff out whether people are infected with COVID-19 will be put to the test by British researchers, in a bid to develop a fast, non-invasive means of detecting the disease. Britain's government said on Saturday it had given 500,000 pounds ($606,000) towards the research, which will be conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Durham University and a British charity, Medical Detection Dogs. Also watch: Oxford COVID-19 vaccine shows promising results in study of 6 months "Bio-detection dogs already detect specific cancers and we believe this innovation might provide speedy results as part of our wider testing strategy," innovation minister James Bethell said. Six dogs - labradors and cocker spaniels - will be given samples of the odour of COVID-19 patients from London hospitals, and taught to distinguish their smell from that of people who are not infected. Medical Detection Dogs said it had previously trained dogs to detect certain cancers, Parkinson's disease and malaria. If successful, an individual dog could check up to 250 people an hour and be used in public spaces and at airports. Researchers in the United States and France are attempting to train dogs to detect the disease too. A small number of dogs are also known to have contracted COVID-19, most likely from their owners, according to vets in the United States, the Netherlands and Hong Kong.

UK researchers test dogs' ability to sniff out COVID-19

A dog grooming service in Bangkok re-opened after lockdown on Monday (May 4) to welcome furry dogs in need of hair cuts but business is not the same from before the coronavirus outbreak which forced business around the world, including in Thailand, to close for months.

Scruffy dogs head to the groomer as Thai lockdown eases

People in isolation, looking for animal companionship, have started to adopt dogs. And many dogs have made new friends in the volunteers who walk the pets of elderly people.

Abandoned pets find new homes in Moscow

Winston, a family dog in North Carolina has tested positive for the coronavirus. It may be the first dog in the United States to test positive for coronavirus, according to researchers.

The McClean family of four found their pug, Winston, tested positive for coronavirus after the family participated in a study about COVID-19 aimed at trying to find potential treatments and vaccines by&nbsp;Duke University. In this study, the subjects undergo weekly nasal swabs and give blood samples.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-outbreak-is-mumbai-turning-into-indias-new-york-city-295323">Also read:COVID-19 outbreak: Is Mumbai turning into India's New York City?</a>

Three members of the McClean family,&nbsp;Sam McClean, wife Heather and their son, Ben,&nbsp;had tested positive last month. However, their daughter, Sydney McClean, was the only one to test negative.

<ul data-layout="list-hierarchical-xs">
</ul>

Chris Woods, the principal investigator of the study, said that the reason Winston was tested positive was because the researchers have also been collecting samples from family pets to observe the spread of&nbsp;coronavirus in households.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gives-go-head-to-malaysias-hydroxychloroquine-request-295300">Also Read:&nbsp;India gives go head to Malaysia's hydroxychloroquine request</a>

According to the university researchers, winston might be the first dog in the US to test positive as till now they haven't received a positive result of any other house pet in the country.&nbsp;Winston was showing mild symptoms while the family was infected with the virus. However,&nbsp;researchers said they do not know if it is coronavirus that made Winston sick, or if he had an unrelated ailment.&nbsp;

The family also has another dog and a cat, who have tested negative. Heather McClean explained that the reason behind this might be that Winston is more affectionate than the other two pets, and therefore the family holds him more.

"His (Winston's) amount of virus that we detected was very low, suggesting that he would not be a likely mechanism or vector of transmission of virus to either other animals or to, to humans in these households," Woods explained.

"He had a small cough for a day or two right in the peak when all of us were sick and he didn't eat his breakfast one morning," Ben McClean told a media organization.

"But we didn't have any concrete, like, super alarming illnesses where we're like, 'we need to take him to the vet. He's like really sick," he added.

Sam McClean tested positive for the virus after he treated few COVID-19 patients at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he is&nbsp;a researcher and emergency room doctor.

"I would not change our, our behaviors with our household animals at this point. They're really an important part of our ongoing mental health as we continue to participate in our social distancing to combat the pandemic," Woods said.

