Pets Magazine Spring 2024

SPRING 2024, FREE
UNLEASHING SECRETS:
PET DNA
THE CAT RESCUE
FRONTLINE
GIVE dOGS
THEIR SPACE!
Vet
& MUCH MORE INSIDE!

Vet

Vet

Cavaliers’ Choices
Premium pet products, destinations & activities for
you & your pet chosen by Rufus & Rowan, the Cavalier
King Charles Spaniels, assisted by Marie.
Pawsitively Brilliant Pet Hair Removal on All Floors!
The Henry Quick Pet is a vacuum cleaner that lives up to the hype! Let's delve into why this little powerhouse
deserves a prominent place in any pet owner's cleaning arsenal.
Performance: 10/10
This cordless champion packs a
serious punch. Its 25.2V motor
generates impressive suction,
tackling pet hair on all floor
types with ease. Hardwood?
Say goodbye to stubborn dust
clinging to corners. Carpets? It
unearths embedded fur with
ruthless efficiency. Even tricky
pet hair magnets like
upholstery and car interiors
become effortlessly clean.
The secret lies in its tools. The standard crevice nozzle and dusting brush excel at reaching tight spaces and
furniture, while the hero of the show is the dedicated "Extra Pet Tool." This marvel boasts stiff nylon bristles
that loosen and lift stubborn fur, making light work of even the thickest coats. We were particularly impressed
with its ability to navigate around furniture legs and pet crates without snagging.
But performance isn't just about muscle. The Henry Quick Pet boasts impressive longevity too. Its 70-minute
runtime on low power (16 minutes on high) allows for thorough cleaning sessions without constant recharging.
Plus, the innovative pod system ensures consistent suction power, unlike traditional bagless vacuums that lose
efficiency as they fill.
Styling: 8/10
Let's face it, most cordless vacuums prioritise function over form. The Henry Quick Pet isn't one of them. Its
iconic Henry design, complete with the signature smiley face, adds a touch of fun to your cleaning routine.
While it might not win any sleekness awards, its sturdy build and cheerful visage certainly stand out from the
crowd. Plus, the available grey and yellow colour options let you match your personality.
Marks Out of 10: 9.7
https://www.myhenry.com/henry-quick-pet

Another Heartwarming
Story from the Cat
Rescue Frontline
Vet
Cat lover and proud owner of Lola, the pampered feline, Dr
DAVID CLIFF works closely with Yorkshire Cat Rescue (YCR).
Here, he brings us another tale of cat rescue in action.

David with his beloved cat Lola
Our columnist DR
DAVID CLIFF relates
another cat rescue story
from the amazing
Yorkshire Cat Rescue.
Eyes are often described as "the
gateway to the soul", so when
they are damaged - by accident,
injury or illness - it is very
distressing for all
concerned. Even more so when
the damage could have been
avoided.
Beautiful Pumba was rushed to
the vets by his distraught
owners when he returned home
with a significant eye injury
after being missing for several
weeks. The news was grim.
Pumba's eye was so badly
damaged the only option was to
remove it.
Pumba's owners had not
taken out insurance and
the costs of the surgery
were more than they could
afford. Their choices were
to sign him over to a
rescue centre for the
surgery and for rehoming,
or to have him put to
sleep. His loving owners
chose the former and
signed him to Yorkshire
Cat Rescue.
The sad part of the owners'
story is that they had never had
three-year-old Pumba
neutered. Un-neutered toms
will travel for miles looking for
females to mate and they will
gradually become disengaged
from their homes as they find
other places to sleep and
mate. Whilst out wandering
they are at risk of injury, death
and disease.

