Want to win 12,000? You’ll need to be quick!
RSPCA’s 2008 Cash Lottery is closing in less than a week and a half! So hurry or you’ll miss out on a ticket, and your shot at one of six substantial cash prizes. What a great Christmas bonus!
Tickets are just $2 with proceeds going towards the 23,000 injured, ill, neglected and/or homeless animals SA’s RSPCA cares for every year. Now there’s a purchase you can feel good about.
You will have to hurry though! Next week is your last chance to buy a ticket with entries closing December 2.
You can come into our City Headquarters at 172 Morphett St., or simply call 8212 6871 and charge the tickets to your credit card. (Minimum five tickets for credit card purchase)
You can also enter at all of our four thrift shops - Brighton, Blackwood, Semaphore and Warradale.
Winners will be drawn on December 16 - Good Luck!
November 21st, 2008
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South Australians always seem to come to the fore when the RSPCA needs help. Responding to blanket appeals, giving Christmas donations, attending fundraising events. Knowing that people genuinely want to help the RSPCA’s animals is amazing.
South Australia, we’re calling on you again. This time it’s a big ask, millions of animals are suffering and we can stop it. In Australia, over 4 million sheep and 618,000 cattle are suffering through, or dying because of, long distance transport.
It’s not a nice thing to talk about.. but that’s exactly what we’re doing.
The Handle With Care coalition is a group of animal welfare organisations from around the world committed to stopping the atrocities of live export. To do this we must educate, debate and take mass action.
Following two highly successful Handle With Care forums in Brisbane and Melbourne, the RSPCA have decided it is time South Australians had an opportunity to discuss and debate the issue of live export, and explore how to take action. Together we can stop this horrific, archaic practice.
The Forum will be held on October 8 to coincide with RSPCA awareness week.
It will take place at Way Hall, Pitt St, Adelaide starting from 6:30pm and running until about 8pm.
A panel consisting of four experts including Animals Australia crusader Glenys Oogles, and RSPCA stalwart Hugh Wirth.
There will be a video presentation highlighting the atrocities of the trade. This will include the infamous Animals Australia footage taken in the Middle East and shown, in part on 60 minutes and a number of ABC programs.
Myths will be exposed, facts will be presented and you will have the opportunity to voice your opinion.
Hugh Wirth will give and inspiring, indepth run down on how you can take action.
It’s time to take action SA, not words, actions… Choose, for an hour and a half, to make a difference.
For more information on Handle With Care and Live Export go to www.handlewithcare.tv
Please RSVP to the RSPCA on 8212 6871
October 1st, 2008
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Mr. Bradley Wennan of Salisbury North was today found guilty of setting four illegal steel jaw traps, one of which trapped and injured a dog. On the 31st of March this year the RSPCA received a report from an owner whose Maltese-Lhasa Apso cross had been caught in a steel trap set by their next door neighbour.
The dog, 14 month old ‘Misha’ had had her leg crushed by one of the barbaric traps. Thankfully her owners were able to immediately free their pet, however she required immediate vet treatment and sustained severe tissue damage.
RSPCA attended the scene and on further investigation discovered four of the extremely dangerous steel jaw traps. Mr.Wennan claims he was attempting to catch feral cats with the traps, which is also illegal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
In Elizabeth Magistrate’s court, Magistrate Harrop charged Mr.Wennan with 4 counts of unlawfully setting a leg hold steel jaw trap and one count of ill treating an animal by trapping it. He was also fined a total of $1900 which included payment for Misha’s vet treatment.
Aimee McKay, RSPCA Spokesperson:
‘The RSPCA reminds the public that just setting a steel jaw trap is illegal, with further charges laid should you trap any animal. Steel jaw traps are barbaric, cruel and unnecessary considering the many humane alternatives. If you have a feral cat problem, the RSPCA, and various other organizations stock humane cat cages, which are next to nothing to hire.’
‘This is the second case of its kind that has been finalized in court in the past month. In both cases an animal was badly injured. Both prosecutions highlight how much damage these traps can do. The Society asks you to use common sense and get rid of these old, brutal traps and save yourself a trip to court, thousands of dollars in fines, and possibly, an innocent animal’s life’
September 18th, 2008
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As part of the 2008 Awareness Week the RSPCA is holding its annual ‘Evening With the RSPCA.’
Come along and meet our dedicated team of Animal Inspectors and Rescue Officers.
Find out what a jam packed day in the life of an RSPCA Inspector contains, hear about investigations, rescues and how changes to the laws that govern animal welfare in South Australia will further empower the Society to protect ‘all creatures great and small’.