The McClean family has recovered and are out of quarantine now.&nbsp;"We are feeling very grateful that we have the opportunity to participate in this research study," Heather told a media organization. "We are really hopeful that we can donate plasma to be able to help other patients."

Winston, a family dog in North Carolina has tested positive for the coronavirus. It may be the first dog in the United States to test positive for coronavirus, according to researchers.

Winston, a family dog in North Carolina has tested positive for the coronavirus. It may be the first dog in the United States to test positive for coronavirus, according to researchers. The McClean family of four found their pug, Winston, tested positive for coronavirus after the family participated in a study about COVID-19 aimed at trying to find potential treatments and vaccines by Duke University. In this study, the subjects undergo weekly nasal swabs and give blood samples. Also read:COVID-19 outbreak: Is Mumbai turning into India's New York City? Three members of the McClean family, Sam McClean, wife Heather and their son, Ben, had tested positive last month. However, their daughter, Sydney McClean, was the only one to test negative. Chris Woods, the principal investigator of the study, said that the reason Winston was tested positive was because the researchers have also been collecting samples from family pets to observe the spread of coronavirus in households. Also Read: India gives go head to Malaysia's hydroxychloroquine request According to the university researchers, winston might be the first dog in the US to test positive as till now they haven't received a positive result of any other house pet in the country. Winston was showing mild symptoms while the family was infected with the virus. However, researchers said they do not know if it is coronavirus that made Winston sick, or if he had an unrelated ailment. The family also has another dog and a cat, who have tested negative. Heather McClean explained that the reason behind this might be that Winston is more affectionate than the other two pets, and therefore the family holds him more. "His (Winston's) amount of virus that we detected was very low, suggesting that he would not be a likely mechanism or vector of transmission of virus to either other animals or to, to humans in these households," Woods explained. "He had a small cough for a day or two right in the peak when all of us were sick and he didn't eat his breakfast one morning," Ben McClean told a media organization. "But we didn't have any concrete, like, super alarming illnesses where we're like, 'we need to take him to the vet. He's like really sick," he added. Sam McClean tested positive for the virus after he treated few COVID-19 patients at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he is a researcher and emergency room doctor. "I would not change our, our behaviors with our household animals at this point. They're really an important part of our ongoing mental health as we continue to participate in our social distancing to combat the pandemic," Woods said. The McClean family has recovered and are out of quarantine now. "We are feeling very grateful that we have the opportunity to participate in this research study," Heather told a media organization. "We are really hopeful that we can donate plasma to be able to help other patients."

A pug, Winston, from North Carolina may be the first dog in US to test positive

Amid the lockdown, Mexicans are discovering what they really need right now is a snuggle and a wet kiss from an adopted dog. Mexico City authorities estimate there are over a million stray dogs in the capital alone.

Adopted pets and people help each other through Mexico coronavirus lockdown

A charity in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with scientists, is trying to save lives in a new way: by using dogs!

Apparently, they’re trying to understand whether dogs can help in early detection of COVID-19, which has triggered a global pandemic in the last few weeks.

The basic idea is to employ the dogs’ strong sense of smell to zero in on positive cases.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fighting-coronavirus-singapores-social-distancing-rules-could-lead-to-prison-288790" hreflang="en">Fighting coronavirus: Singapore's social distancing rules could lead to prison</a>

The charity, called Medical Detection Dogs, is collaborating with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), alongside Durham University to ascertain whether dogs could help with detection and save lives.

Earlier evidence suggests that dogs possess capabilities of sniffing out malaria among people, simply based on the distinct odour which is released by people who may be sick. The organisations in question believe that all diseases have a distinct odour.

The dogs shall be trained for six weeks, "to help provide a rapid, non-invasive diagnosis towards the tail end of the epidemic", news agency AFP reported.

Earlier, MDD has successfully trained dogs to detect diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, and bacterial infections.

<h6><img alt="pp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32667670-8c69-47a1-9ccb-ff4f7cd7718d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_90.jpg" /> 
Stray dogs in Kolkata, India | AFP 
 
&nbsp;</h6>

Additionally, the canines are able to comprehend changes in temperature of the skin, helping healthcare workers understand if a person has fever.

