By Daniel Miller


They're the funniest animal photos of 2012, the maniac moggies and marvelous mutts who have brightened up our year with their utterly barmy exploits

And it's not just household pets which have brought a smile to out faces - the dogs and cats are joined by a host of bonkers animals including horses, monkeys and even a goat.

Image sharing website Acidcow.com has amassed a huge selection of animal pictures throughout the course of the year and here we've picked out some of the very best for you to enjoy.

Long arm of the paw: A playful pooch pops out of its owner's top in what looks like a science experiment gone wrong

Seductive eyes: A touch of mascara really brought out the best in this cheerful chap with a pair of hilarious drawn-on brows

Fluffy friend: This long-haired kitten might appear a bit stuck-up but its little owner loves it all the same

Horsing about: A young girl enjoys a laugh with her four-legged friend

There's the dog that looks just dandy with a set of painted on eyebrows, a playful pup who can't wait to show off its pole-dancing skills and another, which when viewed from a certain angle looks like quite something else entirely.

We've got some maniac monkeys too who don't appear particularly happy after hitching a lift on top of tourist during a water ride.

And hats off to the horses who've had a sterling year whether trying on the latest blue jeans to just enjoying a good lark with their owners.

And if there is anyone out there seriously considering getting a goat for a household pet we've got just the picture to put you off.

So put your own two paws together for all our four legged-friends and remember to keep those pictures coming in during 2013.

Camera shy: This rather plump cat does not appear particularly pleased about having its picture taken

A cheeky squirrel enjoys a slice of peperoni pizza while a playful pup shows off its pole dancing skills

Best of mates: This lazy hound dog was in a need of a little snooze and he found the perfect spot to snuggle up on his buddy's back

This man appears quite calm about having a pair of manic monkeys on his shoulder, the monkeys however are not so relaxed

Hair of the dog: A back-combed bouffant was the must-have style for this pampered pooch

It takes all sorts: As this rather unusual picture proves. We're not quite sure what's going on with the doll, or the cringe-worthy Christmas jumpers for that matter

A little squiffy: It must have been a heavy night for this lightweight Chihuahua but at least its got a friend to nurse it through the morning

Dozing off: This pooch on the left looks like its struggling to stay awake while the innocent little dog on the right appears to be quite something else entirely when viewed from a certain angle

Goats are not your normal household pets and, judging by the behaviour of this example, for good reason

This horse looks delighted at finally having found the perfect pair of blue jeans


source:dailymail

By LAURA SCHREFFLER

New feline friend: Taylor Swift has adopted a Scottish Fold kitten named Meredith

The cats are usually quite expensive; the demand for said animals usually exceeds the supply of those available.
Sorry, Selena Gomez, but Taylor Swift has found a new best friend.
The 21-year-old country singer recently tweeted a photograph of her adorable adopted kitten.
'Hanging out with my new roommate, Meredith', she wrote on her Twitter page late last week.
Her new pet is a rare breed of kitten known as the Scottish Fold, which is known for a gene mutation that makes its ear cartilage contain a fold.

Major award nominee: The 21-year-old has been nominated for five Country Music Awards this year

According to PlusPets.com, breeders can charge as much as $1,000 for healthy, vaccinated Scottish Fold kittens.
The website adds that the cats are in such demand that prospective owners are put on waiting lists or entered in lotteries in order to obtain one.
Meredith, it would seem, already has one very famous admirer.
'OH MY GOSH. Is this kitty for real!?!?' pop star Katy Perry wrote on the country starlet's page after viewing the photo Taylor had posted.
'Yes!' Taylor responded cheerfully, adding, 'And currently chasing her own tail. PS I miss you!'

Expensive kitty: Meredith is a Scottish Fold, a rare breed of cat that can cost up to $1,000

Her new pet isn't the only bright spot in the young singer's life: she was just nominated for a whopping five Country Music Awards, including the top honour of Entertainer of the Year.
'Mean', a poignant kiss-off to her critics, has also been nominated for Song of the Year.
'Getting a CMA nomination for 'Mean' was definitely a jumping-up-and-down moment for me, because this song is really close to my heart,' she told the Associated Press.
'I'm so thrilled it was nominated for Song of the Year because it's a song that I wrote on a really, really bad day, but it has produced so many happy days for me since.'
The CMA's will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on November 9.
Her nominations should serve as divine retribution for the fact the website Celebrity Jihad posted a photograph of a semi-nude woman who they claim is Taylor.

Forget a lap cat: Meredith easily fits on the country singer's knee

Her legal team is currently threatening to file a trademark-infringement lawsuit against the site, which features a picture of a curly-haired blonde with the caption 'Taylor Swift Topless Private Pic Leaked?'
Her lawyers have demanded that the photograph be taken down.
The site plans to retaliate against Swift and her team if they do take action.
They wrote recently: 'We here at Celebrity Jihad vow that there will be serious repercussions for Taylor Swift if she dares to follow through on her threat of a lawsuit against us.'


source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Infatuated: Amelle only has eyes for Herbie, despite boyfriend Tom Benn in tow

They say you can't hide the look of love.

