Archive for March, 2008
We’re not sure whether it’s the unpredictable weather, but it seems that the RSPCA is experiencing an increase in lost cats. It’s something that is obviously extremely distressing for owners and while many people call the RSPCA and or Animal Welfare league, which is of course, a great start, there are other measures you can take to a)get your cat back and b)make sure you don’t lose it again!
We were contacted by an understandably anxious cat owner, Allan Gray, who had lost his rare Tonkinese cat, Ranji. Ranji is one of only 3 Tonkinese in Australia, and is a very striking cat. When he went missing the Grey household executed an action plan that proved successful.
The family started with a letter drop throughout the neighbourhood which the RSPCA also recommends. A colour picture of the cat on light coloured paper with a clear, concise message is the way to go. You should also include the date the cat went missing, his or her name (or what they answer to) as well as the colour/details of the collar, and of course any distinctive features -skinny, fat, eye colour, spot near left ear etc. If you can only use a black and white photo, obviously you need to describe colouring. While this all sounds like a lot you still need to keep it brief -people can’t be bothered reading a long passage of writing!
SUGGESTED LAYOUT/Content: MISSING CAT (picture) Name: Last seen (date and location): Cat colour/features: (if needed) Collar colour: Contact details for you:
If this initial mail out does not work you can try a second saying your pet ‘Needs Medication Urgently’ even if it’s healthy. This is an excellent way to make anyone who might have stolen your cat anxious and more willing to return it. Often you will then get a call enquiring about the illness. You should not tell, as they may take it to vet etc. Just say it’s a very serious condition and the tablets are very expensive and your cat needs them immediately.
Ranji at home safe with mate Azura
This is exactly what happened to Allan, and he got Ranji back shortly after!
Article in the Messenger about Ranji’s return, and the Gray’s successful method
Of course we can’t stress the importance of a collar with name and phone number, and the big one - MICROCHIPPING. This way if your cat (or dog!) is handed into the RSPCA, Animal Welfare League, Council and MOST vets they can scan your pet and get your details straight away! Contact the RSPCA shelter on 8382 0888 for times when the RSPCA has this service available.
Cat owners should also think about appropriate enclosures for their cats, if they’re prone to straying/going missing. Some states are close to bringing in cat control laws. The ACT has already introduced the laws.
While this (above) enclosed cat run is very elaborate, these cats aren’t going anywhere fast! If it saves the heartache of loosing your puss, it just might be worth the time and money!
March 27th, 2008
Erin in action for the Opals
Australian basketballer, Erin Phillips is now an official RSPCA ambassador.
After being an avid supporter of our cause for many years, it makes sense that she can now use her high profile to promote the Society and the work we do.
Erin, a member of the Opals, the best female basketball team in the world and the Commonwealth, after winning the ‘06 world championships and Commonwealth Games, says her family have always had several animals. She describes herself as a passionate dog and cat lover and excited to commence her ambassador role.
As with all of our ‘celebrity’ ambassadors, Erin is extremely busy perfecting her chosen craft, and we’re very appreciative that she’s decided to help us out despite her jam packed diary.
Erin, who is also a member of the Adelaide Lightning, who just won the WNBL Championship, joins Port Adelaide star Shaun Burgoyne and Crows defender Ben Rutten as our SA sports ambassadors. All three will appear in an upcoming commercial to promote the Million Paws Walk, which is of course, on Sunday, May 18.
We wish Erin the best of luck as she heads to the Institute of Sport next week to start the tough selection process for the Beijing Olympics team. Being reigning world champs, whoever makes the team faces the very real prospect of being an Olympic gold medallist!
Everyone at the RSPCA certainly hope they see you up on the podium Erin - in the middle position, of course!! We can’t wait for you to help us promote our fight against animal cruelty on your return.