"In principle, we're sure that dogs could detect COVID-19," said Claire Guest, founder and chief executive of Medical Detection Dogs.

"We are now looking into how we can safely catch the odour of the virus from patients and present it to the dogs… The aim is that dogs will be able to screen anyone, including those who are asymptomatic, and tell us whether they need to be tested”, Guest added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tops-world-in-virus-cases-overtaking-china-and-italy-288788" hreflang="en">US tops world in virus cases, overtaking China and Italy</a>

According to Guest, the process shall be “fast, effective, and non-invasive”. Additionally, the resources pooled in from the National Health Service (NHS) will be employed only and if needed.

LSHTM’s head of disease control claims that dogs are capable of detecting diseases like malaria in patients with high accuracy. Furthermore, respiratory diseases change one’s body odour, suggesting that it may be possible to find carriers of COVID-19.

Even though the research is at its early stages, scientists believe that dogs trained to detect people carrying the virus may be employed across airports once the pandemic is over. This will help in avoiding a second wave of the virus.

Over half a million (500,000) cases of the COVID-19 have been registered across the globe. The virus has killed over 22,920 people across 182 countries, the World Health Organization reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-crisis-chinas-role-at-g20-emergency-summit-not-raised-288783" hreflang="en">Coronavirus crisis: China's role at G20 emergency summit not raised</a>

A charity in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with scientists, is trying to save lives in a new way: by using dogs! Apparently, they’re trying to understand whether dogs can help in early detection of COVID-19, which has triggered a global pandemic in the last few weeks.

A charity in the United Kingdom, in collaboration with scientists, is trying to save lives in a new way: by using dogs! Apparently, they’re trying to understand whether dogs can help in early detection of COVID-19, which has triggered a global pandemic in the last few weeks. The basic idea is to employ the dogs’ strong sense of smell to zero in on positive cases. Also read: Fighting coronavirus: Singapore's social distancing rules could lead to prison The charity, called Medical Detection Dogs, is collaborating with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), alongside Durham University to ascertain whether dogs could help with detection and save lives. Earlier evidence suggests that dogs possess capabilities of sniffing out malaria among people, simply based on the distinct odour which is released by people who may be sick. The organisations in question believe that all diseases have a distinct odour. The dogs shall be trained for six weeks, "to help provide a rapid, non-invasive diagnosis towards the tail end of the epidemic", news agency AFP reported. Earlier, MDD has successfully trained dogs to detect diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, and bacterial infections. Stray dogs in Kolkata, India | AFP Additionally, the canines are able to comprehend changes in temperature of the skin, helping healthcare workers understand if a person has fever. "In principle, we're sure that dogs could detect COVID-19," said Claire Guest, founder and chief executive of Medical Detection Dogs. "We are now looking into how we can safely catch the odour of the virus from patients and present it to the dogs… The aim is that dogs will be able to screen anyone, including those who are asymptomatic, and tell us whether they need to be tested”, Guest added. Also read: US tops world in virus cases, overtaking China and Italy According to Guest, the process shall be “fast, effective, and non-invasive”. Additionally, the resources pooled in from the National Health Service (NHS) will be employed only and if needed. LSHTM’s head of disease control claims that dogs are capable of detecting diseases like malaria in patients with high accuracy. Furthermore, respiratory diseases change one’s body odour, suggesting that it may be possible to find carriers of COVID-19. Even though the research is at its early stages, scientists believe that dogs trained to detect people carrying the virus may be employed across airports once the pandemic is over. This will help in avoiding a second wave of the virus. Over half a million (500,000) cases of the COVID-19 have been registered across the globe. The virus has killed over 22,920 people across 182 countries, the World Health Organization reported. Also read: Coronavirus crisis: China's role at G20 emergency summit not raised

Are dogs going to help prevent a global second wave of COVID-19?

