Posts filed under 'Rescues'
We recently heard of a sad matter when an elderly man died suddenly and alone on his small country property near Gawler. His hobby was breeding and rearing pigeons and poultry and they were left behind in large numbers without any care. The RSPCA attended every few days to feed and check on the birds, awaiting news of any friends or family. Sadly, the man seemed to have no-one. The property was in a terrible state, and the birds were living in squalor. Cages were piled high with manure, old food and even old dead birds.
We sent some of the birds for testing and it was found they were carrying ornithosis, a disease which is transmissible other birds and to humans. It was then clear that the birds could not be re-homed and would have to be destroyed. The RSPCA had attended to the welfare problem, but we are not responsible for disease control or the disposal of diseased birds. We could find no-one to assist in the destruction of the birds, and our own staff spent several days on the distressing job of killing almost 1,000 pigeons and 20 geese, some ducks and 50 chickens. This is always a difficult task for people in the RSPCA who are in the job because they love animals!
We asked the Light District Council to remove the bags of dead birds - they refused on the grounds that the birds were contaminated and they did not want their workers exposed to them. They were not reassured by the advice that the bird disease needs a live bird to live and is not a hazard to people in protective clothing.
We then set about trying to find a disposal service that would remove the birds - again, not our job! We were told they had to be buried in a dump 100 kilometres away. Then we found a company that would take them away, if we loaded the truck and paid for it.
Understably, neighbouring people became unhappy about the bags of dead birds left on the property day after day while we searched for a solution. The television show “Today Tonight” heard their complaints and rushed to film the sad scenes.
So we will now take staff from their normal jobs of protecting and caring for animals to load a truck with over a thousand dead birds, who are the real victims in this sad story.
May 3rd, 2007
“Our family chose a cat from the RSPCA Lonsdale shelter in April 2006 - a pure white, purring, pink eared….pink nosed….pink lipped…fluffy 6 month old male cat called ‘Mojo’. (We had sadly lost our pet cat 4months earlier). Like many white cats, Mojo was “as deaf as a door nail”, so he became our “special needs cat” He is strictly an indoors cat due to his vulnerability, and has the most gorgeous, loving character you could imagine. He loves playing with young children and even more so with our 7 month old Sharpei pup “Daisy”….actually, he thinks she’s HIS puppy and vice versa! Because of his disability Mojo is very loud and vocal at meal times (because he can’t hear himself!) so we finally chose a more ahh… fitting name for him….’Chairman MEOW’ and rule he does!”
Rhonda and Paul
April 23rd, 2007
But not all the pups have been so lucky, the others are still looking for homes.
RSPCA staff had one special Easter wish - that at least one of the pups saved from terrible conditions at a property near Eudunda - would find a home. Clearly all the wishing (and of course, hard work) paid off - the aptly named pup Lucky now settling into his new abode.
Lucky was one of over 100 dogs taken from a Sutherland property, north of Adelaide, on February 28. The two residents had over 160 dogs in a very confined, fenced off space. It was very dry with little shelter. The RSPCA vet said it was clear that many of the dogs, especially the pups had not received vet care. Our vet also said many were malnourished and dehydrated as well as being ravaged with several diseases and skin conditions. Most of the dogs were also quite vicious given that they had had very little human contact - they were scared of people. Much to the despair and disappointment of Society staff, many of the dogs had such severe ailments and extreme aggression that they had to be put down.
But there were a few little battlers who survived the ordeal, of which a male Chihuahua-cross called Lucky was one. It’s been quite amazing watching him transform from a timid, tiny, weak puppy with pussy eyes and skin sores to a healthy, strong, gorgeous pup with a shiny coat and an outgoing personality.
Retired couple Trevor and Dianne Smith had followed the pup’s tragic story through the media and knew they wanted to help out. The Smiths made the trip to the RSPCA Lonsdale shelter hoping that one of the pups would warm to them - and Lucky did just that. It immediately became clear it was a perfect match.
No doubt Lucky will take a while to get used to the new environment. Trevor and Dianne’s backyard is about the same size as the fenced off area that he was in with 160 other dogs. Once the little chihuahua cross gets used to his new surroundings and, of course, benefits from all of the new found affection, no doubt, he’ll thrive. Despite his less than perfect start to life, he hasn’t sustained any permanent damage and should grow into a healthy, happy dog.
Unfortunately, Lucky has been the only pup from the property near Eudunda that has found a new home so far. After the huge initial response, when we fielded thousands of calls, offering homes and assistance, we now have no one coming forward. It’s certainly disappointing, and we can only hope that the pups are placed in good new homes, sooner rather than later.
Anyone interested in adopting, should go to our website www.adoptapet.com.au Here you can see the pups’ pictures and read about their nature etc.
If you can’t adopt a pup but want to help us care for them by making a donation - call the Donation Hotline on 1800 652 866 or go to our website www.rspcasa.asn.au and click on the ‘Make a Donation’ Box near the top right hand corner.
We thank the public for all their support throughout this difficult period. All we can do is keep wishing that all the pups will be as fortunate as Lucky.
