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E-news
Issue 4 -
January 2007
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Welcome to 2007, the year of the pig!
It’s hard to believe but we’re more than half way through the
first decade of the ‘noughties’ already, and the celebration of
the Chinese New Year on 18 February will officially commence the
Year of the Pig.
It’s timely too, as this year we’ll be looking at the draft of
a new code of practice governing the welfare of pigs on farms –
keep an eye on the
pig
pages of our website to find out how this shapes up and what
it means for hundreds of thousands of farmed pigs in Australia. If
you haven’t already, get behind our
‘Fair Go for
Farm Animals’ campaign and sign our
online petition!
We’re also continuing to expand our accredited pork programme,
with Gooralie Free Range Pork joining Otway Pork in achieving the
RSPCA stamp of approval for their humane pig farming methods. If
you care about pigs,
click here
to find out more and look for the RSPCA logo when shopping for
bacon, pork or ham.
The poor old Pig gets a bit of a rough trot sometimes, but it
is actually a very smart, curious and clean animal. Those born in
the Year of the Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995) are
said to chivalrous and honest, with a great thirst for knowledge
and a quick temper (though they hate to argue)! On the down side,
they can also be snobbish, jealous and naďve. But if you have a
Pig for a friend, you’re also in luck because they make friends
for life, and are very kind and loyal to their loved ones.
We’ll be putting together some an information kit about the
story behind the Chinese Zodiac, what the Year of the Pig means, a
bit about the personality and characteristics of real pigs, plus
details of our position with respect to pig farming. If you’d like
a copy, simply drop me a line on
news@rspca.org.au.
Until next time,
Jane.
In this issue…
How much space does an elephant need?
Creating picture perfect animal photos
It’s time to Choose Wisely, Australia!
Different ways to show you care
RSPCA to the Rescue – Keira’s second chance
How much space does an elephant need? – the impact of
confinement on animal welfare.
Some of the more frequently-asked questions of the RSPCA are
regarding to our position in relation to places that put captive
animals on display, such as circuses and zoos, as well as
locations where animals are farmed.
Visitors to such attractions are often saddened by images of
animals pacing and swaying, behind bars or in cages, and this can
understandably prompt us to question whether it’s appropriate to
keep animals in captivity at all.
 These are certainly difficult questions that can’t be resolved
with simple answers, as the impact of captivity on animal welfare
can vary enormously depending on the type of animal, the specific
circumstances and the quality of the management and facilities
provided.
For example, many people wrongly believe the RSPCA is opposed
to zoos, when in fact we support much of the good work they do in
education and conservation – but we also believe there are
limitations on the types of animals that should be kept in zoos,
and the elephant is one such creature that suffers in this
environment.
Likewise, the RSPCA is very concerned with the welfare of large
and exotic species (e.g., lions and tigers) that travel with
circuses; whereas smaller domestic animals such as dogs tend to
cope much better in similar circumstances (given the proper
treatment and use of positive training methods).
It’s also vitally important to consider the welfare of captive
animals that are less visible to the public, but for whom the
conditions can often be far worse: for example, breeding sows in
metal stalls and layer hens in battery cages.
It’s also important to remember some animals seem to live
longer and healthier lives in captivity than in the wild, because
they are protected from predators and disease and have a reliable
source of food.
Clearly there are many aspects to this debate.
 To begin with, how do we decide how much space an animal needs?
Few captive facilities can truly mimic a wild environment, so
where do we draw the line?
What are the effects of captivity on the physical and
psychological wellbeing of an animal, and can any problems be
addressed?
How does the environment in which an animal is kept affect our
perception of its suitability? Some forms of housing may look a
lot worse than they are – even a very humane barn or free-range
facility for layer hens can look like chaos to the casual
observer! Other facilities may be look very nice to us, luxurious
even, but are a ‘gilded cage’ if they don’t meet the needs of the
animal.
Should our standards for housing animals place greater emphasis
on other elements of the captive environment – e.g., enrichment,
organised activities and exercise, companionship - rather than
concentrating on available space?
These questions and many more will be discussed by some of
Australia’s leading experts at the
2007 RSPCA Australia Scientific
Seminar, a very interesting event (with a complicated sounding
name!) where the keynote speaker will be Professor of Animal
Welfare at the UK University of Bristol, Christine Nicol.