A 4-year old English Springer Spaniel named Taylor help locate injured Koalas, one of the many of Australia's iconic wildlife animals that fell victim to the devastating bushfires. Conservation detection dogs have become one of the most important tools used to search for injured animals during the past months.

Meet koala-sniffing dog ‘Taylor’: the animal lifesaver in Australia bushfires

Therapy dogs brought smiles and giggles to a Russian airport on Saturday (December 28) as passengers of all ages were given the chance to pet and hug them ahead of their flights.

Therapy dogs bring stress relief to travellers at Moscow airport

Just a few years ago it would have been unthinkable to see owners walking their dogs around the streets of Amman. Now pet hotels are sprouting up across Jordan as the country has ended its hold war on dogs. #Jordan #JordonEndsWarOnDogs

Jordan ends holy war on dogs, owners now freely walk dogs on Amman street

From declaring a fatwa on dog's existence on Amman's streets to paying huge bills to care for them, Jordan has a come a long way since declaring a holy war on dogs.

Owners can now be seen walking their dogs around the streets of Amman, with even pet hotels sprouting up across Jordan.

"Twenty years ago, if you had told anyone that you were leaving your dog in a hotel, he or she would have definitely laughed at you, but now it's a normal thing," said Marwan al-Haj Ali, manager of the Pet Zone Hotel and Training Centre.

German Shepherd and the Rottweiler have emerged as a popular choice for pet owners.

"In Jordan, we like two types of dogs that are really popular, the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler. Some people like owning a Husky because it looks nice and has good behaviour, as well as Golden Retrievers and Labradors," told Ali.

"In addition to "toy breeds" such as Pomeranians, Shitzu, Yorkshire- home dogs which are enjoyed by children," he added.

In a country where the average monthly wage is just $600, people are buying puppies for as much as $140 and still they ready to pay for their routine medical care and other expenses.

"No doubt, there are financial expenses that accompany owning pets. Medicals are more expensive because of the high equipment expenses," said Alaa Shehadeh, owner and veterinarian at Vetzone Pet Health Centre.

It was only a few years ago people in the small Arabic kingdom were on a dog hunt after a two-year-old Gir died from a rabid dog’s bite.

Jordan’s Grand Mufti—the country’s top religious scholar—gave permission to kill a dog that was caught attacking people, children or livestock, dog lovers around the world had criticized Jordan's war on dogs, #stopkillingthemJo became an instant protest thread online.

Even though Islamic tradition warns against contact with dogs and other animals because it's deemed impure, people in Amman are now embracing dogs as their own child.

From declaring a fatwa on dog's existence on Amman's streets to paying huge bills to care for them, Jordan has a come a long way since declaring a holy war on dogs.

From declaring a fatwa on dog's existence on Amman's streets to paying huge bills to care for them, Jordan has a come a long way since declaring a holy war on dogs. Owners can now be seen walking their dogs around the streets of Amman, with even pet hotels sprouting up across Jordan. "Twenty years ago, if you had told anyone that you were leaving your dog in a hotel, he or she would have definitely laughed at you, but now it's a normal thing," said Marwan al-Haj Ali, manager of the Pet Zone Hotel and Training Centre. German Shepherd and the Rottweiler have emerged as a popular choice for pet owners. "In Jordan, we like two types of dogs that are really popular, the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler. Some people like owning a Husky because it looks nice and has good behaviour, as well as Golden Retrievers and Labradors," told Ali. "In addition to "toy breeds" such as Pomeranians, Shitzu, Yorkshire- home dogs which are enjoyed by children," he added. In a country where the average monthly wage is just $600, people are buying puppies for as much as $140 and still they ready to pay for their routine medical care and other expenses. "No doubt, there are financial expenses that accompany owning pets. Medicals are more expensive because of the high equipment expenses," said Alaa Shehadeh, owner and veterinarian at Vetzone Pet Health Centre. It was only a few years ago people in the small Arabic kingdom were on a dog hunt after a two-year-old Gir died from a rabid dog’s bite. Jordan’s Grand Mufti—the country’s top religious scholar—gave permission to kill a dog that was caught attacking people, children or livestock, dog lovers around the world had criticized Jordan's war on dogs, #stopkillingthemJo became an instant protest thread online. Even though Islamic tradition warns against contact with dogs and other animals because it's deemed impure, people in Amman are now embracing dogs as their own child.

