E-news Issue 3 - September 2006

Hello! It’s me! Yes, I’m over here, behind the piles of paperwork!

It sure is a busy time in the office of RSPCA Australia, especially as we get ready for our second major event of the year, RSPCA Awareness Week (1-8 October).

Very much a grassroots celebration that began with individual shelters holding various activities, RSPCA Awareness Week continues to grow each year and this October’s schedule includes a number of national competitions with great prizes on offer as well as various promotions with some of our partners.

Unfortunately as an RSPCA staff member I’m not allowed to enter (boo!) but I would certainly encourage you to get involved!

In this edition we also deal with a serious issue that is relevant to many of us: safety for children around dogs.

No doubt we were all affected by reports in recent months of a number of terrible incidents in which children were injured or even killed in attacks by dogs.

While these situations were certainly unusual, it’s a timely reminder to ensure children in our care know how to behave around dogs, both their own family pets as well as strange dogs - in this article, we provide some general but valuable advice.

And we end on a positive note with a lovely story about a neglected little dog that was rescued in the aftermath of Cyclone Larry – thanks to everyone involved, including the team at Virgin Blue and Dogtainers, this one has a very happy ending.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I shall go back to gazing at the photo of Tom Williams from our Petarazzi book – yep, that sure is one lucky cat…..

(note to male readers: in the interests of gender equity, I’m advised the likes of Simmone Jade Mackinnon, Naomi Watts, Catriona Rowntree and Jodhi Meares, who also star in Petarazzi, will make this book the ideal gift for you too!)

Until next time,

Jane.

In this issue…

RSPCA Awareness Week 2006

Petarazzi shows secret lives of celebrities and pets

Do animals matter to you?

Dogs and children - creating a safe and happy combination

RSPCA to the Rescue: A whirlwind trip for Larry the Cyclone dog

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RSPCA Awareness Week – It’s Up To You!

If you care about animals, then RSPCA Awareness Week is a date to be marked in your diary.

With more activities than ever taking place this year, the theme of ‘It’s up to you!’ means it’s the perfect time to get involved. You just have to work out what you want to do!

RSPCA Awareness Week takes place each year from 1-8 October: these dates were chosen to incorporate World Animal Day on 4 October and World Farm Animals Day on 2 October.

RSPCA Awareness Week is a chance to celebrate the joy, compassion and understanding that animals bring to our world. The Week also has a serious purpose, in raising awareness of the many valuable services the RSPCA provides to the community.

Most Australians are familiar with the RSPCA shelters - which accept more than 133,000 animals from the community each year – as well as the RSPCA Inspectors, who investigate around 46,000 cruelty complaints per annum.

Nationally, the RSPCA also campaigns vigorously against cruel farming practices such as battery hen farming and the export of live animals for slaughter; as well as coordinating major fundraising events such as the annual Million Paws Walk.

However, the RSPCA does so much more - from the Education Mobile Unit (EMU) in Queensland to the Marine Rescue Centre in South Australia, wildlife rehabilitation facility in the Australian Capital Territory to the Animal Emergency Group in Western Australia, the Safe Beds for Pets programme in New South Wales to Kitten Kindy and Puppy Preschool in Victoria.

These are just a few examples of the many ways in which thousands of RSPCA staff and volunteers across the country are working to improve the welfare of domestic, native, exotic and farm animals throughout Australia.

RSPCA Awareness Week is your chance to say thank you and to learn more about the RSPCA and the enormous job it does. You can visit a shelter, talk with an inspector, participate in a fun event or organise your own activity!

The theme for RSPCA Awareness Week 2006 is “It’s up to you!”.

This theme is about recognising that caring for and protecting animals in our community is everyone’s responsibility.

Reporting animal cruelty or neglect when we see it is not someone else’s job.

Fighting cruelty in the live export trade mustn’t be left to those protesting on the docks.

Being able to see wild or exotic animals up close should not be at the expense of their wellbeing or the survival of the species.

Every one of us makes choices everyday that affect the welfare of animals around us – from stopping to check the pouch of a native animal killed on the road, to choosing not to buy cage eggs in the supermarket, to making sure the family dog still gets his daily walk (even on cold mornings when we’d rather stay in bed!)

Creating a world where animals are appreciated and kept safe means thinking about the choices we make, and the consequences of those choices.

Did you know eating foie gras may mean condemning a goose to a life of misery, caged and force fed to grotesque proportions?

Did you know that bringing home an exotic souvenir or paying to have your photo taken with a ‘wild’ animal on an overseas trip may be contributing to a cruel wildlife trade in that country?

Did you know most pets come to the RSPCA not because they have ‘something wrong’ with them, but because they are not properly identified and have become lost, or because poor choice of pet by the owner and lack of attention to training and socialisation have caused problems at home?

Remember - little things can make the biggest difference. It’s up to you!

This RSPCA Awareness Week you can put up a poster, send an e-card, enter a competition, attend an event or buy fun merchandise!

To get involved, visit www.rspca.org.au or contact your nearest RSPCA.

