DEBATE OVER WORLD'S OLDEST DOG AND DIET

This is Bobby. He lived on a farm in a village in Portugal with his owner, Leonel Costa. In February 2023, Bobby was recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest dog ever recorded at age 30. Costa said that Bobby had home-cooked meals, never wore a leash and got lots of fresh air, saying, quote, Bobby eats what we eat. Bobby made national headlines when he died in October at 31. However, days after Bobby's death, The Guardian reported that Danny Chambers, a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, claimed that he and his 18,000 colleagues doubted Bobby's age and demanded irrefutable proof from Guinness. Chambers, who is also running to be a member of Parliament in the U.K., also said that Bobby has been used as an example by activists who, quote, have long campaigned that dog food is killing pets and that raw feeding is healthier. The commonly found package-style dog food he's referring to started being widely used after World War II. Canine herbalist Rita Hogan said she doesn't think it's an abnormality for Bobby to live until 31. I think it's a product of fresh air, low stress, minimally processed food, low vaccination, and good vet care, good dental cleanings, a relationship with his vet, a relationship with his community, and someone that loved him. Hogan said she's had a dog and a cat both live into their 20s. Just the other day, I was talking to someone and I mentioned that I had put my cat down at, he was just turning 23. He was like two months shy. And it was a big deal. I'm like, that, a cat living to 23 is not a big deal. Like, they should be living past 20. Another expert's office alleged that a lobby organization is behind the doubt of Bobby's age. Dana Adams, an admin assistant for popular veterinarian Karen Becker, told Wired Magazine that, quote, a lobby organization waited until the poor little guy's cremation day to raise questions to Guinness about additional testing. It's not clear if she was referring to Chambers Group or another party. Adams also said, quote, those of us in the pet space know it never goes well when you threaten a multibillion dollar empire, alluding that the lobbyists are connected to the pet food industry. About two months after Bobby died, Guinness World Records announced an investigation. They told NTD, quote, while our review is ongoing, we have decided to temporarily pause applications on both the record titles for oldest dog living and oldest dog ever until all our findings are in place and have been communicated. Guinness did not elaborate on what triggered their investigation. Bobby is said to be born in 1992. In Portugal, due to it not being required for dogs to be registered until 2020, it might be difficult to provide hard proof of Bobby's age. Jason Blair, NTD News.