RSPCA Needs treats and toys

Due to the influx of additional animals being surrendered during the busy festive season, the RSPCA Sydney Shelter is once again experiencing a shortage of treats and toys for the animals in its care. As such, Shelter Staff are asking for donated treats and animal-friendly toys in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

“The summer season, particularly the weeks before and after Christmas, is our busiest time of year,” said Animal Wellbeing Support Coordinator Hannah Burfitt. “RSPCA shelters across NSW will receive nearly three thousand additional animals during this time – this is above and beyond the number of animals that are already in our care,” said Ms Burfitt.

Treats are consumed more rapidly during this time, as they’re used as part of the Shelter’s positive reinforcement training methods with the animals. “We work with the animals on a daily basis, and treats provide a reward system for obedience training,” said Ms Burfitt. “We use toys to provide mental and physical stimulation, but also comfort to animals during their stay in an unfamiliar environment.”

Specifically, the Shelter is in need of dog and cat treats, pet-friendly toys (no beanie toys), blankets, pet beds and kitty litter.

All treats and toys can be dropped off at the Sydney Shelter, located at 201 Rookwood Road in Yagoona, between 9.00am and 8.00pm. Items can also be purchased directly from the Shelter’s retail store (closed Wednesdays) and the RSPCA Care Centre located at the Rouse Hill Town Centre

Help Homeless Pets This Christmas

Hi All,

The Paws & Claus Christmas Appeal helps homeless pets enjoy a merry Christmas. Everyone can help by donating at any Better Pets and Gardens store.

Each year, the Paws & Claus Christmas Appeal gives thousands of Better Pets and Gardens customers the opportunity to donate gifts of food, bedding and toys to help animals less fortunate than their own much-loved pets.

In every Better Pets and Gardens store this December, there is a Paws & Claus Christmas tree and shoppers are asked to purchase a gift - or if they prefer, bring one in from home - and place it under the tree. A name-tag will be attached to the gift so individual generosity doesn't go unnoticed.

After Christmas, the staff at each store collects all the donated goodies and delivers them to a specific pet rescue group in their local area. A total of 15 organisations will receive support this Christmas.

The items people can donate might be new or used blankets, jackets or bedding, as well as foods and worming treatments. However, even toys, bowls, leads and collars will be gratefully received.

To find your nearest store to donate to the Paws & Claus Christmas Appeal, log on to www.betterpetsandgardens.com.au

Australia Behind in Animal Law

G'day Dog Lovers,

US law experts believe that the development of laws for the protection and welfare of animals is considerably behind in Australia. Check out this link to find out more - http://www.lawyersweekly.com.au/blogs/top_stories/archive/2009/04/22/australia-behind-on-animal-law.aspx

This ties in well with an article in our current issue on whether the punishment for animal cruelty in Australia fits the crime. Pick up a copy of our latest issue to read this story.

What do you think? Should we introduce harsher penalties for those who commit crimes against animals or are our laws already tough enough?

Help Make Ziggy's Birthday Wish Come True

G'day Dog Lovers,

For well over half his life, Kelpie cross Ziggy has lived at the RSPCA Sydney shelter. Surrendered in December last year as a five-month old, Ziggy recently celebrated his first birthday. But his ultimate birthday wish would be for a new family and a loving home.

"A gentle natured boy, Ziggy hasn't seen much of the outside world so a staff member is currently fostering him. This will help to ensure he's happy, socialised and well adjusted to life outside the shelter," said Adam Farrugia, RSPCA Sydney Shelter Supervisor.

A sweet, affectionate and well-mannered boy, Ziggy has lots of energy and so requires daily walks and playtime. "As he's still quite young he does like to chew, so will need plenty of toys to play with," stressed Adam.

As Ziggy has spent most of his life at the shelter he's looking for a patient family who will introduce him slowly to new people and different environments.

"He can sit and has begun toilet training, but for Ziggy to continue being a happy and well-mannered dog, his new owners should continue with his obedience training."

An energetic dog, he's best suited to a home with children over 10 years. Do you have room in your heart for Ziggy?