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Petarazzi shows secret lives of celebrities and pets

Long-time supporters of the RSPCA will remember Petarazzi, the Australia-first photographic exhibition featuring high-profile Australians and their pets, which went on display in every capital city in Australia during November 2004.

Now the images from this incredible series can be yours to keep forever, in a glossy hardcover gift book to be released this September.

Petarazzi provides a rare photographic insight into the unique and special relationships between some of Australia’ best known personalities and the animals that share their world.

It captures the private lives of famous athletes, politicians, business people and other public figures, showing them relaxing and having fun connecting with their pets. Photographed by internationally recognised photographer James Morgan, it includes over 50 quotes and stunning images from celebrities such as Jamie Durie, Cathy Freeman, George Gregan, Bryce Courtenay, Neil Perry and many more.

James, who is a strong supporter of animal welfare, was interested in finding an opportunity to combine his two greatest passions in life: his love for photography and animals. This has been realised with a portion of royalties from sales of the book donated to the RSPCA.

Plus, every other page in the book contains a little known fact or trivia item about the RSPCA, further helping to raise awareness and draw attention to important animal welfare issues.

“There is nothing like the power of photography to convey a strong and easily interpretable message. What better way to use this power than to support a cause like the RSPCA that is extremely important to me and to other people in Australia?” James said.

Forewords of support have been written by Jamie Durie, well known Backyard Blitz personality, and Dr Hugh Wirth, National President of the RSPCA Australia. Featuring full colour images in a clean and contemporary design, Petarazzi is an intimate journey that reveals who the real objects of one’s affection are.

The book is distributed by HarperCollins and retails for $16.95.

Buy Petarazzi now in our online shop

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Do animals matter to you?

In support of our international partner organisation, the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), RSPCA Australia invites you to join one of the most exciting campaigns that the animals welfare movement has been involved in to date – the campaign to achieve a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

Such a Declaration aims to achieve global recognition of animals as ‘sentient beings’ and animal welfare as an issue of importance to the United Nations.

The launch of the ‘Animals Matter To Me’ petition in support of this campaign is just the start of an exciting and potentially historic journey for everyone interested in animal welfare, everywhere.

The recognition of the sentience of animals at a global level would not only be a catalyst for the development of animal welfare legislation at the national level but would also provide a much-needed benchmark for groups that work in difficult and sometimes dangerous situations where there is little recognition of the concept of animal welfare.

The Declaration initiative also has the unique potential of reaching out and protecting the lives of all animals, everywhere.

We want you to be part of the biggest ever petition to protect animals from cruelty and suffering that the world has ever seen! For more information visit www.animalsmatter.org, e-mail Declaration@wspa.org.uk or contact your local WSPA office.

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Dogs and children: creating a safe and happy combination

Most children love pets and most of the time, the affection is returned, creating a happy situation that benefits the whole family. Sadly, several distressing and highly-publicised recent attacks have focussed the spotlight firmly on safety for children around pets, especially dogs.

In previous issues we have talked about all the positive aspects of pet ownership for kids, and it’s really valuable for children to learn respect and affection for animals; however, there are a few steps we can take to ensure the relationship is a safe and positive one for both person and animal.

Whether you own a pet or not, it’s a critically important lesson for kids to learn. While many bites or attacks aren’t severe and aren’t reported, injuries from dog bites can be very serious. Even a relatively quick attack can result in serious cuts and heavy bruising, particularly for a younger child, as well as scars (physical and emotional) that remain for life. Children under the age of five years are considered most at risk and can experience the worst injuries because their height places their face and neck at close proximity to the dog.

Dogs don’t generally bite out of malice – usually it is because they are afraid or feel threatened in some way. Children are often the victims of dog bites because they inadvertently behave in ways that are frightening or threatening to even the friendliest dog (shouting, running around, waving arms about etc), without even being aware of the possible consequences of their actions.

Dogs also perceive children very differently from adults, and while the adult may be seen as the ‘pack leader’ and an authority figure, this respect doesn’t always translate to children in the household

It’s vitally important to remember any dog can bite – no matter what the breed, or how well you know the dog, or how friendly and calm it has appeared in the past. The vast majority of dog bites happen close to home and are from a dog that is owned by or known to the family –the dog and child may even have played happily together previously.

We need to be especially vigilant when a new baby or child joins the household and also with children that are used to having dogs around, as they may incorrectly assume all dogs are as friendly and familiar as their own.

The best way to prevent dog bites to is ensure that children are always supervised when dogs are around. Children should always be kept well clear of a dog that is sleeping, eating or playing with a favourite toy, and should be very careful around puppies if a protective mother could be nearby. Also avoid approaching a dog that is in a car or behind a fence, as the dog may feel the need to protect their space.

Children should also be educated from a young age on the proper way to behave around dogs and this should be put into practice with regular (supervised) contact and socialisation with various types of dogs and puppies. Teach children to ‘move slowly and speak quietly’: avoid fast or sudden movements and loud noises, as the dog may perceive these as threatening.

Kids should also be taught to recognise and watch out for signs that the dog isn’t happy - these signs may include the dog backing away, staring, raised hackles, bared teeth, ears up and tail raised, or growling. Help children to understand that these signs are the dog’s way of saying it wants to be left alone.