March 27th, 2008
Charlie before RSPCA intervention
Charlie after RSPCA intervention
A Pt. Augusta woman has plead guilty to animal cruelty. Ms. Rachel Lane’s dog ‘Charlie’ was suffering from a horrific case of mange. A condition that is extremely uncomfortable when the case is mild; this case was chronic. Charlie must have endured extreme discomfort and itchiness as well as significant hair loss. Despite the shocking state of the dog, Ms. Lane didn’t take Charlie to a vet for treatment.
Ms.Lane plead guilty in the Port Augusta Magistrates Courthouse to failing to alleviate pain. The RSPCA seized the dog, and the defendant is banned from owning any other animals. Ms. Lane was ordered to do 40 hours of community service, as well about $1000 in vet and court fines.
It looks like Charlie will be looking for a new home very soon. Everyone at the RSPCA is very excited about the day he goes to his new home.
Aimee McKay, Spokesperson
‘The before and after pictures really tell the story, it’s both heartbreaking and heartwarming. His whole body was like that before our inspectors stepped in. While it’s horrible to think of the suffering Charlie endured, he now has a second chance, how exciting and rewarding for all of the RSPCA staff involved.’
March 26th, 2008
WHICH ONE WILL YOU CHOOSE? IT”S UP TO YOU!
Be they boiled, poached, fried or chocolate eggs on the menu, the RSPCA is urging families to take a stand against battery farming this Easter.
At Easter, eggs symbolise new life and fertility but for more than 10.5 million caged layer hens in Australia eggs represent the most miserable existence.
RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist, Dr Bidda Jones, said battery-caged layer hens are arguably the most compromised of all farm animals.
“Scientific evidence indicates that battery hens suffer intensely and continuously throughout their confinement in cages, unable to exercise or to carry out behaviours such as wing flapping, flying, dust bathing, perching and foraging,” Dr Jones said.
Despite a concerted effort by the RSPCA and other animal welfare groups, Australian law still allows for the use of battery cages. While there is overwhelming evidence that cages are cruel, the RSPCA is powerless to prosecute if farmers are acting within the law. While the ultimate goal is to get all hens out of cages, the RSPCA is working to enforce the current laws, improve standards and encourage consumers to choose welfare-friendly products, such as those endorsed by the RSPCA.
By buying RSPCA accredited barn and free range systems you can that the eggs come from hens that have access to nests, space to move freely, flap their wings and socialise, have constant access to food and water and are protected from predators and the elements. Importantly, RSPCA accredited facilities undergo a stringent and regular inspection process to ensure our strict welfare standards are being met.
While there has been a notable shift towards welfare-friendly eggs, we need more consumers to vote with their wallets and avoid buying caged eggs. Farmers and supermarkets will respond to consumer demand if the message is loud and clear.”
For more information on how you can help give layer hens a better life this Easter
So what’s happening on a State level?
New amendments in South Australia have seen an an increase in the minimum cage floor area for layer hens from 450 sq cm to 550 sq cm. There has also been changes directed towards the welfare of caged hens such as an increase in the size of the cage door to facilitate the safer removal of spent birds.
The general standards in SA regarding the care of the birds, i.e. feeding, monitoring for ill health etc, have also been clarified and improved.
The new regulations are now law in this State and must be complied with. We will begin conducting routine inspections of battery hen facilities when the routine inspection provisions in the new Act are passed, which should happen in July.
Go to our website for more information on CHOOSING WISELY
March 19th, 2008
A number of people have voiced their concern about dog breeders, and how, at times, SOME of their practices can be less than satisfactory. Of course these concerns are accompanied by many other supporters worried about intensive farming, and weak penalties.
I am happy to say that many changes have now been ‘approved’, and among them are changes that relate to unsatisfactory living conditions, which is what many people are most concerned about in relation to breeders. We feel this change will go a long way to protecting animals living with breeders. AS well as this, RSPCA inspectors now also have greater power to inspect ‘commercial facilities’ (details below).
