Dogs face risk of deadly lead poisoning from pheasant meat in pet food

Published

3 years ago

May 3, 2023

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Dogs may be at risk of lead poisoning after “very high” concentrations from shotgun pellets were found in raw pheasant pet food.

After testing out samples of raw pheasant dog food, researchers from the University of Cambridge discovered that the majority contained high levels of lead, which could put dogs’ health at risk if they eat it frequently.

The researchers looked at 90 samples of UK dog food products and found that more than three-quarters – 77% – had lead concentrations higher than the maximum residue level (MRL) permitted by law.

How was the study conducted?

The Cambridge scientists tested five pheasant-based dog food products. Three of these were raw meat, one was dried pheasant and partridge, and the other was processed tinned pheasant and goose.

A further three equivalent chicken-based products (raw, dried and processed) were also tested for the study.

Lead concentrations above the MRL were found in the dried pheasant-based product but at levels lower than that found in the raw meat.

Neither of the chicken or tinned pheasant-based products contained unacceptable levels of lead.

The three raw pheasant-based dog food products had lead concentrations which were approximately 245, 135 and 49 times higher than the MRL.

The study, published in the journal Ambio, found that the overall mean average in raw pheasant dog food was found to be 34 times higher than in pheasant sold for human consumption.

Professor Debbie Pain, of Cambridge University’s Zoology Department, said: “We were already aware that lead concentrations in pheasant meat sold for human consumption are often far higher than would be permitted in other meats like chicken, beef or pork.

“However, we were surprised to find that lead concentrations in raw pheasant dog food products were so much higher.”

The dangers of lead poisoning

Lead poisoning can be very dangerous for both pets and humans, with its effects particularly focused on the nervous system – high levels can lead to convulsions, coma and even death.

Despite the dietary danger, lead shot can be used legally to kill game birds, like pheasants, in the UK.

Most pheasants are eaten by people but some are minced and used in pet food.

As the meat is minced for pet food, this then creates small particles in the meat, increasing the chances for it to be absorbed into the bloodstream.

Dogs eating food with such high concentrations of lead remain at risk of harm to their health, with puppies being particularly vulnerable – this is due to the developing nervous system.

Are raw meat diets becoming more popular?

Researchers found that raw meat diets for pets are becoming increasingly popular across the UK, which is home to an estimated 13 million dogs and 12 million cats.

After analysing online suppliers, the study found that raw pheasant pet food was sold by 34% of the 50 online raw pet food suppliers they checked – 71% of these said the meat may contain shot.

Professor Rhys Green, co-author of the study, said: “The fact that most samples from three randomly sampled raw pheasant pet food products had very high lead concentrations, and that our recent research on shot types used to kill pheasants found that 94% are shot with lead, suggests that this is a far broader issue than for just these three products.

“However, some producers may source pheasants that have not been shot with lead, and owners could ask about this when buying pet food.”

Symptoms of lead poisoning in dogs

It can be hard to spot, but here are a few common symptoms of lead toxicity that dog owners should look out for:

• Decreased appetite

• Abdominal pain

• Vomiting

• Regurgitation

• Increased thirst

• Diarrhoea

• Weakness

• Shortness of breath

• Muscle Tremors

• Blindness

• Seizures

UK

King meets Huntingdon train attack heroes, including guard who protected passengers

Published

16 mins ago

December 18, 2025

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King meets Huntingdon train attack heroes, including guard who protected passengers

The King has met survivors of last month’s Huntingdon train mass stabbing, during a special reception at Buckingham Palace.

He shook hands with train guard Samir Zitouni, who was seriously injured as he stepped in to protect passengers.

More than 10 people were hurt in the stabbing on the 6.25pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on 1 November, which diverted to Huntingdon.

The monarch also met Andrew Johnson, who previously served in the Royal Navy, and was driving the service at the time of the attack.

He was praised by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his quick thinking when he moved the train on to a slow line.

That decision allowed it to stop at Huntingdon station, leading to a quicker response time by emergency services and potentially saving lives.

Mr Zitouni was credited with saving multiple lives, but was left in a critical condition due to injuries he suffered in the attack.

Stephen Crean, a football fan who had been returning home after watching Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, was also injured while fighting back to protect others during the incident.

Mr Crean said he would need plastic surgery following his injuries.

Amira Ostalski, a student who suddenly found herself in danger, said she ran into the buffet car where she picked up a metal tray to protect herself and her friend.

“I was honestly so petrified. I thought in that moment it was the last time I was ever going to be alive. I thought I was going to die,” she said.

Anthony Williams was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm and one count of possession of a bladed article following the train attack.

He remains in custody pending further court hearings scheduled for next year.

UK

Teenage boy charged over murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare

Published

12 hours ago

December 17, 2025

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Teenage boy charged over murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe in Weston-super-Mare

A nine-year-old girl found dead in Weston-super-Mare has been named on the day police revealed a teenager had been charged with her murder.

Emergency services were called to Lime Close in the Somerset town at 6.09pm on Monday but Aria Thorpe was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said a 15-year-old boy had been charged with her murder and that a preliminary post-mortem found she died from a single stab wound.

The teenage boy – who can’t be named due to his age – will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court later today.

A police cordon remains in place as forensics officers continue their work.

Superintendent Jen Appleford, from Avon and Somerset Police, said the community was in shock and Aria’s family were being supported by police.

“It is impossible to adequately describe how traumatic the past 36 hours have been for them and we’d like to reiterate in the strongest possible terms their request for privacy,” she said.

Supt Appleford said police were working with local schools and other agencies to make sure support is available.

UK

Duke of Marlborough charged with strangulation offences

Published

12 hours ago

December 17, 2025

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Duke of Marlborough charged with strangulation offences

The Duke of Marlborough, formerly known as Jamie Blandford, has been charged with intentional strangulation.

Charles James Spencer-Churchill, a relative of Sir Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales, is accused of three offences between November 2022 and May 2024, Thames Valley Police said.

The 70-year-old has been summonsed to appear at Oxford Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, following his arrest in May last year.

The three charges of non-fatal intentional strangulation are alleged to have taken place in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, against the same person.

Spencer-Churchill, known to his family as Jamie, is the 12th Duke of Marlborough and a member of one of Britain’s most aristocratic families.

He is well known to have battled with drug addiction in the past.

Spencer-Churchill inherited his dukedom in 2014, following the death of his father, the 11th Duke of Marlborough.

Prior to this, the twice-married Spencer-Churchill was the Marquess of Blandford, and also known as Jamie Blandford.

His ancestral family home is Sir Winston’s birthplace, the 300-year-old Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.

But the duke does not own the 18th century baroque palace – and has no role in the running of the residence and vast estate.

The palace is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a popular visitor attraction with parklands designed by “Capability” Brown.

In 1994, the late duke brought legal action to ensure his son and heir would not be able to take control of the family seat.

Blenheim is owned and managed by the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation.

A spokesperson for the foundation said: “Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation is aware legal proceedings have been brought against the Duke of Marlborough.

“The foundation is unable to comment on the charges, which relate to the duke’s personal conduct and private life, and which are subject to live, criminal proceedings.

“The foundation is not owned or managed by the Duke of Marlborough, but by independent entities run by boards of trustees.”

The King hosted a reception at Blenheim Palace for European leaders in July last year, and the Queen, then the Duchess of Cornwall, joined Spencer-Churchill for the reveal of a bust of Sir Winston in the Blenheim grounds in 2015.

The palace was also the scene of the theft of a £4.75m golden toilet in 2019 after thieves smashed their way into the palace during a heist.

The duke’s representatives have been approached for comment.