$300 to adopt, Ziggy has been behaviourally assessed, desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed and health tested. The RSPCA Sydney Shelter, 201 Rookwood Rd, Yagoona, is open 6 days (closed Wednesdays) for adoptions.

For more info, head to www.adoptapet.com.au or call (02) 9770 7555.

RSPCA Cupcake Day

G'day Dog Lovers,

Grab your mixing bowl, dust off your chef's hat and get ready to bake up a storm for the RSPCDA because Monday August 16, 2010, is Cupcake Day. Last year 350,000 cupcakes were baked around the country and this year the RSPCA is hoping that even more people take part in this yummy fundraiser.

Getting involved in Cupcake Day is deliciously easy. Head to www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au - it's free to register and there are loads of great recipes, tips and party ideas. You can also download "The Ultimate Cupcake Day Guide" for the best Cupcake Day ever!

Last year $1.1 million was raised across Australia and this year the RSPCA is hoping to raise $2.5 million but they need your assistance. "Every year the RSPCA cares for over 155,000 animals and, as we receive less than 2 per cent in government funding, we rely on the community to continue," says RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman.

Help the RSPCA make August 16 the sweetest day of the year. Register now at www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au and help the RSPCA continue their fight against animal cruelty.

PAWS Darwin Needs Your Help

G'day Dog Lovers,

I'd like to introduce you to an animal shelter called PAWS Darwin. Established in July 2008, the passionate volunteers that staff this shelter have re-homed close to 1500 animals - that's an amazing statistic!

All animals adopted out are sterilised, vaccinated, microchipped and health checked, as well as being up to date with their flea, tick and heartworm treatments. To discourage impulse buying, anyone looking to adopt a pet must first attend a pet ownership seminar that teaches them about responsible dog ownership.

But PAWS Darwin urgently needs your help! If they don't raise a lot of money soon they will be forced to close their doors. To find out how you can help, log on to www.pawsdarwin.org.au or visit them on Facebook.

Victoria's Proposed Dog Laws

G'day Dog Lovers,

Have you heard about the proposed changes to Victoria's dangerous dog laws?

If these changes come into effect, council rangers will be able to kill unregistered dangerous dogs found roaming the streets, and owners will not have the right to appeal. Fines will also increase for owners who do not register their restricted breeds of dogs or who breach the terms of registration.

Premier John Brumby told reporters "This is a stronger policy, it's a tougher policy, there will be appeal rights that will be removed so the power will be in the hands of councils to make sure they can deal with dangerous dogs that reoffend or restricted breeds that are not complying with the terms of their registration."

We at Dogs Life have for years been complaining about the ineffectiveness of breed specific legislation (check out our March/April 2010 issue for more details) and these proposed changes are particularly worrying.

The prospect of giving council rangers the power to make a life or death decision about dogs puts the power in the hands of one person. What about a fair trial?

And what about the difficulty associated with identifying a dangerous or restricted breed? A couple of years ago I undertook a 2-day course on dog breed identification run by Dogs NSW - most of the other course attendees were council rangers. One of the activities we did was to look at photographs of mixed-breed dogs and try to identify which breeds were present in their make-up. Each photo threw up a range of different suggestions for contributing breeds from everyone in the class and even the experts had trouble agreeing on some photos. This was a perfect demonstration of how difficult it can be to identify dog breeds - so how can we give councils the power to put down a dog just because they think it looks like a dangerous breed?

Lawyers For Animals have put together a detailed response to the proposed laws here - http://lawyersforanimals.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/lfa-dangerous-dogs-bill-submn-24-5-10.pdf It's definitely worth reading.

What do you think about the proposed changes?

RSPCA Million Paws Walk

G'day Dog Lovers,

It's that time of year again! The 14th annual RSPCA Million Paws Walk is being held across Australia on Sunday May 16, 2010 and is THE big day out for animal lovers! Whether you have pets in your family or not, you're invited to join the pack and walk with tens of thousands of people and pets throughout Australia to help raise vital funds for the RSPCA and the animals in their care.