Pumba, it
transpired, had
been shot through
the head with an
air rifle. The pellet
remained lodged in
his skull, and it
was deemed too
risky to remove it.
As it is, he lost one
eye and was lucky
not to lose both.
It is always
staggering at
people’s capability
to be cruel to
defenceless
creatures. It is
something that
compassionate
people who care
for other species in
addition to their
own have to
witness but never
really get use to.
The news was grim. Pumba's
eye was so badly damaged the
only option was to remove it.
Pumba underwent major
surgery, had the eye removed,
spent a few weeks in a foster
home to recover and has now
been successfully re-homed to
another loving home. He is very
loved and has settled in well.
But let’s spare a thought for his
previous owners. There is no
doubt that they loved him
dearly but having him neutered
would almost certainly have
stopped him wandering and
may have
meant that he
wasn't shot.
Having him
insured would
have almost
definitely guaranteed that they
could afford his vet bills and
thus kept him. Having him
microchipped (a legal
requirement from June 2024)
would have meant that he
might have returned home
sooner if he'd been found and
scanned.
If you love them, neuter them! I
remember a sign in one vet
practice that summarised it all
– “healthy, happy, snipped and
chipped”.
Further info:
www.gedanken.co.uk
www.yorkshirecatrescue.org

Unleashing Secrets
in the World of
Pet DNA Testing
In the rapidly changing world of pet ownership, where innovations range from
gourmet dog food to bespoke cat hotels, the latest, and arguably most intriguing,
advancement is pet DNA testing. MARIE CARTER-ROBB discovers the fascinating
secrets of Rowan’s (pictured) DNA.
Vet

By MARIE CARTER-ROBB
In the rapidly changing
world of pet ownership,
where innovations range
from gourmet dog food to
bespoke cat hotels, the
latest, and arguably most
intriguing, advancement is
pet DNA testing.
ancestry.com, the
behemoth of human
genealogical sleuthing, has
finally turned its gaze to
our canine companions.
This leap from human ancestry
to pet genetics is not
just a novel party
trick for the besotted
pet owner; it's an
odyssey into the
heart of what makes
our pets tick,
genetically
speaking.
Rowan's DNA analysis
reaffirms his purebred
credentials
foreword by Charles
Darwin. The breed, a
favourite at Pets Mag
towers, synonymous with a
kind of old-world charm and
grace that one imagines
would have felt at home in
the laps of Tudor monarchs,
is revealed through DNA
testing to be as complex
genetically as it is
historically.
Rowan's analysis reaffirms
his purebred credentials, a
fact that will surprise no one
who has looked into those
soulful eyes, framed by ears
that wouldn't look out of
place on a 17th-century
nobleman! However,
the DNA test brings to
light traits that seem to
contradict the observed
character of our four-
Take, for example,
Rowan, a one-yearold
Cavalier King
Charles Spaniel
whose genetic
analysis could be a
chapter straight
out of a novel - if
that novel were
written by a
committee of
veterinarians and
geneticists, with a

Photo by CDC on Unsplash
legged subject. Despite a
genetic predisposition towards
possessiveness and separation
anxiety, Rowan displays none
of these traits. In fact, he is the
softest and most confident oneyear
old dog known to man or
woman; a complex symmetry of
loveliness and lovability.
Caitlyn Bruns, Senior Manager
of DNA Strategy and
Development at Ancestry,
observes: “Behavioural traits
typically have a lower
heritability (not completely
controlled by DNA) than
physical traits. This means that
although it’s not always
apparent, the dog's
environment has even more of
an influence on the dog's trait
compared to the dog's DNA.
Using 'stress at the vet' as an
example, the behaviour of the
owner and the veterinarian can
have a large impact on how the
dog behaves at the vet.
“Even if the dog's DNA suggests
he would be stressed, he may
be completely calm and relaxed
given how the owner and vet
control the situation.”
Bruns' statement underscores
the significant influence of
environmental factors on a
dog's behavioural development.
It emphasises that, while
genetics provide the blueprint,
the environment in which a dog
is raised plays a pivotal role in
shaping its personality and
behaviour. This insight is
supported by *scientific
research, which suggests that a
dog’s reactions, such as stress
levels at the vet, can be
significantly influenced by the
behaviour of its owner and the
veterinarian, despite what
genetic predispositions may
indicate. And so, it appears that
the environment, that great
sculptor of souls, plays a larger
role in shaping our pets than
the raw genetic material they're
born with.
The intrigue deepens as we
consider Rowan's potential for
a black and tan coat, among