The seminar will bring together interested people from the
realms of science, academia, industry, law enforcement and the
animal welfare sector, to examine these issues from the
perspective of the world’s largest land mammal through to the
unassuming layer hen.
 The issue of welfare for captive animals has implications
across a wide range of areas, affecting intensively and
extensively farmed animals, through to animals used for research
and teaching, companion animals, animals used for sport,
entertainment, work or display as well as captive wild animals.
Speakers and participants will examine recent national and
international research on the impact of confinement on animals,
and importantly, the seminar will aim to identify gaps in our
knowledge and provide some direction for future research. We can’t
base our decision on science if the research hasn’t been done!
The seminar will also examine those factors that affect the
amount of space an animal needs: for example, its social
behaviours, dietary requirements, physiology, temperament and
genetics.
If you are around Canberra in February, you are very welcome to
attend the seminar – you can download the registration form from
our website. Otherwise, stay tuned to hear some of the interesting
details arising from our discussion!
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Creating picture perfect animal photos
During the summer holiday period, our thoughts turn naturally
to staying in touch with friends and family, and this inevitably
includes sharing photographs that help us to recall happy
memories.
With some basic advice and a few useful tips, there’s no reason
why the furred (or feathered or finned!) members of your family
can’t be part of the fun as well!
 Most people have heard the old adage, never work with children
or animals! But they also say a picture is worth a thousand words.
True, getting a great photograph of your pet can take a fair bit
of time and patience; but as with most projects, a little bit of
preparation and planning can go a long way. The result will be
well worth it – a beautiful photograph that you can share and
enjoy for years to come.
First of all, this may not be something you wish to tackle
alone! Having a friend or family member – preferably someone the
pet knows – to help you out can be invaluable. They can assist you
by supplying treats, squeaking toys and making faces to keep your
pet focused and alert.
Next, think about the purpose of your photographs. Are you
trying to capture beautiful formal portraits to make into cards
for your family and friends? Or do you want to put together a
scrapbook that provides an accurate snapshot of a day in the life
of your pet? Maybe you have a genuine interest in photography and
your pet is your chosen subject? Different aims will require
different approaches, so try to at least start with some idea of
what you hope to achieve – and then don’t be afraid to change your
mind as the shoot progresses!
If you can, use a digital camera, as it enables you to take
lots of photographs and review them as you go. Digital cameras are
relatively cheap these days and you can otherwise find yourself
spending a lot of money on film and processing. If you must use a
traditional film camera, make sure you have plenty of film on
hand. Either way, ensure that your equipment is all working well
and your camera is charged up (or you have spare batteries) before
you start. You’ll want to take LOTS of photos, to make the most of
the time you’ve set aside and to increase the chances that there
will be several images you’ll love (yes, a few flops are
inevitable!). There is nothing worse then being all ready to go,
only to have your enthusiasm nipped in the bud by a technical
malfunction.
 Now, consider your setting. A bright outdoors location might
look ideal, but it will be very frustrating if your pet is
constantly distracted and wants to run wild! Instead, think about
setting up your photo location indoors, somewhere that is familiar
and comfortable for your pet. Do they have a favourite chair or
spot by the window? If possible, find somewhere that has good
lighting and a background that contrasts with your pet’s colouring
– if these features aren’t available naturally, they can be
replicated with artificial lighting, backdrops and other
accessories. Toys, cushions, scarves can look nice, but avoid too
much clutter or strong patterns as you risk taking attention away
from the star of the scene! If you’re familiar with your camera’s
features, play with the focus for different effects, but be very
wary of using the flash, less your photo be afflicted by the
dreaded red-eye effect!
Of course, it’s just as important to think about your pet’s
needs and to make the experience positive and fun for them as
well. Now is not the time to try a new coat or hat on your pet if
they aren’t used to such accessories – if your pet is
uncomfortable, they will not only be uncooperative and stressed,
but you’re unlikely to get a good photo out of the episode either.
Likewise, don’t fall into the trap of thinking a long, tiring walk
will help by burning off some of that energy – unless you’re happy
to take photos of a sleeping pooch! After a short nap and when
your pet is just a little bit hungry is probably the ideal time.
Remember, your pet adores you and loves spending time with you,
so don’t be cranky if they ruin your perfect shot by diving toward
you for a kiss at the wrong moment! Punishment or anger will only
make them distressed and confused. Instead, make the photo session
into a game, with some tasty treats to keep your pet interested
and motivated. If your pet really isn’t cooperating, take a break
and try again later.