Last years Evening with the RSPCA was a great success, giving members of the public an excellent insight into the complex workings of the organisation, and the many ways in which we prevent and punish animal cruelty in SA. It also gives guests opportunity to voice their opinion on the way the Society operates, and enables them to ask questions specific to their own situation, and concerns.
Inspectors and Rescue Officers are on hand to answer a myriad of questions, with Lonsdale Shelter Manager Jackie Horton, with her four footed friend Cherry working the audience. Jackie and Cherry also give both an educational and entertaining presentation on interpreting dog body language and behaviour.
If you’re a donor and/or member of the RSPCA, ‘An Evening with the RSPCA’ offers a unique in depth insight into where you money goes and the organization you support.
We hope to see you there!
When: Friday 3rd October 7pm – 10.30pm
Where: Fullarton Park Community Centre, 411 Fullarton Road, FULLARTON,
Tickets: $5 per person.
Bookings essential, for tickets please phone Pam on 8231 7238.
September 2nd, 2008
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Even though it’s but a few days away (Monday August 18) We just wanted to let you all know it’s not too late to get involved to get involved in the…
RSPCA CUPCAKE DAY
… far from it! You can download everything you need from the net..you don’t need to send in anything/receive anything - it’s all there for you - ready and waiting simply click on BLACK writing below…
All you need to get involved in Cupcake Day is one click away! …
Once you get to the page download the forms and then bake up storm! Then simply sell them to workmates, family and/or friends. OR, why not have a morning tea at your house with friends and/or their kids OR take them to your social/sporting/church group/ your Uni or TAFE class… basically anywhere there are mouths to feed!!
If your don’t fancy yourself as the next Jamie Oliver, then there are plenty of places you can buy our cupcakes. Take a couple of dozen to work and pretend you cooked them for everyone (we wont tell!) As long as you’re helping the animals, what does it matter who put them in the oven??!!
SO - where can you buy our cupcake creations?
There will be a ‘CUPCAKE PARTY ‘at Light Square, City from 9:30am with 5AA’s Amanda Blair our ‘Queen Cupcake Cook‘.
SO - if you live or work in the city why not come along and help the office beat the Monday Blues.
CUPCAKES ARE NOW ALSO BEING SOLD IN ALL THRIFT SHOPS ALL DAY MONDAY!!
Main Road, Blackwood
Brighton Road, Brighton
Morphett Road, Warradale
Semaphore Road, Semaphore.
SO - if you live and/or work in the Southern suburbs why not pop into the LONSDALE SHELTER ON SATURDAY 16th AUGUST and grab some..they will be fine for work on Monday - or simply as snacks for family and friends while watching the Olympics over the weekend. Why not have a look at some of our gorgeous animals while you’re there.. what a nice Saturday trip for the kids -and adults!
VEGAN? WEIGHT WATCHER? DIABETIC? Well, skip the cupcakes, and spoil your pooch (or someone elses) instead. PUPCAKES will also be available at every venue.
August 14th, 2008
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Become a Hero and join in the fun, fitness and fundraising at the Sunday Mail City to Bay Fun Run on Sunday September 21st.
This year, the Sunday Mail City to Bay is helping to connect runners and walkers with the charities and causes that they care most about.
Through Everyday Hero, you can choose to fundraise for the RSPCA by creating your own or team personalised online fundraising page., which makes it easier for those wanting to donate - and you.
It’s so simple, in just minutes, you can select the RSPCA, upload images and inspirational words and build your own page - in your own heroic style! THEN you’re all ready to raise funds for the animals that need it most. Once you are happy with your profile pictures, colouring etc., you can approach your supporters by emailing them the unique link of your web page..then they know all about what you’re doing, and how they support you.. its very cool.
Each donation is recorded on your page along with messages of support from your donors. There’s even a chart that rises with each donation to help supporters show how much you have made…and how much more you need to reach you target.
So GET JOGGING and do yourself some good (spring…and shorts are just around the corner!!!) while doing good for the abandoned, sick, injured and homeless animals of the RSPCA -these animals have been let down by people - now its time for us to give them a helping hand. SO create your online fundraising page today!
To become a hero visit www.everydayhero.com.au.
For more information about the Sunday Mail City to Bay Fun Run visit
www.city-bay.org.au.
Please note that , unfortunately, you can not bring your dogs to the City to Bay Fun Run.
August 13th, 2008
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It’s always with mixed emotions that we end a cruelty case with a successful prosecution. Of course we are all extremely satisfied that we were able to track down an irresponsible owner and take them to court, so the Magistrate can punish them. However, of course this also means an animal has suffered greatly, which is obviously extremely concerning, frustrating and heartbreaking.
