via Windsor Star

LONDON - A man who set a ferocious dog on a 16-year-old boy in a London park before stabbing him to death was jailed Friday after police used DNA profiling to identify the animal.

Chrisdian Johnson, 22, was put behind bars for at least 24 years after being found guilty of the murder of rival gang member Seyi Ogunyemi and the attempted murder of his friend Hurui Hiyabu.

Johnson was convicted after forensic analysis showed blood found on him and at the scene of the attack in south London came from his dog Tyson, a Staffordshire bull terrier-bull mastiff cross.

"You used two fearsome weapons. The first was your pitbull cross dog, which I have no doubt you had trained to attack and bring down your prey," Judge Christopher Moss said. "The second was the knife with which you stabbed Seyi Ogunyemi to death."

It is thought to be the first time that police in Britain have used recently developed "dog DNA" techniques to secure the conviction of a killer.

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Did your eyes meet across a crowded a pet shop, or down a dingy alley? Does he delight you daily, or do you long to return him to the shelter? Perhaps you prefer your best friend's pet?

At a July 2005 wedding in Wanganui, New Zealand, the groom Glen Armitage designated his dog as best man (aren't dogs our best friend?) but you can go one stage further and marry your pet. UK-based company "Marry Your Pet"  lets you literally marry your pet. , you can choose the 'simple wedding' for US $10 or the 'big wedding' for US $85 which comes with a T-shirt. In addition, the website carries a disclaimer advising, inter alia, that "by marrying your pet he/she may be entitled to half your house and all your income", so you have being warned!


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They might be tiny, but when it comes to destroying things in the home, the pint-size chihuahuas can be monsters, that's what a new of list of the world's most destructive dog breeds claims. The peewee pooches are ranked just behind great danes in the list conducted by pet insurer Esure, reports the Daily Telegraph.

According to the survey, chihuahuas and great danes clock up repair bills averaging $1,376 and $1,420 respectively during their lifetime. Bulldogs, dachshunds and beagles also made the top 10, with pugs, saint bernards and pointers among the least ruinous.

The survey of more than 3,000 dog owners found the items most often damaged were soft furnishings and electrical goods - used as makeshift chew-toys - and vases and lights, knocked over by wagging tails. Almost two-thirds of owners had paid to repair or replace damaged items, with most breakages caused by puppies.

The results showed a dog's size did not indicate its wrecking capability.


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It’s not just people who enjoy the good things in life; pooches too sometimes need a little pampering. For those feeling a little ‘ruff’, launching in August at the award-winning Holbeck Ghyll Country House Hotel in the Lake District, man and his best friend, can enjoy the ultimate in luxury with the Designer Doggy Package.

Celebrated as one of the Lake District’s finest country house hotels, Holbeck Ghyll promises exquisite luxury in a picture perfect setting. With clients including Hollywood actresses, footballers, singers, politicians and royalty, Holbeck Ghyll is used to catering for all needs, tastes and requirements and four-legged friends are no exception.

Priced from £150 per person, per night on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (based on two adults sharing with one dog) the Doggy Designer Package is guaranteed to put a wag into any tail and includes:

-Stylish accommodation in a choice of rooms, many with ground-floor access
-A Michelin-star dog food menu with such delicacies as rabbit, beef and pork
-A tailor-made doggy bag with delicious treats and chews
-A special bowl for mealtimes
-A blanket for bedtime and a special gift for dogs to take home and treasure

With masses of woodland and beautiful Lake District countryside on the doorstep, Holbeck Ghyll will advise on the many walks that both owners and dogs will enjoy exploring and will also supply disposable bags for those necessary pit-stops along the way. A selection of the Lake District’s dog-friendly establishments can also be provided for those who want to go further afield.

After a day of discovery and canine capers, owners are invited to enjoy a gastronomic experience in the hotel’s coveted dining venue, Windermere’s only Michelin Star restaurant. Whilst canine friends, revel in their own equally exceptional Michelin-meal in the company of hosts, Brook and Solie, the hotel’s friendly Labradors.



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