 Now, it’s time to start snapping (with the camera, of course!).
Remember, you’re trying to capture what is unique about your pet -
you know your pet best and that makes you the best photographer in
the world for them. Work with your pet’s personality – not against
it – and aim to highlight their best features. If your dog’s
glossy coat always draws compliments, make sure you capture the
light falling across it; or, if your cat has unusually bright
green eyes, get up nice and close to show them off. If your pet
has any quirky looks or funny tricks, you’ll thank yourself later
for capturing these on film. Experiment with different angles – up
high, at the same level as your pet, or down even lower. Try to
get a good mix of portrait and landscape orientations, close ups
and full body shots. Don’t be afraid to get other family members,
other pets and even favourite toys into the frame. And remember,
your pet doesn’t have to be posing or still to look great. Action
shots can be a lot of fun and really showcase the life in your
pet!
Setting up a great photo is one thing, but some of the best
pics come out of the blue and it’s wonderful to be able to capture
these spontaneous moments too. Always keep your camera in the same
handy place – such as on a shelf or in a drawer – and make sure
your batteries are charged, and that it’s loaded with film or has
some space left on the memory card. Remember, the more you use
your camera, the more familiar your pet will become with it and
they won’t be as distracted or intimidated when you bring it out.
Finally, last but definitely not least, no rules for
photography are set in stone, so be prepared to be adventurous,
take risks and follow your own judgement. At the end of the day,
it’s more important for your photo to reflect your pet’s
personality and your own, as it is for it to be a work of art.
Relax, have fun and enjoy the time spent with your pet without
subjecting them to stress and pressure – chances are you’ll end up
with some fantastic photographs as well!
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It’s time to Choose Wisely, Australia!
 The RSPCA is once again reminding consumers to think twice
before they next reach for a carton of cage eggs, with the recent
launch of a new national awareness campaign.
Through the campaign - which consists of a television
commercial, print advertisement, education materials, bus and
railway station posters – the RSPCA hopes to provide people with a
glimpse of the immense suffering faced by millions of hens crammed
into battery cages around Australia.
The concept features a woman who reaches for the cage eggs
before suddenly finding herself imprisoned inside her shopping
trolley, in much the same way as battery hens are confined in
their cages.
The bottom line: the RSPCA is calling on Australians to put the
welfare of the hen before the price of the egg.
Cage eggs may be cheaper but battery hens pay the price with a
lifetime of confinement in a small wire cage. Each caged bird has
a floor area that is less than an A4 sheet of paper: the hens
cannot move freely, can’t flap or stretch their wings, can’t sit
on a perch or dust bathe, can’t even satisfy their most basic urge
to lay their eggs in a nest.
These needs might not sound that important to you or me, but to
a hen they are essential natural behaviours. Not being able to
behave normally causes the hen immense frustration. Furthermore,
the restricted movement and lack of exercise can lead to skeletal
and muscle weakness, along with permanent damage to their feet
caused by the wire mesh floors.
The RSPCA’s opposition to battery cages is backed by scientific
evidence, which indicates layers hens in these systems suffer
intensely and continuously through their confinement in cages.
 Once again, and through this latest campaign, the RSPCA is
reminding consumers they can make a difference simply by choosing
wisely – avoid cage eggs and opt instead for eggs produced in more
humane free-range or barn systems.
 Well managed and carefully monitored barn and free range
systems (like those accredited under the RSPCA brand) are kinder
to the hens, allowing them the freedom to flap their wings,
dust-bathe, socialise and forage. They also have access to a
secluded area for laying eggs.
Of course, welfare standards in barn and free-range systems can
also vary depending on the skills and dedication of the operators
– but eggs that are sold in packaging featuring the RSPCA logo
have been produced in accordance with a strict set of welfare
standards.
More importantly, the conditions are checked regularly by our
specialised egg inspectors to make sure our standards are being
upheld.
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Different ways to show you care
While we are always very grateful for financial support, a
recent online poll conducted by the RSPCA found that more than 45%
of respondents would prefer to support the RSPCA by purchasing
products and services, as opposed to making a straight cash
donation.
Supporting the RSPCA can be as simple as getting involved in a
campaign, writing to a politician or attending an event such as
the Million Paws Walk. But if you want to do more, there are many
other ways to help your favourite charity every day, many of which
you may not be aware of.