other physical characteristics
detailed in his genetic report.
It's a reminder that beneath the
uniform appearance of breeds,
there lies a genetic
kaleidoscope waiting to be
revealed by science. Yet, as
Bruns points out, the true
measure of a pet's character
often lies beyond the reach of
DNA sequencing, in the
mysterious alchemy of nature
and nurture.
Yet to be expanded and
developed is the genetic
matches that go far and wide on
the human side but, given the
small numbers, link only other
pure bred Cavalier. However,
it’s a nice touch to see Rowan’s
‘relations’ who while not direct
family members are linked
some way back in the DNA
pool. So, US-based Roxi
(pictured) might be Rowan’s
second cousin with a 70% DNA
match; an intriguing and very
cute supposition.
As Ancestry.com ventures into
the pet DNA business, one can't
help but marvel at the ambition
of mapping not just the human
past, but that of our pets as
well. This endeavour speaks to
our desire to understand those
who share our homes and lives
on a level previously reserved
for our own species. It is yet
another stride towards
embedding our canine
companions as integral
members of the family unit,
and, some might say,
anthropomorphising them.
As things advance, it should
one day be possible to delve
further into the secrets of our
pets’ DNA to identify health

traits and conditions that could
mar health. Sadly, Cavalier
King Charles Spaniels are
prone to several life-limiting
genetic conditions including
Mitral Valve Disease, which
The world of pet DNA
testing represents a new
frontier in our relationship
with our pets.
affects roughly 80% of the
breed aged eight and above.
Rather than banning further
breeding as Norway has now
done, could innovations in
DNA testing of our pets lead to
healthier breeding practices in
the future? One thing we
do know is that the
future is home to hope
and possibility for many
breeds affected by
inherited conditions.
Rowan's case is
emblematic of the
broader narrative of pet
DNA testing: a narrative
that weaves together
science, history, and the
personal stories of pets
and their owners. It
challenges us to consider
not just the genetic
inheritance of our animal
companions, but the
environments we create
for them, and how these
two forces meet to
produce the pets we know and
love.
The world of pet DNA testing,
with its promise of insights into
health, behaviour, and
ancestry,
represents a
new frontier
in our
relationship
with our
pets. It's a
testament to
human
curiosity and our endless
fascination with the natural
world, including the animals
we've brought into our homes
and hearts. As we continue to
explore these advancements,
we are reminded that the story
of our pets, much like our own,
is written in a code more
complex and wondrous than we
might have imagined.
Yet, amid the scientific rigour
and technological prowess,
there's a whimsical charm to
the idea of delving into our
pet's genetic history. It's a
modern twist on the age-old
quest to understand our place
in the world, and now, perhaps,
to understand where our pets
fit into the tapestry of life. In
this pursuit, we find not just
answers, but a deeper
connection to the animals that
accompany us on our journey
through life, reminding us that,
in the end, we're all part of the
same intricate web of existence.
For more information,
please visit: https://
petdna.ancestry.com/
* Links to scientific papers
on genetic markers:
https://link.springer.com/
article/10.1186/
s12864-016-2936-3#Sec2
https://www.nature.com/
articles/
s41598-020-63457-y

Why a
Pet
Trust
Could
be
Worth
It
In the US, 'Pet Trusts' are now mainstream, but the concept of having a
Vet
legally binding document to care for our pets after our deaths is not
one that's commonplace in the UK...

Remembering to include a precious pet in your
will could be the best decision
By MARIE CARTER-ROBB
In the US, so-called 'Pet
Trusts' are now
mainstream, but the
concept of having a
legally binding document
to care for our pets after
our deaths is not one
that's commonplace in
the UK.
Worryingly, people over 60
are the least likely to make
specific provisions for their
pets, according to research
by over-50s specialist firm
Saga. But what happens if
family or friends decide that
taking on a pet is too much
for them?
The average lifetime cost of
owning a dog is estimated
at £17,000 according to a
recent survey, and almost a
quarter of people who
inherit a dog would rehome
it or have it put down.
No exact stats are available
for the percentage who
would consider euthanasia,
but the very fact that some
people do means the stakes
are so high that it's vital pet
owners make proper
provision for their pets. As
well as wills, there is
something called a
'discretionary trust' which
gifts a set amount of money
to the trustee, the new
owner, which expires upon
the death of the pet. Any
money left over would then
be given to a named
beneficiary, who could be
the original trustee.
It's certainly worth thinking
about and planning for the
kinds of bills that the
average pet will accrue
during its lifetime and
making set provision for
these. Think about vets bills,
pet insurance (if applicable),
food, medical history, and
dietary requirements. Cats
Protection has very helpfully
produced a list of useful

