RSPCA Australia E-news Issue 6 - December 2007

Is it really almost Christmas already?

Actually, I think the stores have had their Christmas decorations on display since about July so it shouldn’t really be that much of a surprise. But that’s no excuse not to get into the spirit of giving!

Long gone are the days of socks, jocks and boring gift vouchers – now, you can choose a Christmas gift that shows you care and really makes a difference to the world. For example, why not give a gift that contributes to helping animals in need? The RSPCA Online Shop has a great range of products from clothing, books, stationery and toys to pet care accessories – and the profits go to supporting the vital work of the RSPCA.

Alternatively you can make the special gift of a donation to the RSPCA, for which you’ll receive a beautiful photographic gift card that you can complete and give to the recipient to let them know of your kind gesture. A great gift idea, so easy to purchase online and good for karmic kudos too – it’s a winner all round!

Speaking of gifts, it’s usually at this time of the year that the RSPCA is well-known for discouraging the impulse purchase of pets as Christmas presents. Certainly a pet should never be given as a surprise gift; but if you’re serious and ready to accept the many responsibilities of pet ownership, the holiday season – when everyone is relaxed and at home – can be a good time to introduce a new family member. As always, the key is to give careful thought to the decision and plan appropriately. Check out the article in this issue of our e-news for some great advice, and don’t forget our Adoptapet website is also full of great tips.

Sadly, summer time also means kitten season at the RSPCA. Many people are surprised to learn that, thanks to years of hard work, we are actually able to find new homes for most of the healthy, behaviourally-sound animals that come into our care. However, the cat population in Australia is a real problem and it’s during kitten season that RSPCA shelters across Australia struggle desprately to cope with the number of unwanted cats and kittens that come into our care. Desexing your pet is beneficial in so many ways, it’s incredible to think we still encounter resistance to it in the community – hopefully, the story of little Four in this issue will act as a timely reminder.

With the recent release of the RSPCA’s annual statistics, we’re reminded that not every pet is as lucky as Belle, who with her owner Marea, is the star of our touching story on coping with pet loss. Rest in peace Bellie-gurl!

If you’re touched by the stories of animals in need, you can help by getting involved with the RSPCA – hopefully the report on our brand new national fundraising event Happy Tails Day will inspire you to start planning for 2008!

Until next time,

Jane.

In this issue…

Thinking about adopting a pet this Christmas?

Latest live export footage prompts renewed calls for end to trade

Happy Tails Day

Coping with pet loss

RSPCA to the Rescue: Cats in crisis

Thinking about adopting a pet this Christmas?

If you are thinking of bringing a new pet into your home this Christmas, choose the adoption option and make the RSPCA your first port of call.

In the past, some people may have thought of the RSPCA as a place to surrender a lost or unwanted animal, rather than the ideal place to adopt a new pet. Now, more and more Australian are becoming aware of the wide range of great pets that are awaiting a new home as RSPCA shelters across Australia – during the holiday season and all year round.

The RSPCA has always argued strongly against giving a pet as a surprise Christmas gift – sadly, too many of these end up at RSPCA shelters months later when they are no longer wanted. However, if you’re ready and willing to bring a new pet into your life, the holidays can be a good time. Members of the family are often on leave from school or work, which makes it easier to settle in a new pet over those first few exciting weeks.

The dedicated staff at the RSPCA want to see as many animals as possible find a happy new home, no matter what the time of year - all they ask is that you think through the decision very carefully, make sure you’re aware of your responsibilities as a pet owner and don’t ever give a pet as a surprise gift.

If you do want to give a pet as a gift and have discussed with the recipient, avoid trying to introduce an animal during the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day. Instead, consider buying the gift recipient an accessory, like a collar, toy or bed to give on the day instead (the RSPCA Online Shop has a great range!). Then you can go to the nearest RSPCA shelter together and choose an animal that really suits their lifestyle and circumstances, with the trusted advice and guidance provided by your local RSPCA shelter staff. If you prefer, you can even begin your search anytime from home, with the RSPCA’s national pet adoption website, Adoptapet!

Consider bringing your new pet home later in January when the Christmas chaos has died down, when any travel is over and done with, but while you still have time at home to spend with your new pet while it settles in.

It’s hard to believe, but the RSPCA often receives a larger number of surrendered pets around Christmas because the owners can’t be bothered to make arrangements for the pet while they take a holiday; for some, it’s much easier just to dump their pet at the nearest shelter.