April 17th, 2007
After weeks of intensive care and treatment, the RSPCA Lonsdale Animal Shelter is delighted to report that some of the puppies taken from the property near Eudunda will become available for adoption this Thursday 29 March 2007 . The RSPCA has received hundreds of calls from members of public expressing interest in adopting these pups. Because of the overwhelming interest and because these puppies continue to have ongoing special needs, we will need to decide upon the most appropriate home available for each puppy.
As each puppy becomes available it will be listed on the adopt-a-pet website so that interested persons can get more information about each one. www.adoptapet.com.au
Members of the public who are interested in adopting one of these puppies will be required to come to the Lonsdale Animal Shelter to view the pups in person and place a written expression of interest on whichever pup they would like to adopt. At a later date, Shelter staff will contact everyone who has expressed interest to advise them of the decision made.
We ask that everyone is patient with the procedures put in place. With over 200 enquiries about a small number of puppies we are not going to be able to please everyone!
March 27th, 2007
Here is another touching message about a dog given a second chance to have a wonderful life.
“In 1994, my partner and I adopted a 5 year old Red Heeler from the RSPCA. He has been our constant, loyal and loving companion for all these years but, unfortunately at his very old age and with a bad heart, we very sadly had to ‘let him go.’
My partner and I are going overseas for a couple of years but when we come back we will, most assuredly come back to Lonsdale to pick out another four-legged friend.
Thank you for all your wonderful work. IT DOES NOT GO UNOTICED!!!!!!
This is our beloved “Simon”.
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Thank you for giving us such a wonderful gift of life!
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March 14th, 2007
PLEASE NOTE: We have been inundated with calls about this matter. We appreciate everyone’s concern and we are working very hard to deal with it, as well as all the other work we do each day. We are grateful for offers of help. The care and treatment of the sick dogs and puppies places a strain on the RSPCA - physically, emotionally and financially. Any donations to this matter will be dedicated directly to the care of the animals and any legal processes which follow.
On Tuesday 28th February, RSPCA officers, Council workers and Police entered a property at Sutherlands, around 100 kilometres north of Adelaide. The scene on arrival was like nothing many of the officers had ever experienced. Around 150 dogs were living in a confined area. The vet who assisted us found that nearly all of the dogs we seized had significant health problems, including very bad flea burdens, tapeworm infections, open and infected wounds, emaciation, conjunctivitis and suspected mange. Others showed signs of previously broken bones. As well as their physical ailments, many of the dogs seen at the property had not been socialized, and as a result, were possibly dangerous.
Once the inspectors had analyzed the scene and spoken to the resident, they began the mammoth task of transporting many of the dogs back to RSPCA Headquarters for vet checks and a good feed and drink. As heartbreaking as the realization was, it soon became clear that many of the dogs would have to be euthanised on the basis of their age, illness or injury. In fact, of the 100 that we collected from the property, around 60 needed to be euthanised. Such a task was extraordinarily heartbreaking for all involved, however we were able to save many of the puppies.
Around 20 puppies are now being cared for at the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter. We just don’t know how many of them will survive considering the their poor start in life and the diseases which they may have contracted from the older dogs. Needless to say RSPCA staff have already grown very attached to these beautiful little battlers and they’re being given the best care possible. Ultimately we would love to see as many as possible become strong and healthy and able to be rehomed - however it is just too early to say if or when that will happen for many of them. We’re urging members of the public interested in adopting the pups to keep an eye on our ‘Adopt-a-Pet’ website in future weeks to months. http://www.adoptapet.com.au In the meantime we’re extremely grateful for the countless supportive phone calls over the last few days. If you’re looking for ways to help out we would gratefully accept any good quality puppy food as well as monetary donations.
Most of the photographs are too distressing to show here or may be subject to legal restriction, but here are some of the dogs we hope to save.
Technorati : demodectic mange, dog tapeworm, sarcoptic mange
March 2nd, 2007
The RSPCA was called to rescue a large echidna from suburban Woodville after a truck driver removed it from busy Woodville Road in morning peak hour traffic.
Contrary to popular belief, echidnas are commonly found in the suburbs, in fact anywhere they can satisfy their hunger for ants, termites, grubs and worms. They wander over very large areas, and can have a home range of over 200 acres! They are surprisingly agile in climbing fences and manage usually to keep out of sight by burrowing into the ground surface.
Echidnas do not cope well in captivity, and if found should be left alone or placed somewhere safe close by protected from dogs, cats and traffic.
The echidna and platypus are closely related - the only animals in the world to have fur and lay eggs - the monotremes. We in Adelaide are lucky to have such a unique animal living in our midst!
February 7th, 2007
On the afternoon of 10 January 2007 the RSPCA was called out to assist with a livestock accident when a trailer being pulled by a truck rolled on the Port Wakefield Road. Officers arrived to find 40 pigs dead and a further 30 injured. Unfortunately, their injuries were so severe that they needed to be destroyed.
The load of pigs was travelling from Tintinara in the State’s south-east to an abattoir near Port Wakefield. The accident caused additional concern to the RSPCA because the temperature at the time was over 38 degrees in the shade. The RSPCA called in SES volunteers who assisted in wetting down the pigs to keep them cooler.