contacts to help pet owners.
Even if you're fit and healthy,
it doesn't hurt to take a look,
and, if you have a will
already, to
consider
setting aside
provision for a
pet.
between Pet Trusts and
discretionary trusts is that
the former has no human
beneficiary. In theory,
Rodeo, a Shar-Pei. A will
written by actress Betty
White is reported to have
left all of her $5 million
The RSPCA
also offers a
free service to
pet owners
which finds a
new home for
a pet after the
owner
dies: http://
www.homeforlife.org.uk
We're a nation of animal
lovers but many people die
and leave no provision for
their pets. How many times
have you seen rescue
centres seeking new homes
for pets whose owners have
died?
There is an organisation for
older pets called The Oldies
Club. There are lots of dear
older dogs whose beloved
owners have died and left
their pets with no provision.
Pets, particularly dogs, are
sentient creatures and will
struggle with the loss of
their owner. The difference
unscrupulous trustees could
spend money left to them in
a discretionary trust on
other items.
Pet trusts are much tighter
and trustees are held much
more to account for how
they spend the money left
to the pet. In the US, lawyers
with a specialism in 'pet law'
are increasingly
mainstream. The typical
amount set aside in a pet
trust is around $25,000, or
just under £20,000.
There are some interesting
cases at the top end. In 1993,
tobacco heiress Doris Duke
left $100,000 to her dog
estate to her pets.
Dusty Springfield's 1999 will
specified that a bequest for
her cat Nicholas be spent on
a lifetime supply of his
favourite meal of imported
baby food.
These are, of course,
extreme examples, but the
point should not be lost that
it's so very important to
make specific provision for
pets. This should particularly
be the case if the pet is
older or has a medical
condition(s) that will make it
more difficult for them to be
re-homed if the pet owner
dies first.

Vet
S
cot’s Timothy Hay has been grown on the Carse of Stirling in Central Scotland for
hundreds of years, providing the finest forage to livestock breeding herds, flocks and
performance horses across the UK.
This premium hay is now available for all small and urban pets, direct to your door across the UK
via the high quality brand White Rabbit Hay.‘White Rabbit Hay’ is a local partnership set up to
make this high-end product available to urban pet owners. This timeless native grass is perfect for
rabbits, chinchillas, tortoises and all other small pets, providing the required roughage and
nutrition as well as promoting dental health and general well-being for all foraging pets. The hay
is sourced from farms that manage the land with traditional farming rotation methods and
without the use of any pesticides. This allows the land to provide home cover and natural feeding
for a range of native animals. From wild hares to birds of prey, with everything in-between. The
hay is hand selected and packed on farm in 1.5KG boxes and sealed with paper tape with no
plastics input at all. The packaging is completely recyclable and compostable with our boxes
travelling only a few miles to our logistics provider before being delivered directly to your door.
Thus, keeping the carbon footprint as low as possible. The brand’s mission is to provide our small
pets and pet parents with the best value product totally farm fresh, to add value to the product by
developing new markets while providing our growers with a sustainable on-farm price that will
allow them to continue to be guardians of the land and its’ native species for generations to
come. It is not so long ago that the continued growing of Scot’s Timothy Hay on home soil was in
serious doubt due to financial pressures.
Please support us and allow us to supply you and your pets with the sweetest, crispest, long stem
timothy hay available today. www.whiterabbithay.com Tel: 07513 069 187

Give Dogs their
Space!
TONY KNIGHT, an internationally-acclaimed Dog Listener and trainer,
responds to a reader question on why parents should always ask before
Vet
allowing children to pet dogs.

