Dog shoots man

A man has been wounded in the leg after being shot by his dog

The incident in Iowa in the US occurred when a hunter's faithful hound accidentally stepped on his shotgun.

James Harris, 37, had put the firearm on the ground to pick up a dead pheasant when his four-legged companion trod on the trigger mechanism.

Although his life was not in danger the injuries will "give him trouble for a long time," according to a local official.

Spokesman for the Iowa department of natural resources said that he was aware of similar incidents occurring "a couple of times a year".

Mr Harris was treated at a regional medical centre for wounds to his calf.

The dog will not face charges in relation to the incident.

The $25, 000 cat

A rare breed of cat can be bought for $25,000, according to media reports.

The Ashera, the world's "largest, rarest and most exotic" domestic cat, has big pointy ears and colouring that resembles a leopard.

It is a cross breed of two bloodlines - African and Asian leopards - and a domestic cat.

Although they look rather fearsome, entrepreneur Simon Brodie says the cats, which can live up to 25 years and weigh up to 30lbs, are friendly and happy to eat normal tinned cat food.

He told the Daily Mail: "They are expensive, but we've already sold a lot in the US, in Asia and even in Russia.

"People spend that much on jewellery or a big television."

Brits are increasingly willing to spend big money on their pets, suggesting that there will be a market for this special breed.