The other busy time for the RSPCA in relation to the Christmas period comes between six and 12 months later, when the novelty of the new puppy or kitten that was a Christmas gift has worn off. The normal routine is back in place and the essential housetraining, obedience training and walking just seem like too much trouble. The reality of the big responsibility that is pet ownership has hit home and giving up the pet, which was never planned for in the first place, seems like an easy option.

The RSPCA thinks a pet can be a great addition to your family – as long as you are aware of and prepared to accept the responsibilities. The best Christmas present for an animal in need at the RSPCA is a committed, permanent and loving forever home.

To view photographs and information about pets currently awaiting adoption at the RSPCA, visit our Adoptapet website.

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Latest live export footage prompts renewed calls for end to trade

Like many Australians, the RSPCA was shocked and horrified by recent footage showing brutal and systematic mistreatment of Australian animals that have been exported live from Australia for slaughter overseas.

RSPCA Australia Scientific Officer (Farm Animals) Melina Tensen said the footage of appalling handling and slaughter of Australian sheep, filmed in September 2007* and aired on ABC’s The 7:30 Report, provided irrefutable proof the live export trade subjects Australian animals to cruel and barbaric treatment, and must be stopped.

“This is at least the third time such footage has been filmed in the Middle East - proving beyond doubt that this intolerable cruelty continues unabated despite the presence of Australian industry representatives in the region.

“These are absolutely not isolated incidents; they were filmed at the same locations and are the same practices as shown in previous footage, and they continue despite assurances and huge investment from the industry and the Australian government to justify their trade,” said Ms Tensen.

“The fact is, this horrifying treatment of Australian animals has not changed and will not change as long as the Australian Government and live export industry effectively condone these practices by sending more and more animals to meet this fate,” she said.

Entrenched cruelty

With imagery considered too distressing to show here, the footage reveals extremely distressed Australian sheep panting and stumbling as they are crowded together in suffocating humidity where temperatures regularly exceed 40C. They are then dragged and thrown from the truck onto concrete before their final extended and painful slaughter by a primitive method that would be prosecutable in Australia.

The scenes of deliberate mistreatment and horrific slaughter of a bull from Uruguay offer little hope for Australian cattle of which more than 100,000 are exported live to the Middle East each year.

Local transporters, handlers and slaughtermen allowed these atrocious practices to be filmed openly, demonstrating an alarming lack of concern or awareness of the impact of their actions.

Ms Tensen said the Australian Government’s commitment to animal welfare was merely a token gesture, evidenced by its continued support for those profiting from this miserable trade, “The Australian Government has touted $6 million for an Australian Animal Welfare Strategy that states, ‘The welfare of all animals in Australia is promoted and protected by the development and adoption of sound animal welfare standards and principles…[that] also covers the welfare of animals transported to and from Australia’ – yet the Government apparently chooses not to apply this to livestock exports,” said Ms Tensen.

“For example, Australia doesn’t accept imports of dog and cat fur products because of the cruelty involved in their production, and won’t send Australian native animals overseas except under the strictest of conditions – so to condemn Australian livestock to this fate is pure hypocrisy,” said Ms Tensen.

“The live export of animals for slaughter is a dark cloud that is hanging over Australia - it cannot be fixed and must be stopped without delay,” said Ms Tensen.

*Footage collection by Animals Australia investigations.

Community outrage

Under the banner, ‘Fair Go for Farm Animals’, the RSPCA has long campaigned for better treatment of Australian production animals, including those subject to live export for slaughter.

The long-standing online petition continues to receive hundreds of signatures every week.

RSPCA supporters and members of the wider community - including a number of farmers - have contacted the RSPCA to express their outrage after viewing the latest footage.

Like the RSPCA, they believe we have an obligation to protect Australian livestock from cruelty and that building alternative markets is in their best interest.

A fair go?

The live animal export trade is inherently cruel, subjecting animals involved to exhaustion, hunger, thirst, excessive heat and/or high levels of stress.

Each year Australia exports approximately 100,000 live goats, 850,000 live cattle and over 6 million live sheep to more than 30 different countries in the Middle East and South East Asia, the vast majority of which are destined for slaughter.

The journey from the farm to slaughter can take up to three months.

Tens of thousands of Australian animals die every year on these journeys, while countless more suffer as a result of these conditions, and even more suffer cruel treatment and horrific deaths at the point of destination.

The adoption of a chilled and frozen meat-only trade not only prevents the suffering of long distance sea transport but saves millions of animals from the cruel fate awaiting them at the point of destination.

What you can do

Write to the Federal Minister for Agriculture, as well as your state or territory Minister for Primary Industries and Agriculture (or their equivalent) and demand an end to live export of animals for slaughter and other cruel farming practices.

Click here to find out more or to sign the online petition.