The transport of pigs is covered by a Code of Practice which by law must be complied with. The Code states that “Pigs should be provided with adequate shade. Spraying pigs with water when temperatures exceed 25 degrees C may help prevent heat stress. Transport of pigs during the early hours of the day or late afternoon or evening should be of benefit to decrease animal stress. Transporting pigs in very hot or cold weather should be avoided wherever possible.”
Pigs cannot sweat and are stressed by high temperatures. They are also very susceptible to sunburn due to their sparse coats and unpigmented skin. This is why nearly all pigs are farmed under shelter.
The RSPCA is investigating why this particular transport was occurring on such a hot day. Unfortunately, the weak wording of the Code makes it almost impossible for the RSPCA to prosecute those who do not comply with it. The use of the word “should” in such Codes is the reason. The RSPCA wants Codes of Practice amended with the term “should” replaced with “must” where appropriate.
January 11th, 2007
On 31 January 2007, the RSPCA Lonsdale Animal Shelter will celebrate its 28th Birthday. Sine 1979, the Shelter has rehomed close to 35,000 dogs and cats!
All of our adopted animals are first vet checked, wormed, vaccinated, desexed and microchipped. They also pass a temperament and behaviour test to ensure they are approriate to go into the community as companion animals with a new chance at life!
We often receive lovely feedback from new owners of our adopted animals. Here is the latest story!
“We adopted Keira, a Siberian Husky, from the RSPCA Lonsdale Shelter on 17 December 2005. Her original owner apparenty did not want her for breeding purposes. She was apparently scared of fast movements and very prone to breaking through fences and running away.
After care and training at the RSPCA, Keira is now a most loved addition to our home. She is happy, healthy, beautiful and the most loving dog we could have ever hoped for. We cannot believe our luck that we got such an amazing friend from a shelter, or that anyone would have given her up. She stays very close to us at all times and each and every visitor to our home leaves wishing Keira could go with them.
At the time of adopting her, the RSPCA Shelter said they love to hear success stories of happily re-homed pets. Well here she is!
Thank you so much for the amazing work that you do.
Julie & John”
To look at some of the animals available for adoption at the RSPCA Lonsdale Animal Shelter, go to http://www.adoptapet.com.au
January 6th, 2007
The following letter was recently received by the RSPCA and has been published with the consent of the author.
“19 December 2006
Dear RSPCA Team
I am writing this letter in appreciation of the wonderful work you do and in particular would like an RSPCA Inspector thanked for the prompt, caring and professional way in which he handled an incident over the weekend.
I contacted the RSPCA on Saturday morning after having seen a cat with a terrible facial condition and in poor general health as I was driving home from work. I had actually planned to catch the cat as it was wandering the pavement next to a busy main road, and take it to my local vet and pay for it to be put down to prevent any further suffering and after not being able to raise the owners.
The vet actually advised to contact the RSPCA which I did. I contacted the office and within 15 minutes had a call from one of your Inspectors. He was an absolute gem from the word go, very professional, and he talked me through the various options. Fortunately his workload enabled him to attend the property within an hour. He spoke to the owner and a cat cage was left as the owner was co-operative and willing to capture and relinquish the cat if treatment or euthanasia were required (they were unable to find the cat at that particular time).
The Inspector called me back, advised of his actions and his intention to return to the property. He returned the following day and collected th cat which was suffering from extensive cancer and was euthanised. He was very caring and his word was kept - he followed up and also had the decency to keep me informed of the action that was to be taken. To be honest - I was not expecting this, which is one of the reasons I thought I would just deal with the sitation myself to prevent this poor cat from suffering. The thought of not knowing the outcome would have added further sleepless nights. In addition, I was not sure how long it would be before the incident could be investigated and I wanted the cat to suffer for the least time possible.
All my fears were completely allayed and I was so grateful and impressed with the efficiency, professionalism and sensitivity with which the RSPCA handled this. I had actually thought to myself;”it’s a cat, it’s the weekend - I’m sure they won’t see this as a priority with the numerous other investigations they must have“. I am thrilled to have been wrong.
Both our cat and dog were rescued as strays and are loved to death and while we are saddened that not all animals enjoy a life like ours, we are truly grateful that the RSPCA exists, and does indeed care for all creatures, great and small.
Please find enclosed our membership application which we will renew each year, and an additional donation which we hope will help to cover the costs that the RSPCA would have incurred in helping that poor suffering cat.
Could you please ensure a copy of this letter is passed onto Senior Management, staff and to the Inspector himself so that staff can see there are people like us who are truly grateful for the work you do.
With respect and thanks
John and Sandy N.”
Note: It is likely that this cat was suffering from a relatively common disease called “Feline Squamous Cell Carcinoma” or “facial cancer”. It tends to be seen in non-pigmented tissues around the ears and nose, particulalrly in white cats. If detected early, the tumours can be removed surgically. If untreated, the cancer can internalise and cause massive tumour growth inside the nose and mouth, which can lead to infection and death. White cats and cats with unpigmented skin should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible and they should be frequently checked for lesions on their ears and nose.
Technorati : feline squamous cell carcinoma
December 26th, 2006
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