Jordan embraces their love for dogs, years after declaring holy war against them

Cats, dolphins and one smart raven: CIA's secret animal spies

A rescue operation to save hundreds of dogs in South Korea from the slaughterhouse began Wednesday, as pressure mounts on the country to end its custom of killing canines for meat.

About one million dogs are eaten a year in South Korea, often as a summertime delicacy, with the greasy red meat — invariably boiled for tenderness — believed to increase energy.

But the tradition has earned criticism abroad and has declined as the nation increasingly embraces the idea of dogs as pets instead of livestock, with eating them now something of a taboo among young South Koreans.

The two-week rescue operation by animal protection group Humane Society International (HSI) will save about 200 canines at a dog farm in Hongseong county, 150 kilometres south of Seoul.

The dogs will then be sent to Canada and the United States for rehoming.&nbsp;

"These dogs are no different from any other dogs. Once they receive some tender loving care that they deserve and that they need," Kelly O'Meara, an HSI official, told AFP.

The farm was the 14th complex shut down by the group since 2015. &nbsp;

The organisation said it has rescued around 1,600 dogs during that time, with farmers given support to move into other lines of work. One transformed his dog meat business into a blueberry farm.

Lee Sang-gu, the owner of the Hongseong farm, said he decided to change his business because it was "not profitable anymore", noting even his family members were against eating dog. &nbsp;

According to a survey in 2017, 70 per cent of South Koreans do not eat dog, but far fewer — about 40 per cent — believe the practice should be banned.&nbsp;

It also found 65 per cent support raising and slaughtering dogs under more humane conditions.

The country's largest canine slaughterhouse complex in Seongnam city, south of Seoul, was dismantled in November. Activists who visited found electrocution equipment and a pile of dead dogs abandoned on the floor.

There are currently no laws on how to treat or slaughter canines for meat in South Korea. While farmers have urged Seoul to include dogs under livestock welfare regulations, animal rights groups oppose doing so, seeking complete abolition instead.

A rescue operation to save hundreds of dogs in South Korea from the slaughterhouse began Wednesday, as pressure mounts on the country to end its custom of killing canines for meat.

A rescue operation to save hundreds of dogs in South Korea from the slaughterhouse began Wednesday, as pressure mounts on the country to end its custom of killing canines for meat. About one million dogs are eaten a year in South Korea, often as a summertime delicacy, with the greasy red meat — invariably boiled for tenderness — believed to increase energy. But the tradition has earned criticism abroad and has declined as the nation increasingly embraces the idea of dogs as pets instead of livestock, with eating them now something of a taboo among young South Koreans. The two-week rescue operation by animal protection group Humane Society International (HSI) will save about 200 canines at a dog farm in Hongseong county, 150 kilometres south of Seoul. The dogs will then be sent to Canada and the United States for rehoming. "These dogs are no different from any other dogs. Once they receive some tender loving care that they deserve and that they need," Kelly O'Meara, an HSI official, told AFP. The farm was the 14th complex shut down by the group since 2015. The organisation said it has rescued around 1,600 dogs during that time, with farmers given support to move into other lines of work. One transformed his dog meat business into a blueberry farm. Lee Sang-gu, the owner of the Hongseong farm, said he decided to change his business because it was "not profitable anymore", noting even his family members were against eating dog. According to a survey in 2017, 70 per cent of South Koreans do not eat dog, but far fewer — about 40 per cent — believe the practice should be banned. It also found 65 per cent support raising and slaughtering dogs under more humane conditions. The country's largest canine slaughterhouse complex in Seongnam city, south of Seoul, was dismantled in November. Activists who visited found electrocution equipment and a pile of dead dogs abandoned on the floor. There are currently no laws on how to treat or slaughter canines for meat in South Korea. While farmers have urged Seoul to include dogs under livestock welfare regulations, animal rights groups oppose doing so, seeking complete abolition instead.