Tony Knight, an
internationallyacclaimed
Dog
Listener and
trainer, on why
parents should
always ask
before allowing
children to
approach strange
dogs...and cats...
Once, while
attempting to
enjoy a coffee at a
seaside coffee in
Australia, I
witnessed an
unprovoked dog
attack. Two
Chihuahuas were
tied up outside café,
minding their own
business. Suddenly, from
nowhere a man holding
what was clearly a
recently hatched baby
spotted them.
“Oh look,” he said to the
baby, apparently under the
mistaken belief that the
baby understood him, “two
cute little doggies!”
I virtually spat out my
mouthful of latte as he
proceeded to walk right up
Dog expert - Tony Knight
to the tethered twosome,
bent down and shoved his
“Personal space is a
big issue for dogs...”
baby – head first I might add
– right into the faces of the
dogs. Fortunately, the
chihuahuas did not react to
this attack, but it could
easily have been a different
story.
It seems that a terrible story
of a child being badly bitten
by a dog is never far
from the headlines.
So often, the culprit
is a family dog rather
than a random
attack by an
unknown assailant,
leading to the
inevitable death of
aforementioned
family pet. I regularly
receive inquiries
from people asking
me how to
guarantee that their
dogs will be wellbehaved
around
children. My reply is
not always well
received, but I make
no apologies for it.
When you study
dogs, you quickly see that
personal space is a big
issue for them.
Dogs are mostly very
tolerant with puppies,
allowing them to climb
all over them and grab
their tails. However, there is
a limit to what they will put
up with. Sometimes a
puppy will go over the top
with their playful pestering
and receive a sideways
glance, followed by a growl.
If they don’t take the hint
then, they are liable to

receive a reprimand in the
form of a grab of the muzzle.
This grab with the mouth is a
clear signal that they have
gone too far and should
leave the other one alone.
Sometimes,
the human
members of
the dog’s
family can
also be told
off for
getting it
wrong. Over
95% of dog
bites occur
because
people do
not respect
a dog’s
personal space. Have you
ever heard the expression,
“Let sleeping dogs lie”? There
is a good reason for this sage
advice…
On a slightly different note
(again an incident involving
food and/or drink), I was
recently at a restaurant near
my home in France. As we
sat outside, we were
immediately the centre of
attention of some stray cats
that apparently lived in the
hedge opposite the
restaurant. Another diner
started feeding the moggies
(mission accomplished for
the cats). He then made the
error of trying to pick one up
for a cuddle, whereupon we
all heard a bloodcurdling
scream (well, there were two
actually – one from the cat as
it was picked up, followed by
another by the man as the
claws went into his arm). The
Most dogs are fine, but always ask permission from the owner
before petting them!
attitude of the restaurant
manager typified our general
response to a cat attack.
“Yeah, don’t pick them up”.
When a cat clearly shows
that it wants to be left alone,
nobody says a word. When a
dog does the same thing, it
is accused of being
aggressive, categorised as
“dangerous” and the usual
advice is to kill it. Only the
other day, I helped someone
in Toulouse with a dog that
had been given a Category 3
status of aggression by vets
and a behaviourist. The latter
has visited the house after
the vet who was bitten
advised the owner to get an
“expert” in.
The behaviourist
immediately went right up
the dog and started stroking
its head. When the dog
growled, it was branded a
menace.
After a
telephone
session and a
little online
coaching from
yours truly, the
owner is now
seeing a much
calmer dog in
general, as well
as now knowing
how to educate
people on how
to interact
correctly with dogs.
The rule is so simple, it is
amazing that so many
people get it so hopelessly
wrong; if you want to say
hello to a dog, call the dog to
you. This way, the dog has a
choice at least. If it comes to
you, it has done so of its own
free will. If the dog doesn’t
come, take that as a really
clear signal that they are not
ready yet.
A student of mine in Sweden
asked how she could stop
people constantly coming
up to pat her dog. Her dog
does not like having their