Tilly is a blue heeler cross that two RSPCA inspectors found severely emaciated at a home in Para Vista. She weighed a measly 12 kilograms…which is closer to what a smaller dog, such as pug, should weigh. She had marked muscle wastage and her ribs, spine and pelvic bones were extremely visible, in fact a vet described her as ‘near starvation’. After all diseases were ruled out by our resident vet, it was clear her owner had severely neglected her.
Mr. Robert Agars this week pleaded guilty in the Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court to failing to provide appropriate and adequate food and was ordered to pay fines totaling nearly $1000. He was also handed down a Section 36 order, which forbids him from owning an animal, and was ordered to forfeit any animals in his possession.
August 7th, 2008
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Last year, Australians spend over $2.2 billion on their animals!! Now that figure proves a few points - firstly, there are some very spoilt furry friends out there, and secondly, owning an animal is very, very pricey.
On the flip side, money, or lack thereof, is at least one of the contributing factors behind the ever increasing number of animals that end up at our shelters. The rising cost of petrol and mortgage/interest rates has seen many owners struggling with day to day living, which for many of us, includes pet care. I have therefore put together some tips to help animal owners help their animals as best they can..for a little less cash.
To preface the following article a few points need to be made. It would be highly irresponsible of me not to point out that owning a pet is an extremely costly ‘venture’ and even the best of tips don’t change that! Those having any form of financial difficulty should, unfortunately, not consider taking on a pet until cash flow increases. I should also point out that short cuts are never, ever acceptable when it comes to your pet’s health and well being and, of course, there are any number of laws you must abide by in relation to this. However, there are some simple steps that can be taken that mean your animal receives the absolute best care possible, for a little less money.
1) Buy bulk… While it may be more costly on your initial purchase, you will definitely save money in the long run. Many flea, worm etc. treatments come in large sizes which, comparatively, are much better value for money. The same goes for dried food, and even tinned. Large packets are a lot cheaper dollar:kilogram, and as for big tins, if your animal doesn’t eat a large tin all at once, there are many excellent custom made pet food tin seals… i simply use aluminium foil until next meal time.
2) Make you vet visit cost effective…When going to the vet, make like you’re on a bus, and do a ‘multi-trip’. If you have more than one animals, take them all in at one time (if possible). The way the pricing system works means you’ll be charged a lot less, in fact they may even waive the consultation fee for the second, third or fourth animal.
Also try and get as much as you can ‘achieved’ in the one visit - annual vaccinations, heart worm injections, nails clipped, weight checked, ears and teeth checked etc etc., as well as ALL and ANY issues you’re concerned about. This saves time and money. And, always remember you’re the one paying the vet (a great deal in most cases) so don’t be intimidated and/or hold back - get your moneys worth!
Also if you’re concerned about something - get it seen to immediately. If ’something’ turns into an emergency, calling a vet out after hours costs up to 4-5 times more than a regular visit. Further to this …putting of a vet visit in general can be more costly , and of course, most importantly, more painful for your animal. A small scratch can quickly turn into a large infection..which is obviously more costly to treat, more time consuming (at home treatments etc will be probably be required), and again, most importantly a lot more painful for you beloved pet. Prevention beats cure any day!
3) Generically speaking…While you’re at the vet always ask if there is a ‘generic’ treatment available. Like human medication, generic meds are the same drug, but cost much less.
4) Pet Insurance…Much like human health insurance, you can insure your pets by paying a small weekly/monthly fee. This way you should your pet get injured or ill you can dodge a hefty lump sum. There are quite a few companies who provide this service, including one that the RSPCA ‘endorses’. In fact when you join the Society receives an $80 donation, so it’s a win win. Call us on 8212 6871 for more information. In the UK over 20% of pets are insured compared to a measly 2% here in Australia… time to get on board Aussies!
5) Leash up… Put your dog on a leash (keep your cat from wandering). Having your dog on a lead when you’re in public -on the beach, out walking etc. is not only law in many places, it can also reduce the risk of injury. Most dogs break legs, hips etc. happen after coming off second best to a car. It’s also a surefire way to prevent serious dog fights, as well as preventing disease spread…which can all mean trip to the vet…and money. (and again, of course… more pain/discomfort for the animal).
6) Depending on the type of dog/animal you have grooming is/can be an integral part of the animal’s welfare. Failing to properly groom can lead to severe infection and/or discomfort. Instead of forking out money for professional grooming, you can actually buy the appropriate ‘tools’ and do it yourself. Of course - take extreme care - however your pet will probably be more comfortable with you doing it rather than a stranger anyway. Electric clippers, a brush, nail clippers, scissors and patience is all you need. If you can keep your patience in check, the cost of the utensils equal about one trip to the ’salon’ so they pay for themselves almost instantly.