Rescue of 200 dogs destined for slaughterhouse begins in South Korea

Animal hotel, shelter in Egypt gives pets, strays safe place to stay

Canine 'terror' hits streets of J&K's Srinagar

Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam has launched a derogatory remark on Karnataka governer Vajubhai Valla questioning his ‘loyalty’. While celebrating the victory of Congress with JD(S) in Karnataka assembly, Nirupam in a satire tone called out to the “loyalty” shown by the Karnataka governor Vajubhai Valla after the Karnataka election results came out.&nbsp

He made a derogatory remark by saying, “Now everyone in India will name their dog Vajubhai Valla.”&nbsp

Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, says, ‘Iss desh mein wafadari ka naya kirtimaan sthaapit kiya hai Vajubhai Vala ji ne, ab shayad India ka har aadmi apne kutte ka naam Vajubhai Vala hi rakhega kyunki isse zyada wafaadaar koi ho nahi sakta’

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Derogatory statement by Congress' Sanjay Nirupam, says, 'Iss desh mein wafadari ka naya kirtimaan sthaapit kiya hai Vajubhai Vala (<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Karnataka?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Karnataka</a> Guv) ji ne, ab shayad India ka har aadmi apne kutte ka naam Vajubhai Vala hi rakhega kyunki isse zyada wafaadaar koi ho nahi sakta' <a href="https://t.co/P0EtWWo58i">pic.twitter.com/P0EtWWo58i</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/997817565882839041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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After issuing the outrageous statement, Nirupan laughed brazenly looking pleased with his remark.&nbsp

Nirupam also said that the Governor has no right to remain in the post as he is not fit for such post.

Earlier on Saturday, BS Yeddyurappa resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Karnataka following a high-drama which was witnessed in the state's political landscape. Yeddyurappa announced his resignation while addressing the House with an emotional speech ahead of the trust vote.

In his speech, he said, "I will be submitting my resignation to the Governor. I will continue the fight, whether in power or in opposition..will continue till my last breath."

After issuing the outrageous statement, Nirupan laughed brazenly looking pleased with his remark.

Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam has launched a derogatory remark on Karnataka governer Vajubhai Valla questioning his ‘loyalty’. While celebrating the victory of Congress with JD(S) in Karnataka assembly, Nirupam in a satire tone called out to the “loyalty” shown by the Karnataka governor Vajubhai Valla after the Karnataka election results came out. He made a derogatory remark by saying, “Now everyone in India will name their dog Vajubhai Valla.” Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, says, ‘Iss desh mein wafadari ka naya kirtimaan sthaapit kiya hai Vajubhai Vala ji ne, ab shayad India ka har aadmi apne kutte ka naam Vajubhai Vala hi rakhega kyunki isse zyada wafaadaar koi ho nahi sakta’ #WATCH Derogatory statement by Congress' Sanjay Nirupam, says, 'Iss desh mein wafadari ka naya kirtimaan sthaapit kiya hai Vajubhai Vala (#Karnataka Guv) ji ne, ab shayad India ka har aadmi apne kutte ka naam Vajubhai Vala hi rakhega kyunki isse zyada wafaadaar koi ho nahi sakta' pic.twitter.com/P0EtWWo58i — ANI (@ANI) May 19, 2018 × After issuing the outrageous statement, Nirupan laughed brazenly looking pleased with his remark. Nirupam also said that the Governor has no right to remain in the post as he is not fit for such post. Earlier on Saturday, BS Yeddyurappa resigned from the post of Chief Minister of Karnataka following a high-drama which was witnessed in the state's political landscape. Yeddyurappa announced his resignation while addressing the House with an emotional speech ahead of the trust vote. In his speech, he said, "I will be submitting my resignation to the Governor. I will continue the fight, whether in power or in opposition..will continue till my last breath."