Be gentle...
space invaded.
I advised her to buy a soft
muzzle and put it on her
dog. This has nothing to do
with the dog being
aggressive, but if people
can’t read, they might think
twice about approaching a
dog wearing a muzzle. As I
often say, training dogs is
the easy part…
I have visited schools before
with a very tolerant dog
called Alfie (I have been
invited by the teachers I
hasten to add – it would be
weird if I just turned up
outside the schoolyard) to
teach kids how to safely
interact with dogs. The
children line up on either
side of me and the pooch,
and one by one they call
him to them. Alfie gets lot of
cuddles and the children
learn a valuable lesson that
could save them a lot of
pain and anguish in the
future.
If a child is too young to
understand the rules, they
should always be supervised
when around dogs. It is
usually the case that a
family dog attack has
happened when everyone’s
backs are turned for a
moment. I do appreciate
that it can only take a split
second for something to
happen, so being extra
vigilant or keeping them
apart from each other when
in doubt is best. I use the
“Simon Says” game to help
children understand the
rules of engagement with
dogs. There has to be an
invitation before a fuss or
cuddle can happen. Give a
dog the chance to make
their own decision to
approach when asked too
and the cuddle will be
much happier – and safer -
for everyone.

Are Cats Really Low
Maintenance?
Here, Dr KAREN KANOWSKI explains why our beloved
Vet
feline companions aren’t always the walk in the park
their reputation suggests…

By Dr Karen Kanowski
BVSc MRCVS
When compared to
most dogs, cats
are often touted
as low-maintenance pets.
After all, they don’t
necessarily need to go for
walks and don’t need the
almost constant attention
that some dogs require.
Plus, they eat
comparatively smaller
amounts of food.
While cats may be easier to care
for than dogs in some ways,
they are certainly not “low
maintenance” and arguably
take just as much care and
attention as dogs—albeit in
their own unique ways. Here's
why cats are not considered
low-maintenance pets.
catster.com in-house
veterinarian Dr. Karyn
Kanowski, BVSc MRCVS,
explains, “The idea of cats
being low maintenance is
certainly one that applies if you
compare them to the more
hands-on daily requirements of
a dog.
“Speaking generally, dogs need
regular daily input from their
human caretakers.”
Dr. Kanowski continues,
“However, when speaking to
their emotional and
psychological needs, the
opposite could be inferred.
“The independent nature of
cats means that, although they
bond very closely to their
humans, they are more likely to
detach—either physically by
escaping the home or by
distancing themselves within it
—if they feel stressed or
discontent.
“While dogs are more forgiving
and eager to please, it is not
uncommon to feel that you
need to really earn the affection
and trust of a cat; their pride
and sensibilities are easily
offended.”
While cats don’t have the
intensive exercise needs of
most dogs, they have their own
needs that can, for the most
part, be almost just as
demanding.
Firstly, cats thrive on routine
and need a regular feeding
schedule to keep them feeling
secure and safe, and most vets
recommend splitting their
meals into two per day.

Cats are also obligate
carnivores, requiring a
somewhat more specialised diet
than dogs.
Cats also, for the most part,
need daily grooming. This is
especially true of long and
medium-coated breeds.
Many people think that since
cats are such fastidious
groomers, they’ll take care of
their own coats just fine, but for
long-haired varieties, this
couldn’t be further from the
truth. Some cats may even need
their nails trimmed fairly
regularly.
Most experts recommend
that cats spend most—if
not all—of their time
indoors, and this means
they need toys, climbing
trees, and scratching posts
to keep them properly
stimulated and exercised.
Letting a cat spend time
outdoors can lead to
diseases, injury, and a
threat to local native
wildlife.
Of course, cats also need a
litter box, especially
indoor cats. This means
that owners need to scoop
litter daily and add to or
change the litter in the
litter box often. This is
both time-consuming and
expensive and something
that most dog owners do
not need to deal with.
Lastly, cats typically live
much longer than dogs,
with an average of 15–20
years, 5–10 years longer
than most dogs, especially
the larger dog breeds.
With this longer lifespan
comes more responsibility,
more food and
entertainment costs, and
with an ageing feline,
added vet and care
expenses.
Dr Kanowskia adds: “In
many ways, cats could be
thought of as lower
maintenance pets when
compared to dogs, but this is
more a reflection on their
independence rather than their
need for care, attention, and
dedication from their humans.”

