Most Expensive Dog in the World

There is no doubt that dog is a man's best friend. But how much you will pay for a dog? According to a news, a Tibetan mastiff with the catchy name of Yangtze River Number Two has reportedly been sold to a woman in the Chinese province of Shaanxi for around £350,000 (or $582,000). Can you believe it? £350,000 for a dog! This sum makes the Tibetan mastiff the most expensive dog ever. The previous record of £90,000 was paid out by a family in Florida for Lancelot Encore - a cloned version of Lancelot, a much-loved but deceased Labrador.

The Times reports that Yangtze River Number Two's new owner, identified only as Mrs Wang, is rumored to have spent years searching China for the perfect Tibetan Mastiff. When she located her dream dog in Qinghai province, she was determined to do whatever was necessary to make it hers.

The canine's newfound celebrity status was confirmed when a motorcade of 30 luxury cars turned up at Xi'an airport to collect it. Mrs Wang's wealthy friends sent their Mercedes limousines to the airport, and also organized a welcoming committee of local dog-lovers, complete with banners.

Dog-ownership is becoming increasingly popular in China, and is already causing problems in some of the country's over-crowded cities. A ban on pets in many public areas is being considered in Shanghai, while the city of Guangzhou has introduced a limit of one dog per family.

Giant Crab captured in Britain

Earlier this month, a British man captured a giant crab in Lyme Bay near Lyme Regis, Dorset. The crab had a shell width of 30.48 centimeters (12 inches) and it weighed 63.82kilograms (17lbs). It measures 2ft across and is thought to be the largest edible crab ever captured in British waters. Take a look at the picture above.

Paul Worsley, 39, who managed to haul the creature from the sea bed during a diving trip in Lyme Bay, said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw it. I've seen and caught crabs before but never one as big as this."

Animal Liberation Front claims theft of hens

A radical animal rights group is claiming responsibility for the theft of about 100 hens from an egg farm near Spanish Fork, but the farm isn't sure there was a theft at all.

A communique purportedly from The Animal Liberation Front was sent on Tuesday saying that the group broke into a shed at Shepherd's Egg Farm on Nov. 1 and took 102 hens. The communique claimed the birds were held in cruel and inhumane conditions.

The statement said the stolen hens were given veterinary care and placed in new homes where they could live freely.

"They will all live out their full lifespan here instead of being killed when no longer profitable. In other words, these chickens can finally live like chickens," the statement said.

Mitch Head, a spokesman for Shepherd's Egg Farm, said the company adheres to the highest standards regarding the treatment and handling of its hens. Head also said the company is not sure that a burglary even took place. Link