Watch: Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam compares Karnataka Governor to dogs, triggers controversy

In the wake of the stray dog menace in Uttar Pradesh, an animal rights activist has suggested that the administration should ensure that there is no “illegal extermination” of the canines as this would only “worsen” the situation and lead to more conflict.

Gauri Maulekhi, member of the Uttar Pradesh Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, has shot off a letter to the state chief secretary to ensure that the local administration “actively” informs the people about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and “discourage” them from taking law into their hands.

Feral dogs have created panic in Sitapur and have mauled to death around 12 children since November. Maulekhi blamed the local municipal body for “knee jerk” reactions to deal with street dogs, which she said will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run.

“Instead of making any effort to implement the mandatory animal birth control programme to curb population of dogs and decrease man- animal conflict, the district administration is giving irresponsible statements leading to wanton killing of animals in Sitapur. “May I please request you to issue necessary instructions to seek compliance reports from the 16 municipal corporations, with regard to the minutes of the Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, dated 06.09.2018,” she wrote. She also said that people should be informed about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and discouraged from taking law into their hands.

“Ensure that no steps for illegal extermination of dogs is being taken by the district administration or the municipal corporation,” she suggested. According to her, the Supreme Court had ordered the implementation of the Animal Birth Control Dog Rules, 2001 for population management and rabies eradication. The rules also prescribe the obligations of the local authorities governments with respect to capturing, sterilisation, immunisation and release of dogs to control their population, she said.

Maulekhi claimed that widespread massacre of animals is going on in Sitapur in “complete violation of the law” and in “total disregard” of the directions of the Supreme Court. “Rather than resorting to scientific and legal methods for dog population management, knee jerk reactions are being taken to deal with street dogs, which will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run,” she added.

She asserted that this kind of violence is totally counterproductive and will not reduce but greatly increase man animal conflict.

Gauri Maulekhi, member of the Uttar Pradesh Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee asserted that this kind of violence is totally counterproductive and will not reduce but greatly increase man animal conflict.

In the wake of the stray dog menace in Uttar Pradesh, an animal rights activist has suggested that the administration should ensure that there is no “illegal extermination” of the canines as this would only “worsen” the situation and lead to more conflict. Gauri Maulekhi, member of the Uttar Pradesh Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, has shot off a letter to the state chief secretary to ensure that the local administration “actively” informs the people about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and “discourage” them from taking law into their hands. Feral dogs have created panic in Sitapur and have mauled to death around 12 children since November. Maulekhi blamed the local municipal body for “knee jerk” reactions to deal with street dogs, which she said will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run. “Instead of making any effort to implement the mandatory animal birth control programme to curb population of dogs and decrease man- animal conflict, the district administration is giving irresponsible statements leading to wanton killing of animals in Sitapur. “May I please request you to issue necessary instructions to seek compliance reports from the 16 municipal corporations, with regard to the minutes of the Animal Birth Control Monitoring Committee, dated 06.09.2018,” she wrote. She also said that people should be informed about the scientific and legal steps that are being taken by the government and discouraged from taking law into their hands. “Ensure that no steps for illegal extermination of dogs is being taken by the district administration or the municipal corporation,” she suggested. According to her, the Supreme Court had ordered the implementation of the Animal Birth Control Dog Rules, 2001 for population management and rabies eradication. The rules also prescribe the obligations of the local authorities governments with respect to capturing, sterilisation, immunisation and release of dogs to control their population, she said. Maulekhi claimed that widespread massacre of animals is going on in Sitapur in “complete violation of the law” and in “total disregard” of the directions of the Supreme Court. “Rather than resorting to scientific and legal methods for dog population management, knee jerk reactions are being taken to deal with street dogs, which will lead to more conflict and bites and spread of disease in the long run,” she added. She asserted that this kind of violence is totally counterproductive and will not reduce but greatly increase man animal conflict.

Illegal extermination of dogs in Sitapur would only worsen situation, says activist

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