New Tests Set Standard
for Hedgehog-safe
Vet
Robotic Lawnmowers

In a significant
advancement for wildlife
conservation, a team of
researchers led by the
University of Oxford has
developed a new test to
evaluate the safety of
robotic lawnmowers for
hedgehogs. This initiative
could lead to a certification
scheme for ‘hedgehogfriendly’
mowers, offering
hope for the protection of
these beloved mammals.
The popularity of robotic
lawnmowers has raised
concerns regarding their
potential threat to hedgehogs,
especially at night when the
creatures are most active.
Many hedgehog rehabilitation
centres have reported a rise in
injuries caused by these
machines.
Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen, the
lead researcher from the
University of Oxford, also known
as ‘Dr Hedgehog’, highlighted the
urgency of the situation: “There
is an urgent need to identify and
phase out models of robotic
lawnmowers that pose a threat
to hedgehogs. Our new
standardised safety test will
greatly aid hedgehog
conservation, by enabling
manufacturers of robotic
lawnmowers to ensure their
models are ‘hedgehog friendly’
before they are put on the
market.”
Dr Rasmussen was inspired to
develop the test after conducting
collision tests between robotic
lawnmowers and deceased
hedgehogs. “All the robotic lawn
mowers I tested had to
physically touch the hedgehog in
order to detect it, and some did
not even detect the dead
hedgehog,” she explained. In
severe cases, the lawnmower
would run over the hedgehog
with blades running, causing
extensive damage.
New safety test
The new safety test employs
specially designed hedgehog
‘crash test dummies’ to
determine whether a robotic
lawnmower could avoid a real
hedgehog and the extent of
damage in a collision. To ensure
realism, the researchers
collaborated with a hedgehog
rehabilitation centre in Denmark
to observe how live hedgehogs
react to robotic lawnmowers.

Dr Rasmussen noted the varied
responses of hedgehogs to the
lawnmowers. “Each hedgehog
was tested twice and,
interestingly, they
tended to act more
shyly on their
second encounter.
This is hugely
important, since it
suggests that
hedgehogs may
learn from their first
encounter with a
robotic lawnmower.
“Potentially, if a
hedgehog survives
its first encounter
with a robotic
lawnmower, it is
less likely to be
injured in the future
because this may
cause it to avoid
them.”
The crash test
dummy, designed
based on the initial
collision tests and
made from a soft
rubbery plastic,
closely mimics the
body composition of a real
hedgehog. The researchers plan
to make the crash test
dummy design publicly
available for 3D printing,
enabling robotic lawn
mower companies to use it
in developing hedgehogfriendly
models.
Dr Rasmussen added: “A
key first step is to improve the
sensors, so that they detect the
hedgehogs and avoid them.
Developing additional
technologies such as camera
recognition could eventually
allow the robotic lawn mowers
to detect hedgehogs at a
distance and change direction
before they get close.”
Dr Stephan Meyer, R&D
manager at STIHL, one of the
A key first step is to improve
the sensors, so that the robotic
lawnmowers detect the
hedgehogs and avoid them.
industry partners supporting
Dr Rasmussen’s research,
commented on the significance
of these findings. “STIHL
highly values the effect of these
findings on the development of
robotic lawn mowers, and we
are using the learnings from
this interactive project to
improve the situation for
people and animals.”
A spokesperson from
Husqvarna also
expressed their
commitment to safety.
“At Husqvarna, we have
a 30-year-old history in
robotic lawn mowing
and safety has always
been our top priority.
We were early to
introduce the lightweight
pivoting blades,
which research has
proven to be more
‘hedgehog-friendly’.”
The development of
‘hedgehog-friendly’
lawnmower models is
seen as a crucial step in
reducing animal
suffering and aiding the
survival of hedgehog.
Until such models
become widespread,
robotic lawnmower
owners are advised to
check for hedgehogs on
their lawns before use and to
operate these
machines during
daylight hours to
minimise risk to
nocturnal
hedgehogs.