And Amelle Berrabah seems infatuated with her new pet pooch Herbie.

The Sugababes singer cradled the tiny dog in her arms as she headed to a local park in west London with boyfriend Tom Benn.


New member of the family: Amelle's boyfriend Tom Benn cradles Herbie


While most people throw on their slacks for walkies, the 27-year-old of course dressed for the catwalk.

Showing off her petite figure, Amelle wore figure-hugging cropped red trousers and intentionally clashed it with orange shoes and a bag.


Baby's first steps: Tom and Amelle watch as playful Herbie runs around


The chart-topper added a touch of cool to the outfit, teaming it with a flat cap and baggy sweater that showed off her flat midriff.

Amelle introduced Herbie to the world last week on Twitter, posing with him on her lap in the car.


Mummy's boy: Amelle introduced Herbie to the world on Twitter last week


Tom looked particularly gigantic next to the little animal, especially when he cradled him in his arms.

However when they say down on a park bench, the tattooed former model looked like he'd rather be down the pub.

On Saturday, Amelle was gushing about the new addition to the family, writing on Twitter: 'Sitting outside having dinner with friends and little Herbie. So chilled!xxx'


source: dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Training going well? Irina Shayk appeared to be struggling with her disobedient dog as she took him out for a walk in New York yesterday

It's a process most dog-owners don't look forward to.

And Irina Shayk certainly appeared to be struggling as she attempted to train her dog Caesare while on a walk in New York yesterday.

The 25-year-old model wagged her finger at her trusting Labrador, who appeared to have been pulling on his lead, as she made the most of the sunshine.


No! Irina wagged her finger at Labrador Caesare after he pulled on his lead


Clearly getting frustrated with the canine, Irina made Caesare sit down while she told him off for being disobedient.

Irina, who permanently resides in New York, once said that Caesare was named after Julius Caesar.

She also claimed that he was fathered by one of the dogs who played the title role in Marley & Me.


I'm sorry! The dog looked apologetic after he was told off by his owner


Despite the fact she was having difficulties with her dog, Irina looked stunning in her cut-out denim dress as she strolled the streets of Manhattan.

Teaming the bodycon outfit with a white Chanel handbag and black sandals, Irina looked in great shape as she enjoyed the warm weather.

But despite her toned physique, Irina recently insisted that she doesn't diet.


Disobedient: Caesare appeared to have got slightly excited and pulled on his lead when another little dog came up to him


She said: 'I’m never dieting, but it’s very important to take care of your health. I work out a lot, love boxing and Pilates, but I also eat healthy food and drink a lot of water.

'But the most important thing is to be happy and to be in love with your body!'

Irina added: 'I do work out five times a week, but I'm never dieting. I try to be healthy because to be happy and healthy on the inside shows on the outside.'


That's better: After a stern talking to, Caesare appeared to have learned his lesson



Reward: The dog gazes adoringly at his stunning owner as she rewards him with a stroke

source: dailymail

By REBECCA ENGLISH


Behind the foreground rider the horse can be seen as it falls and entangles its legs in the wheels of the gun carriage


Members of the public looked on in horror today as an army horse died on parade during a freak accident in London’s Hyde Park.

The animal, called Murphy, was taking part in the Royal Gun Salute which takes place on June 2 each year to mark the coronation of the Queen.

Soldiers from the King’s Troop were lining up when the horse tripped while galloping and his legs became entangled in the wheels of a gun wagon, which then dragged him across the grass.


Soldiers rush to disentangle the fallen horse


Realising the animal is bady hurt, a soldier dashes off to find expert help


As he fell, Murphy suffered a ‘complex fracture’ of his leg and after being examined by an on-site vet was immediately put down by injection.

Devastated soldiers erected a green tent around the animal to shield onlookers from the distressing scene which took place shortly before mid-day.

An army spokesman told Mail Online: ‘Unfortunately the horse, called Murphy, became entangled in the gun carriage which was being moved into position and very sadly broke its leg.


A soldier looks up as he realises the severity of the animal's injury


Distraught, a horseman buries his face in his hands


'The vet officer in place immediately gave him pain relief but it was a very complex fracture and the only course of action was to put him down by injection. It was really the only course of action.

‘Everyone involved was naturally distressed. Murphy had been with the regiment for a very long time.

‘It was a tragic accident, one of those split second things that happen and he went down straight away.

‘It is very rare, though, that something like his should happen. No-one can remember anything like this happening before.’


n a shot taken from the watching spectators, soldiers from the King's Troop erect a barrier around the horse as a vet gives it a lethal injection


The salute, to mark the 59th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne, was cancelled as a mark of respect.