Children should learn to ask the owner’s permission before approaching or patting an animal – this allows the owner to prepare the dog as well, so it’s not caught off guard by a sudden approach form an unfamiliar child. If given the okay, the child should allow the dog to approach them or otherwise approach slowly from an angle (where the dog can clearly see them), and use the dog’s name in a clear and gentle voice – no squealing with excitement! The child can then offer the back of the hand for the dog to sniff. If the dog responds in a friendly way, the child can gently pat the dog on the chest or under the chin – never the top of the head, which is very confronting for the dog.

Children should never approach a stray dog (i.e., a dog that is off leash or unrestrained, or without its owner) and should be taught instead to report to an adult, who can contact the relevant authorities.

It is hoped that supervision and education can avoid attacks, but in case of the worst scenario eventuating, children should also know how to respond if they are confronted by an aggressive dog. As difficult as it may be, they should not run as they can never outrun the dog and their movement may incite the dog to chase – instead, they should stand very still, ‘like a statue’. They should keep their arms close by their side or tucked up under the chin, and avoid eye contact with the dog – they should aim to look at their own feet instead. The dog may come very close but will rarely attack without reason.

If the dog is no longer showing signs of aggression, the child should very slowly and carefully begin to move away, always keeping the arms close by the side and looking at the ground.

Any indication of aggressive behaviour from a dog towards the child needs to be viewed as very serious and dealt with quickly. Heavily reprimanding the dog can contribute to increasing fear and aggression, so it is always best to seek the help of a professional rather than trying to cope on your own – speak to your vet, consult a reputable animal behaviourist or call your nearest RSPCA for advice.

Growing up with pets teaches children about responsibility, empathy and other important life lessons. Our kids will encounter animals in the community every day, so while safety is essential, it is also very important that children don’t become uncomfortable or fearful around animals. They should simply learn that dogs behave and communicate in different ways to us and can easily become scared or defensive, so we need to remember this and act accordingly when we’re around them.

* please note, this information is intended as a guide only and should not be viewed as definitive advice. If you have any questions, please consult your vet or a qualified animal behaviourist.

* watch out next issue for our story on coping with pet loss, which will also include advice on helping children to cope with the death of a loved family pet.

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RSPCA to the Rescue: A whirlwind trip for Larry the Cyclone Dog

We were all shocked and dismayed at the devastation that resulted when Cyclone Larry crossed the tropical north QLD coast in March 2006, and many of our supporters were understandably concerned about the welfare of the many animals in this region as well

So this issue we’re delighted to be able to bring news of one little dog who got a much-needed second chance, thanks to the efforts of a kind RSPCA Inspector and the support of the team at Virgin Blue!

The dog straining at the end of the frayed piece of rope was in a bad way. His eyes were hollow, his skin sagged from lack of food and water and his fur had all but disappeared.

He was found by local council officers who then contacted the RSPCA: RSPCA NSW Inspector Slade Macklin, who was in Queensland as part of a special cyclone relief support effort from the neighbouring state, attended.

Later named Larry (after the cyclone) by RSPCA staff, the dog was found in Innisfail QLD, tied up and abandoned more than 10 days after the cyclone – but he had been suffering for a long time before that.

Although aware of the unusual circumstances, experienced Inspector Macklin was nonetheless deeply saddened by the condition Larry was found in.

“Apart from the distress of being tied up for so long, Larry has a skin condition that had been neglected for some time,” he said.

“His owner should have sought veterinary treatment for him, but instead apparently left Larry to fend for himself,”

With RSPCA Cairns so busy already with cyclone relief in the area, Inspector Macklin made the decision to take Larry back to Sydney for treatment and rehabilitation.

“He’s got a great nature and considering what he’d been through, he deserved every chance he can get,” said Inspector Macklin at the time.

“With daily veterinary care, we hope Larry will soon be a healthy dog,” he said.

Larry’s second chance was made possible through the kind support of the team at Virgin Blue, who flew Larry along with Inspector Macklin and two other RSPCA shelter workers back to Sydney.

Larry also travelled in comfort and style thanks to Dogtainers, who supplied the container for his flight, while our proud major sponsors Hill’s Pet Nutrition provided nutritious food to assist in his recovery.

After months of treatment at the RSPCA Yagoona Shelter, Larry is fit and well and is now ready to be welcomed into his new home.

He later had the chance to thank the Virgin Blue team in person, when Inspector Macklin took him back to visit the staff at the Virgin Blue terminal at Sydney Airport.

Now a handsome and healthy young dog, he is almost unrecognisable from previous photos and he really turned on the charm, as these pictures show!

Inspector Macklin also took the opportunity to thank Virgin Blue, Dogtainers and Hill’s for their support.

“It’s a team effort and we really thank everyone involved for making a difference to the lives of Larry and the other animals,” he said.

Larry has now been renamed Austin in honour of his new beginning. His biggest reward – and ours – will be to see him settle into a loving new home.

News flash: Larry has now been adopted! A lovely couple who live on a country property have, as they say, ‘a lot of space and a lot of love to give’, making this the ideal new home for Larry

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