The RSPCA cares for more than 154,000 animals annually and investigates more than 47,000 complaints each year. It has over 40 shelters and Adoption Centres Australia-wide to help give abandoned pets a second chance at life.

The Million Paws Walk is a great, fun day out for the whole family and an awesome way to raise money for this extremely worthy cause. Grab your pooch and head to www.millionpawswalk.com.au to find out all the details about the event for your state

2010 Pedigree Adoption Drive

G'day Dog Lovers,

Every dog deserves a loving home but sadly over 100,000 unwanted dogs are euthanised in Australia every year. To improve this terrible statistic, Pedigree has partnered with PetRescue to enlist the help of Australians nationwide for the 2010 Pedigree Adoption Drive.

The initiative, which runs from June 4 to July 30, encourages Australians to lend their support by visiting pedigreeadoptiondrive.com.au and either adopting a homeless dog, donating online or buying Pedigree.

Vickie Davy from renowned rescue organisation PetRescue says that, with increased support, initiatives like this can make a real difference. "Rescue dogs are just like any dogs you'd find in pet shop windows - they reflect the popular breeds of the time. Some are puppies whereas others are playful old mates. Most dogs are up for adoption through no fault of their own, which means there is an abundance of happy, healthy dogs across the country, waiting for a second chance. I hope Australians heed the call this year and either adopt, donate or volunteer via the Pedigree Adoption Drive website," she said.

Over the course of three years, the drive has raised over $675,000 towards improving the life of homeless dogs. In 2009 alone, over 3000 dogs were rescued and, in 1010, the drive will seek to home at least 4000 dogs and grow the donation figure by at least another $100,000.

If you'd like to get involved, log on to www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.com.au to adopt, donate or volunteer. For every specially marked Pedigree can or dry food purchased during this period, a donation will be made to PetRescue.

Puppy Farms

G'day Dog Lovers,

In the latest issue of Dogs Life (on-sale today) there is an interesting story on puppy farming. Personally, I thought it pretty scary to find out just how big a problem puppy mills are in Australia, with dogs abused, mistreated and seen as little more than production units.

Just last week, Dogs Life heard from the RSPCA about a new campaign they are launching. They are planning to work with individuals, groups and governments to stamp out puppy farming in Australia.

To start things off, they want your feedback on the issues outlined in their discussion paper (to find this, go to http://www.rspca.org.au/how-you-can-help/campaigns/puppy-farms.html).

The RSPCA will then compile all the responses and prepare a summary of all the ideas put forward to try to end the suffering of thousands of dogs across Australia. It's a great idea and one I urge you all to support.

Online Pet Photo Contest

G'day Dog Lovers,

The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International are running a Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest.

To celebrate the 16th annual Spay Day on February 23, these two groups are spreading the word about how spaying and neutering improves pets' lives.

To enter the photo contest, just submit a picture with a few words about your pet. And...this is one contest in which you can donate for votes - every US$1 you donate in your pet's name both supports spay/neuter and gives your pet one more vote in the contest!

Head to www.photocontest.humanesociety.org to find out more...

Puppy Play Day

G'day Dog Lovers,

Have you heard about a proposed event called Puppy Play Day? Due to be held on February 20 next year in Sydney, the day aims to create a space where there are no dogs needing adoption in Sydney.

Organisers aim to bring together all the adoption agencies and shelters in Sydney in the one place to a "meet-and-greet" festival with the public. Any money raised on the day will go to support the adoption agencies, rescue groups and shelters that attend the event.

Full event details can be found at www.puppyplayday.info

Do you think this event sounds like a good idea? Do you think it would be successful in greatly reducing the number of abandoned dogs in the Sydney area?

Christmas gifts that helps our furry friends in need

Hi pet lovers,

As you know, the festive season is fast approaching, which means that it's time to start thinking about what to get your loved ones for Christmas.

If you want to bring joy to a friend or family member who adores animals, why not get them something that they can treasure for ever and that also goes toward helping our furry friends in need - like the Hunter Animal Rescue's 2010 fundraising calendar? For just $10, your precious pet will be featured in the special calendar, which will be available before Christmas and will make a great stocking filler for dog lovers big and small.