7) While we all love to spoil our pets with gorgeous jackets, collars, bowls, leads etc. it all adds up… quickly. Discount stores are an excellent alternative for all of these ‘accessories’, as well as toys..and even treats. An animal doesn’t know the difference between an ice cream container and a pretty painted ceramic bowl! All they care about in the contents!
It really is all about spending money where it counts.. at the vet, on treatments, training, registration, microchipping and desexing… if you can save in other areas by using some of the tips, hopefully the essentials (and that is what responsible pet owners SHOULD/DO view tmicrochipping etc.as) will seem a lot less burdensome.
Thanks!
.
August 5th, 2008
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It’s time to get your mixing bowls out the cupboard, your flour out the pantry and most importantly place those thinking caps well and truly on your head! RSPCA Cupcake Day is just around the corner, and we need you and your most creative critter-esque cupcakes!
Cupcake Day is on Monday August 18, but right now is the time to start getting organised! You can register now… start rounding up workmates, friends, family, strangers (well..maybe not) whoever you think can help make… and/or munch !! You can have your own Cupcake Day at work, at a Parents/Social group, your children’s school, have a cupcakes and cocktail night with girlfriends and watch a chick flick- it’s up to you…however you decide to get involved, the money all ends up here - at the RSPCA, helping the animals. And… let’s face it, helping injured, abandoned and/or homeless animals is definitely worth the extra calorie intake!!
Simply go to the Cupcake Day website for registration forms, recipes and decoration ideas. There’s even an area you can send you best cupcake decorations and you could be judged as one of our winners! There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs… so grab the ’smarties’, licorice and crazy colouring and go wild!! Well… what are you waiting for?! Click onto the site (below) and get baking .. or should I say cupcaking?!!
Click here and go to the RSPCA Cupcake Day site
But wait!! There are other options if the only thing you have ever created in a kitchen is a fire…if you’re in the city on Cupcake Day (Monday August 18) , we are have a Cupcake Day Party happening in Light Square, starting from 9:30am with animals helping us out (!!) and lots of fun to be had…and yes, lots of sugar to be consumed. We’ll also be selling ‘pupcakes’ from Light Square that you can buy for your pooch!!
In the Blackwood area? Blackwood’s RSPCA thrift shop will be selling their delicious cupcake creations, so pop in have a bite to eat and have a look at one of our fantastic, value for money second hand stores - again, it’s all helping our furry friends.
ALSO - on the Saturday before Cupcake Day, the 16th of August, from around 10am we’ll have some cupcake helpers selling up a storm at the Lonsdale Shelter. You can buy them for a morning tea munch, and then have a browse at the animals we have up for adoption. It really is a nice morning out for the kids, lots of families like taking their kids to visit the pups and pusses, they can feed some of dogs, and learn about animal welfare.. all while having a bit of a sugar hit!! While there you can also purchase a bag of ‘pupcakes’ for your dogs at home, or donate them back to the shelter, to brighten up shelter life for our cute critters.
Anything the website can’t answer? Give Michelle a call at Headquarters on 8212 6871… and thank you for choosing to make a difference. We simply could not help the animals without the help of our brilliant supporters.
July 30th, 2008
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- Battery hens are kept in a cage that is about 3/4 the size of an A4 size of paper, it’s the roof is too short for them to stand, and there’s no way they could spread their wings.
- Regulations recently introduced mean the size will increase slightly .. but will still be just under an A4 size of paper..although improvement is good, we will always oppose battery hens.
- Meat birds live between 30-60 days depending on how heavy there are…the heavier they are the longer they live.
- One shed may house up to 60,000 meat birds, there are 11.6 Million battery caged hens are kept in Australia
- Once hatched, chicks are ‘graded’ - unhealthy chicks, deformed chicks are killed by lethal gas.
- In 2006/07 454 million chickens were slaughtered to produce over 811,000 tonnes of chicken meat, with Australians consuming 39.5 kilograms of chicken, turkey and duck meat each… the production of chicken meat was valued at over $1.3 billion.
- NSW and Victoria produce the most chicken meat, while QLD is becoming a very large producer too.
SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Unlike eggs and pork, the RSPCA does not yet put it’s ’stamp of approval’ on any chicken meat. Consumers should look for free range organic chicken - this chicken is the best in terms of animal welfare.
Another way to help the cause is to ask/encourage/tell your local restaurant/care etc. to use Free Range chicken - it actually tastes a lot better, so they’re much better off!
Another way you can help is by writing to the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, as well as your State Minister or why not write a letter to a large chicken producer, or a large food chain that uses chicken.. one person can make a difference.. here are the sites to go to!
Website of Tony Burke - Fed. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry CLICK HERE
Website of Rory McEwen, SA Minister for Agriculture, CLICK HERE
July 23rd, 2008
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