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Australia gets behind a great cause!

The inaugural RSPCA Happy Tails Day on Friday 5 October saw people across Australia wearing plush tails, ears and badges to show they care about animals and support the work of the RSPCA.

Even Blue Wiggle and host of RSPCA Animal Rescue Anthony Field and his furry friend got into the spirit of the day, helping the RSPCA to spread the word about this exciting new event.

RSPCA Australia CEO Heather Neil said Australians young and old responded to the RSPCA’s call to ‘derriere to be different’ and ‘parade your posterior with pride’ as part of the cheeky and original fundraising campaign.

“Each year Happy Tails Day will be a chance for anyone who loves animals to show they care about protecting them from cruelty and neglect,” said Ms Neil.

“Our long time partners such as Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Bendigo Bank got behind the cause while our friends at Peter Alexander Sleepwear and Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics were seen wearing their ears and tails and dressing up their shop fronts in black and white spots,” she said.

“At the same time, a national competition in Take 5 magazine gave participants the opportunity to win some great prizes as an extra reward for supporting Happy Tails Day.”

Ms Neil said feedback from the day had been overwhelmingly positive and plans for Happy Tails Day 2008 were already underway.

“We have received quite a number of emails from supporters telling us what they did to celebrate the day, how much they raised and photos of their activities ranging from a morning tea with friends, games of ‘pin the tail’ and modeling the ears and tails while at work.”

Ms Neil said Happy Tails Day served an important purpose in raising awareness as well as funds that would assist RSPCA’s work in a whole range of areas.

“The RSPCA believe animals make a great contribution to people’s lives, and many people don’t realise that much of the RSPCA’s work is to help people as well as animals,” said Ms Neil.

“For example, many RSPCAs provide shelter and care for the pets of people escaping domestic violence, pets of older Australians or those hospitalised due to chronic illness; while others provide counselling for those coping with pet loss and some also assist in caring for the animals of people affected by the drought,” she said.

“The RSPCA also educates children about care and treatment of animals which helps them to develop compassion as well as learn to behave safely around animals,” said Ms Neil.

If you missed out on Happy Tails Day merchandise items are still available for purchase through the RSPCA online shop.

If you are interested in being involved in next year’s Happy Tails Day to be held on Friday 10 October send us an email to happytailsday.

Happy Tails Day campaign a barking success at Allianz Australia

Allianz Australia participated in the Happy Tails campaign in October raising almost $2000 and giving staff across Australia and NZ an ideal opportunity to make a contribution to such a valuable cause.

An online photo competition was held over two weeks via the company’s intranet, with staff sending in photos of their furry (and sometimes not-so-furry) friends and making either an online or cash donation to the RSPCA. More than 140 pictures were submitted, making the RSPCA judges’ decision to pick winners very difficult. In the end, a winner and runner-up was chosen for each of the three categories: Open, BabyFace and Best Friends. Winners received an RSPCA goody bag, and runners-up each received Happy Tails merchandise as prizes.

Dressing up for the occasion in ears and tails, Allianz staff in Queensland hosted a cake sale, sold Happy Tails merchandise and even auctioned the Happy Tails ears and tails to raise money for the campaign.

Leesa Dean, Marketing Segment Manager and RSPCA representative at Allianz was pleased with the staff participation in the campaign: “Hosting the online photo competition on our intranet was a great way of sparking debate across the company between staff showcasing their pets, and a really interesting way of raising money for the RSPCA. It really was fantastic seeing all the pet-lovers coming out of the woodwork!”

Happy Tales

Each year in Australia, the RSPCA accepts around 135,000 animals from the community and investigates more than 46,000 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. At the same time, RSPCA employees and volunteers hear countless numbers of ‘happy tales’ from animal owners whose lives have been turned around by their loyal best friend.

Indeed, Rocko the Happy Tails Day dog and star of the campaign has his very own happy tale since being adopted from the RSPCA at Elemore Vale by Kate.

Leading up to Happy Tails Day, RSPCA Australia issued a call for supporters across Australia to write or phone in to tell their ‘happy tales’ of how animals have affected their lives.

“The response was nothing short of remarkable, and the national office was inundated with literally hundreds of replies,” said Ms Neil.

“Some stories have made us laugh while others have brought a tear to our eye, but all have been inspiring and heart-warming,” she said.

Here is a sample of some of the types of stories and comments received:

Andy said

A big thank you to everyone who has helped someone find their new best mate and to all the people that take the time to look after all the animals that they come into contact with. All the staff do a great job and I just wanted to say thank you because not many people take the time to do it.