 For example, our national
online shop has a huge range of items
for sale, and is increasing in variety all the time. Right now,
you can shop from the convenience of your PC for collars and
leashes, pet beds and rugs, kids’ and adults’ fashion, plush toys,
baby clothes and home wares – the profits from which all go to the
RSPCA. Your purchase is secure, and we don’t sell items that we
wouldn’t recommend and use ourselves, so you can always be assured
of excellent quality as well.
 Most larger RSPCA shelters also run shops that sell
Hill’s
quality pet food as well as a whole range of pet care products,
accessories and other gifts. You can shop for your own pet there
and know the products you’re buying have met the satisfaction of
the RSPCA. While you’re there, you might even like to buy a toy or
an extra bag of food to be enjoyed by our shelter animals!
 Another great way to help the RSPCA is by supporting the
organisations that support us! Our major sponsor
Hill’s Pet
Nutrition, as well as our friends at
Bendigo Bank and VISA,
Moose
Toys,
Peter Alexander and
Dyson, contribute to our achievements in
many ways. And let them know you’re supporting them because of
their work with the RSPCA! When you use their products and
services, you are recognising their contribution to the RSPCA and
saying it really means something to you.
Other routine purchases can make an ongoing contribution to the
RSPCA. For example, the
Bendigo RSPCA Rescue VISA card gives money
to the RSPCA, either through a percentage of what you spend or a
monthly donation.
 When you take out an
RSPCA Pet Insurance policy, you’re can not
only help to protect yourself against the impact of potentially
expensive but essential treatments; a percentage of what you pay
each month also goes to help more animals in need through the
RSPCA.
And every time you buy a product that has the RSPCA logo on the
packaging – from eggs and pork in the supermarket, to books, toys
and car accessories – you’ll know that we not only approve of that
item, but that a percentage of profits is forwarded back to the
RSPCA under our
licensing and product endorsement schemes. For
example, the RSPCA directs all proceeds from the sale of
accredited eggs and pork into programmes to improve production
animal welfare.
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RSPCA to the rescue: Keira’s second chance
The RSPCA’s national pet adoption website,
www.adoptapet.com.au, continues to help the RSPCA find more loving
forever homes for animals in need.
In little more than 12 months since the site was launched, it
has received more than 450,000 visitors and made an enormous
contribution to raising awareness of the RSPCA’s work and helping
more potential pet owners find their perfect match at the RSPCA.
 One such animal is Keira, a pure bred Siberian Husky who came
to the RSPCA when her owner decided she wasn’t suitable for
breeding.
Luckily for Keira, Julie and John from South Australia had just
begun their search for a new pet using
www.adoptapet.com.au.
Julie said the couple decided to look for an adult dog after
realising they did not have the time to care for a young puppy.
“We also wanted to adopt from the RSPCA because the animals
there have just been taken away from their normal home and are in
an unfamiliar place,”
“I liked the idea of giving an animal like that the love and
care it deserves,” said Julie.
 Julie said she was surprised to find Keira’s photograph on
www.adoptapet.com.au in December 2005 and admits she was taken
with Keira’s beautiful looks from the first moment.
“I had no idea the RSPCA would have such an expensive pure
breed as the Siberian Husky!” said Julie.
“She had these amazing big brown eyes and a smile that went
from one side of her face to the other,” she said.
When she arrived at the RSPCA, Keira was found to be
underweight, afraid of fast movements and prone to breaking
through fences to escape her backyard.
But with care, attention and training from both the RSPCA and
her new owners, Keira has become a much-loved ‘surrogate child’
for Julie and John and is adored by visitors to their home.
 Fast forward 12 months and Keira now enjoys an active but
relaxed lifestyle with Julie and John, where her favourite
pastimes include staying very close to her adopted parents and
providing them with a constant source of amusement, affection and
companionship.
“She is happy, healthy, beautiful and the most loving dog we
could have ever hoped for,” said Julie.
“We cannot believe our luck that we got such an amazing friend
from a shelter, or that anyone would have given her up!”
In the last year, support from the community has enabled the
RSPCA to rehome 18,199 dogs and 18,791 cats, plus thousands of
other animals such as horses, birds, livestock, rabbits and
ferrets.
Adoptapet is funded by cardholders of the Bendigo RSPCA Rescue
VISA, the credit card that lets you save lives every time you
spend. Click here for details.
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