On top of these changes, the government, in consultation with the RSPCA, is in the process of developing a SPECIFIC code of practice for dog breeders and kennels. Which will address issues that relate directly to, and solely to dog breeders. The RSPCA will be heavily involved as this code develops, and we’ll keep you updated on ALL amendments, and of course how you can help!!
Changes also relate to routine inspections of intensive farms and commercial facilities as well as increase in court penalties.
After a long period of consultation with many groups, these WILL now become operational by at least August this year. What fantastic news!!
The changes are as follows:
(1) THE CHANGE: The creation of an offence of failing to provide an animal with appropriate and adequate living conditions.
WHAT IT WILL ACHIEVE: This new offence will expand the RSPCA’s ability to improve the living conditions of animals and caution or prosecute owners who neglect their animals by not providing sufficient living conditions. This can and will include animals in small enclosures (as has been the case at some breeders)
(2) THE CHANGE: An increase in penalties.
WHAT IT WILL ACHIEVE: Typically sentences from the courts have not been a great enough deterrent. This will send a clear message to the community that animal cruelty is a serious offence that warrants harsh penalties.
(3) THE CHANGE: The powers of RSPCA inspectors have been clarified and strengthened.
WHAT IT WILL ACHIEVE: RSPCA Inspectors and officers will be able to better rescue injured and trapped animals from properties.
(4) THE CHANGE: The introduction of a routine inspection scheme for RSPCA inspectors.
WHAT WILL IT ACHIEVE: Will enable the RSPCA to play a greater and much needed role in inspecting intensive farming and commercial facilities.
These are the major changes, there was also some wording changes to strengthen some legislation.
If you have any questions, please feel free to post them, and I will attempt to answer them for you.
Many thanks for your support, and as aforementioned, I will keep you updated on how you can help push the ‘Dog Breeders’ code of practice through.
Aimee
March 17th, 2008
The RSPCA are taking extra provisions throughout the heat wave to ensure animals are ‘chilled out’. Our Lonsdale and Adelaide shelters resemble a ‘Rover’s Resort’ of sorts, with icey cold drinks being served, special chilled meat treats on the menu, and regular dips in the doggy play pools!
While this all sounds like fun, heat waves and animals are a potentially lethal combination, and all pet owners should be going to great lengths during the next week and beyond to ensure their animals’ safety. Obviously animals have already been exposed to over a week of extreme heat, so keeping vigilant is vital.
Our call centres have been inundated with heat related calls for over a week now. They fielded over 60 calls a day in first few days of the heat wave, with calls continuing to come in regularly.
We are urging anyone with any concerns about any animals to call the RSPCA. Whether it’s a dog without water, or a horse with a rug on, please call us immediately. Obviously, we take heat related neglect very seriously.
Aimee McKay Spokesperson:
‘Like humans, animals are very vulnerable in such intense heat, and their welfare is in our hands. Leaving an animal without water and/or shade is an offence and RSPCA inspectors can and will charge irresponsible owners. Our team will be on the lookout for animals suffering in cars, backyards, anywhere. Anyone in anyway concerned about an animals’ welfare should call the RSPCA immediately.’
The RSPCA says keeping critters cool is really about common sense. Make sure pets have plenty of shade, a lot of cool, clean water, and if possible regular bouts indoors.
The Society once again reminds motorists to never leave animals in a hot car. In this heat it will take just a few minutes for them to die.
Signs that your animal is suffering from heat stress include excessive panting, increased heart rate, vomiting and deep red gums. If you think they are suffering put them in a cool bath tub, if their symptoms continue get them straight to a vet.
PLEASE NOTE:
IF YOU’RE CONCERNED ABOUT ANY ANIMAL, HEAT RELATED OR OTHERWISE PLEASE CALL THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS:
DURING OFFICE HOURS CALL: (08) 8231 6931
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY CALL: (08) 8231 2120
March 12th, 2008