Rebecca said

I would just like to thank all involved with the RSPCA for the great work that they do. I adopted a kitten from the RSPCA six years ago. After much love and attention, Thomas is thoroughly enjoying life on overseas posting as a Rome cat.

Carly and Cameron said

Being sheep farmers, dogs are invaluable in our lives. They are not only workers but they become our best friends. They go everywhere with us and help with every task, whether working or just providing company or a laugh.

Cass said

Some people say pets are a lot of work, but it's not work. That's something only someone who’s never experienced the real bond and companionship of an animal could ever say - because once you have, it never seems like work. You certainly wouldn't swap it for the world!

Elle said

I feel that animals aren't afraid to show their feelings. I think if we took a leaf out of their book we as a human race would be a better, smarter and happier race.

Hannah said

I would encourage everyone to think about adopting from rescue centres such as the RSPCA, all animals deserve the very best in life and I hope that many other animals get to be as lucky as my two. I feel it’s really important to spread the word that a rescue animal is every bit as cute and loving as a pet shop animal, at least consider all your options before you buy!

Leanne said

Although they break your heart when they pass it is only because they give you so much joy throughout their lives. We really can learn a lot from our pets.

Mark and Carmen said

I hope that more people when getting a family pet use the RSPCA and give an animal a loving home as we have found that Sam definitely has a real personality and most of the cats and dogs that I have seen there are real sweethearts and just want someone to take them home and give them the love and care that they deserve. The RSPCA does a wonderful job of taking care of these animals when they are brought in and I would just like to give all of the workers a big well done on this as they are absolutely wonderful!

Shirley and Andrew said

Bob and Dylan are both rescue cats and we got them to help ease the pain of leaving our sons and other family members back in the UK. Our two cats are now our children, friends and such great company that I really don't think I could be away from my other family if they weren't here with us.

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Coping with pet loss

Pets play an increasingly important role in our lives – they are our constant companions, a shoulder to cry on and a relief from the stresses of the every day.

It’s not surprising then that, for many, the death of a much-loved pet is like losing a member of the family. In fact, the grief you may experience after the loss of a pet can be very intense, and not unlike the grief you might feel for the loss of a human family member.

Marea Gray has recently suffered the pain of losing her beloved pet, a 12 year old English Cocker Spaniel named Belle.

Nicknamed “Bellie-gurl”, Belle was adored by her family but had suffered from pancreatitis and infected ears throughout her life.

Marea said Belle’s third and final episode of pancreatitis was the worst, leaving the family to decide whether to put Belle through another round of treatment.

“She wouldn’t eat her favourite treats and she would just lay on the grass looking at us,” said Marea.

After talking to their vet, they decided the kindest decision was to let her go. Belle’s final moments were spent with the entire family including Marea, her husband Rob, daughter Holly and son Jesse.

“She went silently. Well, I say silently but it wasn’t silent in the room, far from it,” said Marea.

Marea’s advice to pet owners is simple.

“Just love your dogs as if it’s their last day on earth, because when that day does come, you won’t be ready for it,”

“In time we will get another dog but we will never replace our baby girl,” she said.

The grief you experience upon the death of a pet is very real, and it’s important not to downplay the intense feelings of loss, sadness and devastation that can emerge. Allow yourself to grieve. It’s vital to recognise and accept that you are going to go through a very difficult and confusing time in coping with the loss and that it really is okay to love and miss your pet immensely. These feelings are part of the natural and normal grieving process and you should never feel embarrassed or silly for experiencing these feelings so deeply.

Grieving process

Research into grief and loss has shown that there is a pattern to the way most people grieve and that grief for the loss of a pet follows the same pattern as grief for the loss of a human companion.

Shock or disbelief can be followed by feelings of anger, either directed internally or at others. The grieving pet owner may experience strong feelings of guilt, loneliness and hopelessness before finally achieving a sense of acceptance and recovery. It is important to note that the length of time it takes to progress through these stages can vary enormously, from a few days to weeks to even months.

The effect of the loss of a pet can be twofold: mourning pet owners have to deal with both the death of their beloved pet as well as the changes in their lifestyle and future plans that this loss creates.

It’s very important to take good care of yourself during the grieving process and to assist you in your recovery. Talk with people who you feel will understand, and try to eat well - even if you don’t feel hungry. Be kind to yourself and avoid alcohol or other drugs, as they can make you feel worse. Make sure you get plenty of rest and maybe take a gentle walk to get some fresh air and exercise.

Helping children to cope

Children and pets often share a special relationship.