Other pawtastic animal welfare organisations such as Assistance Dogs Australia, the RSPCA and the Animal Welfare League also have a great range Christmas gift ideas and fundraisers during the silly season that will help them continue with the important work they do.

Another worthy cause that you might like to get behind in the lead up to Christmas is the Sydney Aquarium Conservation Fund's (SACF) Adopt an Animal Program. Although it isn't directly related to our favourite four-legged friends, here at Dogs Life, we love all animals and think it's important not only to help our canine companions, but other animals that may need our support too.

Dangerous Dogs

G'day Dog Lovers,

With the latest attack by a Pit Bull Terrier over the weekend, the media is once again starting to work itself into a frenzy over Dangerous Dogs laws. Hugh Wirth, President of RSPCA Victoria, has called for a national approach to eliminating breeds classified as dangerous.

He says that laws in all states aimed at controlling and eventually eliminating such breeds were failing and being openly flouted by illegal breeders, who were selling dangerous dogs across state borders. "They are still being bred, which is illegal, and still being openly advertised for sale," he told The Australian.

Wirth went on to claim that the failure of dangerous dog laws meant states should now consider banning Pit Bulls, which would mean the mass euthanisation of all such dogs in Australia, he said.

That is a pretty alarming statement and I definitely don't think it's the right way to go about reducing dog attacks. Whatever happened to "punish the deed not the breed"? Are there any owners of breeds out there who have a reputation (whether deserved or not) as being dangerous that are worried their breed will be next?

Found - Adult Shar Pei

G'day Dog Lovers,

Can you help?

Found - Adult Shar Pei, in bad condition. Could've been stolen? Abandoned? Lost? Possible Owner to provide details. Contact luckman@aapt.net.au or phone (08) 9582 7225.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Nationwide Dog Health Survey

G'day Dog Lovers,

In response to RSPCA concerns about the health of purebred dogs in Australia following the screening of the UK television program "Pedigree Dogs Exposed", the Master Dog Breeders and Associates (MDBA) is calling on all Australian dog owners to participate in the first ever nationwide survey of dog health.

The survey has been developed by the MDBA's Health and Genetics Committee to determine the type and frequency of current health problems being encountered in the Australian dog population. It commences on 1 October, and dog owners from around the country will be asked to complete a survey for each dog they own, whether purebred, first cross or mixed breed.

"This research aims to gather information about the health status due to genetic disorders of dogs bred in Australia," said Julie Nelson, CEO of the MDBA."The survey will assist in tracking differences in health issues between breeds. "One of the major goals of this project is to assist dog breeders in making better breeding decisions by identifying the most significant health issues occurring in their breeds.

"Educational material will be developed from the results of this survey to better inform breeders," Mrs Nelson said."This will enable breeders to develop strategies which will ensure the overall health and wellness of the dogs they breed, and will enable the public and future owners to understand health issues in their dogs."

Mrs Nelson said the results of the health survey would also be available to veterinarians and researchers."We are not aiming to prove anything, but we are hoping that people will be able to take a look at what we collect and decide if some areas warrant further studies and research, and more importantly determine what we need to get a better look at now, in order to make informed decisions in our own breeding programs."

"We anticipate that this study will facilitate collaboration to enhance knowledge sharing, and hence improve efficiency, output and functionality of purebred dog breeding programs to improve the health and welfare of our breeds," Mrs Nelson said."We would encourage every dog owner to give the few minutes it takes to complete the survey, as the more data we have to analyse the more we will know about the overall health of our dogs.

"This has the potential to benefit every dog in Australia."

Anyone wanting to participate in the study should go to www.mdba.net.au

Global Pet Gallery

G'day Dog Lovers,


If someone in your family set a Guinness World Record you would tell everyone right?
Well now every Proud Pet Parent. can do exactly that, make their pet a celebrity by uploading their photo as part of Global Pet Gallery's Guinness World Record attempt.

Global Pet Gallery is attempting to break a Guinness World Record for the largest photo mosaic in the world by using individual pet photos. All pets can be uploaded including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles and even monkeys.

