The sneaky three-inch-long field mouse managed to break into what was thought to be an impenetrable bird feeder only to find itself stuck inside.

The owner of the bird feeder has had to free the mouse on more then one occasion. It is believed the mouse burrows its way in through the tiny feeder hole which was thought to be too small for animals to get through.

The fruits of this mouse’s efforts proved to be its downfall as once the mouse had eaten its fill it was too fat to get back out.

Luckily for this rodent the owner of the bird feeder was kind enough to set it free.

Started back in 1988 the Worlds Ugliest Dog Contest has been running annually with pouting pups competing from across the globe. With no Andrex puppies in sight, this year contestants made Quasimodo and Ugly Betty look like a prom king and queen.

The Worlds Ugliest Dog Contest is based in Petaluma, California and is part of the Sonoma-Marin Fair. More than 25 dogs compete each year for a cash prize and the ugliest pup trophy.

You can see some of the contest here:

Someone still loves them!

Germany’s Oberhausen Sea Life Centre is negotiating an exchange of animals with the Madrid Zoo Aquarium and is prepared to beat any other offers the Oberhausen Centre receives.

Born in Weymouth, England and brought up and brought up in the Oberhausen Centre, Paul the psychic octopus correctly predicted the outcome of Germany’s world cup matches and the final between Holland and Spain.

Quickly becoming a media phenomenon Paul the octopus or ‘Pulpo’ has been immortalized in song on Youtube and become part of the iphone generation as an app.

Pet-owners have been advised not to leave their dogs at home or with a pet-sitter while   away on holidays.

The country’s pounds have warned that pets often escape or wander off while left at home, and after just five days you can lose ownership of your beloved companion.

Pounds are legally entitled to re-home any animal they have taken in after five days have elapsed.  The same goes if another family takes your lost pet in, once five days pass they become the legal owner.

Often pet-owners aren’t even aware of this law and don’t realise the risk they are taking in leaving their furry friends home alone. Pounds report a surge in well-kept strays over the summer months which they presume have escaped while families are away.

We know leaving your pet in a kennel can be heart-wrenching, but these simple tips will help you assess a kennel’s suitability:

• Were the animals there excessively noisy?  This is a sign that the animals are distressed which in turn will stress your own pet.
• Was there a noticeably bad smell? This can be an indication of poor hygiene practices and should be avoided.
• Were you asked for proof of vaccinations?  All kennels should do this to prevent spread of disease, don’t use one that doesn’t.
• Could you see any shavings, newspaper etc. on the kennel floor?  These materials simply absorb urine and wash down waters which facilitates bacteria growth.  All surfaces should be clear and easy to clean.

The Cork Cat Club are holding their 30th Anniversary of the Cork Cat Club Championship Show at the Great Island Community Centre, Cobh this September.

The show will feature the Best Cats Ireland has to offer! With over 100 different cats, dozens of breeds and lots of very experienced breeders and exhibitors to chat to and get information from on the day. There will be a host of other stands, pet shops, a raffle and face painting to make it a fun filled afternoon.

The show will be held on 19th September 2010 at Great Island Community Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork.

For those looking to enter the competitions, the requirements for entries are as follows:

House-hold

• Vaccinations up to date
• All adults will have to be neutered (from 9 months old)

Pedigree

• Vaccinations up to date
• GCCFI registered at least 21 days prior to Show day (19th September 2010)
• For More Info log on to our website http://www.corkcatclub.com or visit our forum