When a pet dies, parents are faced with the pain experienced by their children as well as dealing with their own grief. Often, the loss of a loved family pet may often be the first experience of death that children face; alternatively, this loss may stir up feelings of past trauma. Children may also have difficulty understanding the situation, especially if the animal had to be euthanased for humane reasons. For children particularly, the sense of sadness can be overwhelming and they may find it hard to see an end to their pain.

The most important thing is to talk and listen to your children – keep the communication lines open so they have an outlet for their grief and the inevitable questions they will have. Don’t hide your own grief from them and encourage them to express their sadness as well. Children will likely go through the same stages of grief as adults – including shock, denial and anger. They need to work though these stages as a process of recovery.

Also, don’t be surprised if your child’s emotions fluctuate during this time – there’s only so much sadness a little person can cope with at any time. One minute they may be extremely sad, the next they may seem quite happy. If you see them laughing or playing, don’t think it’s because they are ‘over it’; it’s simply one of the ways in which they cope with the loss of their best friend.

Remembering your pet

Some owners may find it helpful to hold a simple ceremony as a last goodbye to their beloved companion. This may involve a burial or cremation at a dedicated facility (check your Yellow Pages or contact your nearest RSPCA for referral to these services). Alternatively you might establish a stone plaque or special plant in the garden at home - though be prepared for the inevitable day when you move house. Even just sitting down and going through some of your favourite photographs and memories of your pet can be beneficial. If you wish, some companies can even create a special keepsake of your pet, such as a painting based upon a photograph.

A new pet?

When the time is right, think carefully about whether or not you wish to get another pet.

Many owners can feel as though they are betraying their lost loved one by replacing them with another animal so it’s important to remember that no pet can ever ‘replace’ another.

However, pets provide us with such wonderful unconditional love and companionship, and there are literally thousands of animals in RSPCA shelters all over the country who are desperately looking for a loving new home.

So, if you feel you can provide a safe and happy home for a new pet, then this is something you can consider in the future.

For more information

Contact your local RSPCA, which may offer a grief counselling service for coping with pet loss or can otherwise point you in the right direction to access such services.

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RSPCA to the rescue: Cats in crisis

Summer in Australia means Christmas celebrations for many, but for the RSPCA it also marks the beginning of one of the busiest times of year – kitten season.

In fact, the problem of stray and undesexed cats is one of the most pressing companion animal welfare issues in Australia.

The RSPCA’s latest annual national statistics reveal that in the last financial year, 58,480 cats were accepted from the community by RSPCA Australia.

As shocking as these figures are, it’s equally important to remember that behind these numbers are the faces of real animals in need.

Recently, the RSPCA was shocked to discover a four week old kitten close to death at a local racing track. With no clue as to how she got there, the staff could find no sign of her mother or any siblings.

Suffering from exposure and dehydration, the kitten was rushed to the RSPCA shelter clinic where she received immediate veterinary care until her condition stabilised.

Without a mother, she had little chance of survival until the RSPCA’s state Chief Executive Officer stepped in and said that he would take responsibility for caring for the kitten until it could feed itself.

Armed with advice from the RSPCA veterinarians as well as the support of his wife, who is also a dedicated cat lover, he took the kitten home where it was hand fed with a special formula every two hours. Thankfully, after twenty-four hours of nearly constant attention, the danger period had passed.

Due to its startling resemblance to a three-legged shelter cat - aptly named ‘Three’ – the little kitten was subsequently given the name ‘Four’ by the caring staff.

Now this little kitten spends its days between the RSPCA cattery - where it receives valuable socialisation with other resident cats - and the CEO’s office, where it enjoys equally valuable attention and affection from staff!

When Four is found to be strong and healthy enough to go to a new home, he will be made available for adoption to the right family by the RSPCA.

The cat population crisis is a complex problem but the facts are simple: an undesexed cat that is ever allowed outside will be responsible for at least one litter of kittens, probably many more.

As anyone who has ever lost a pet will tell you, the decision to euthanase an animal is a difficult and heartbreaking one – so spare a thought for the kind and dedicated staff at your local RSPCA who must face this decision every single day because there are simply too many cats and kittens in need, and not enough good homes to go round.

Desexing your pet has many benefits – for example, desexed pets are generally more affectionate and less aggressive. Desexed pets are also less inclined to stray and therefore not as likely to be injured in fights with other animals or in accidents with motor vehicles.

Whether you’re a cat owner or not, you can help: desex your pet and spread the word to other pet owners; make sure it’s microchipped and your contact details are kept up-to-date; and if you can, consider keeping your cat indoors or enclosed in a secure outdoor cat run.

Finally, if your pet does go missing, don’t just assume it’s found a new home! - contact your local animal services, including the RSPCA, who can help you.

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