Horse injury cancels Queen's 41-gun salute



source: dailymail

By Sarah Fitzmaurice


Monkey Business: Wayne and Colleen Rooney took their son Kai to Knowsley Safari park last week where the primates played havoc with their car


It is well known that if you drive your car into a monkey enclosure at a safari park the chances are the cheeky primates will do their fair share of damage.

And that’s exactly what happened to Coleen and Wayne Rooney when their took their son Kai to Knowsley Safari Park on Thursday last week.

The couple treated their one-year-old son to an up close encounter with the animals at the park but as they entered the monkey den the primates paid particular attention to their car.


Wayne tweeted: ‘Just been Knowsley safari park with @ColeenRoo and Kai. Monkeys all over my car. Kai loved it.’

And wife Coleen made sure she took some snaps which she posted to Twitter showing the monkeys attacking their Audi worth around £80,000.

But with Wayne thought to be earning around £150,000 a week he can afford to let his car get trashed by the cheeky animals.

Problematic primates: Coleen posted a picture of a monkey attacking a windscreen wiper on their £80,000 Audi car

Cheeky chappy: Coleen also posted a picture of a monkey peering around the windscreen and pulling on the wing mirror


Coleen tweeted: 'Great time in safari park with Kai and @WayneRooney!!! The monkeys were so funny. X.'

But she added: ‘Not good for your car though!!!’

Coleen also posted pictures of two monkeys, one peering around a wing mirror appearing to be trying to peel it from the side of the car, while another snap saw a cheeky animal snapping back a wing mirror.

Splashing out: Last week Coleen flew from Manchester to London for a Littlewoods shoot carrying an expensive personalised Louis Vuitton case worth £2,630


Earlier in the week Coleen had been in London shooting for her new fashion range with Littlewoods but also used the opportunity to catch up with friends.

As she jetted from Manchester into the capital Coleen was seen pulling a personalised Louis Vuitton suitcase worth a cool £2,630.


source:dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

New York walkies: Kristen Stewart takes Bear, the rescue dog she shares with boyfriend Robert Pattinson, out for a walk in New York's East Village


Being the pet of a famous movie star may have its perks, but being left behind while your owner travels the world isn't one of them.

Luckily for Robert Pattinson's dog Bear his owner's girlfriend Kristen Stewart is happy to take over walking duties when he isn't there.

With Pattinson was in London promoting Water For Elephants, Kirsten took the reigns as Bear's carer.


Leading the way: Bear and Kristen head out onto the street for their blustery walk


Dressed in skinny jeans, Converse trainers and a grey T-shirt, Kristen, 21, and her canine companion braved the wind and rain as they made their way across New York's East Village.

Clutching his blue lead, Kristen was careful to keep a tight hold on Bear as they set out across the city together.

Pattinson found Bear in an animal shelter while shooting Breaking Dawn in the Baton Rouge area of Louisiana.


Undeterred: Kristen and Bear don't let the New York weather stop them from heading out as they leave The Bowery Hotel on the Lower East Side


The dog was originally called Yogi Bear, but Pattinson and Kristen decided to shorten his name to Bear after Rob admitted he thought Yogi was 'a bit much.'

Kristen, and her canine companion, have been staying at one of the actress's favourite New York hotels, The Bowery, on the Lower East Side of the city.

Meanwhile, the Twilight actress is set to welcome a new man into her life after it was announced today that British actor, Sam Claflin, has been cast alongside her in Snow White and the Huntsman.

The 24-year-old actor will play Prince Charmant to Kristen's Snow White.


source: dailymail

Children splash water to elephants to celebrate the Songkran festival, the Thai traditional New Year from April 13 to 15, at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok Monday, April 11, 2011.




Elephants spray water at teenagers during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.




Elephants spray water at foreign tourists during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Elephants spray water at foreign tourists during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Elephants spray water at foreign tourists during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Elephants splash water to children in celebration of the Songkran festival, the Thai traditional New Year from April 13 to 15, at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok Monday, April 11, 2011.



Children splash water to elephants to celebrate the Songkran festival, the Thai traditional New Year from April 13 to 15, at Dusit Zoo in Bangkok Monday, April 11, 2011.



Thai people celebrate New Year's from April 12 to April 14. The celebration is called the Songkran Festival and it is known across the globe for being a holiday where people play with water.




Thai children spray water each others during the water festival or commonly known as the Songkran festival to mark the New Year, Wednesday, April 14, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand. The annual festival is a mixture of religion and chaos involving heavy drinking and water fights.




Elephants spray water at teenagers during Songkran festival in Ayutthaya province on April 11, 2011. Songkran is the Thai New Year which starts on April 13, during which people celebrate by splashing water at each other.



Thai people pour water on a statue of Buddha as part of celebrations of the Songkran festival marking the Thai new year in Thailand' southern province of Narathiwat on April 12, 2011. Songkran celebrates the Thai New Year.



A Thai woman parades on a float as part of celebrations of the Songkran festival marking the Thai new year in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat on April 12, 2011. Songkran celebrates the Thai New Year.


source: Daylife
photo: AP photo, Gettyimages