Global Pet Gallery was launched earlier this month by pet-loving friends Samantha & Chad and Proud Pet Parents. can now enter their pet into a Guinness World Record attempt simply by uploading their pet's photo to www.globalpetgallery.com and making them a celebrity!

Actor and AFI Winner, Stephen Curry was ordered by his Tabby cat, GAYLORD (as in Focker from the movie Meet The Parents) to get involved with this initiative. Stephen states, "Gaylord wanted to help his fellow animal friends following his recent guilt at dragging a live pigeon into the lounge room to set it free. So he asked me if we could support Global Pet Gallery and be part of this Guinness World Record attempt."

Actor/Comedian Cameron Knight has already uploaded his Ridgeback X Bullmastiff dog SAMSON. Cameron said "I love Samson, like a child I am told, and would not want him to miss the opportunity of being a part of setting a Guinness World Record. Samson is registered as 77th in this Guinness world record attempt. How brilliant is it that at the same time I registered Samson, I got to show my support for animals in need."

Global Pet Gallery is a not-for-profit project that supports several animal charities. Every Proud Pet Parent. who uploads their pet will receive, for $24.95, their Pet's Celebrity Pack, which includes a certificate for their pet's entry (detailing the name of their pet, their pet.s photo and their pet's world record Unique ID number), pet celebrity goodies plus a fridge magnet set AND voting rights to indicate what share of Global Pet Gallery's proceeds should be directed to each charity.

Proceeds from this Guinness World Record attempt will be shared between the RSPCA, Wildlife Warriors, WSPA, Animal Welfare League, Lost Dogs' Home, Cat Rescue, Project Hope for Horses, Free the Bears, Doggie Rescue and Sea Shepherd.

Global Pet Gallery plan on holding this Guinness World Record attempt within 12 months but it may be sooner, depending on how quickly they get your pet's photo uploaded. Currently Global Pet Gallery need more than 112,750 photos to beat the standing Guinness World Record.

Puppy Farm Awareness Day

G'day Dog Lovers,

Did you know that tomorrow (Saturday September 19) is Puppy Farm Awareness Day.

Puppy Farm Awareness Day is designed to raise awareness of puppy farming in Australia.
Many people are unaware that this cruel industry is alive and well in this country and each year hundreds are duped into paying, sometimes thousands of dollars for an unhealthy farmed pup.

A puppy farm is a large dog breeding facility created to mass produce puppies for profit. Likened to battery hens, the breeding dogs are kept in cages or pens for their entire life with the sole purpose of producing puppies for the pet shop, internet and overseas markets.

* Puppy farms contribute to hundreds of thousands of unwanted dogs who are killed each year in Australia
* Puppy farm puppies are more likely to have severe health problems, genetic defects and behavioural issues
* Documented puppy farm conditions include over-breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor food and shelter, crowded cages and lack of socialisation
* Dogs kept for breeding in puppy farms suffer for years and are bred as often as possible before they are killed, or are abandoned to rescue

For more info go to wheredopuppiescomefrom.com.au/puppy-farm-awareness-day

Pedigree Dogs Exposed

G'day Dog Lovers,

As I'm sure a lot of you already know, the Pedigree Dogs Exposed documentary that caused such an uproar in the UK last year finally screened in Australia on the ABC last week.

The BBC doco shows footage of Boxers having epileptic fits and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels writhing in pain from syringomyelia - a condition where the dog's brain is too big for its skull.
The cause, it argues, is the United Kingdom breed standards - rules dictating how a particular breed should look.

The documentary has led to some big changes in Britain and has already caused quite a stir over here. It will be very interesting to see what effect it has in Australia.

Did you watch the program? What did you think? Are breed standards causing us to breed dogs with genetic health defects?

230 dogs seized from breeder

G'day Dog Lovers,

I'm sure most of you have already seen today's news story about the 230 dogs that were seized from a Qld breeder. These poor creatures were kept in absolutely appalling conditions and several dead dogs were found at the property.

You can read the full story here - http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/rspca-seizes-230-dogs-from-qld-breeder-20090911-fkec.html

According to this article, no charges have been laid yet. Let's hope that changes soon.