RSPCA NSW Blog

TEAM WORK FINDS WILLOW A NEW HOME

2012-02-01T17:22:00.001+11:00

Shoalhaven Council Rangers seized malnourished Willow her & the pups

New owner Makere Clark with Willow today

When Willow arrived at RSPCA’s Nowra Shelter, she was malnourished, emaciated and nursing eight small puppies. Looking at her today, you’d never guess she was the victim of such neglect.

Shoalhaven Council Rangers found Willow roaming the streets of Nowra in search of food. Her owner was nowhere to be found and the person who’d been left to look after Willow could not care for her or her pups.

Despite the neglect she’d endured, RSPCA staff immediately recognised something special about Willow.

“From the first instance, Willow’s nature was gentle and loving,” said RSPCA Inspector Lisa Lindsay. “She was so thin, and clearly wasn’t getting the care and nourishment required to sustain herself and all her pups.”

RSPCA Nowra Shelter staff nursed Willow and her pups back to health. All the puppies were adopted, while Willow remained at the Shelter, waiting for a new home.

“When I saw Willow’s profile on RCPCA’s Adopt a Pet site, I felt an immediate connection with her,” said Willow’s new owner Makere Clark. “Not only was Willow gorgeous, but her profile on RSPCA’s adoption site listed her as a mother – just like me. I knew then that I wanted Willow to be a part of our family.”

With the generous support of Jet Pets, Willow was flown free of charge from NSW to meet her new family in Queensland.

“Seeing the photos of Willow now, the change is incredible,” said Inspector Lindsay. “Willow’s new life is thanks to the Shoalhaven Council Rangers, the dedicated staff at RSPCA’s Nowra Shelter and the support of Jet Pets.”

RSPCA NSW Opens New Care Centre In Tuggerah

2012-01-16T12:56:00.002+11:00

This week, RSPCA NSW is excited to announce the opening of their new Care Centre, located in Tuggerah’s Supa Centre. The adoption outreach facility’s aim is to rehome animals in a welfare-friendly environment and educate the community about responsible pet ownership.

The RSPCA Care Centre in Tuggerah boasts highly-skilled staff, an adoption centre, grooming facility and retail outlet. Animals available for adoption include cats, dogs, kittens, puppies, birds and pocket pets.

RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said the Care Centre in Tuggerah would not have been possible without the help of Cessnock City Council.

“Cessnock City Council has a strong commitment to animal welfare so they agreed to fund the development of the Care Centre at Tuggerah in exchange for the RSPCA taking over their pound operations,” said Mr Coleman. “This is a radical departure from the traditional approach, but one that has been applauded by many.”

The first RSPCA Care Centre was opened just over two years ago in Rouse Hill. Since opening, the Care Centre in Rouse Hill has successfully rehomed over one thousand animals.

“The new Care Centre facility in Tuggerah is a credit to the skills of the team who were tasked with its development and the staff and volunteers who will work there every day,” said Mr Coleman.

RSPCA NSW invites the community to the official Open Day. People can interact with the animal available for adoption, meet the team and ask Care Centre staff for pet-related advice.

What: RSPCA Care Centre (an adoption outreach facility)
Where: T35 Tuggerah Supa Centa, Cnr Wyong Road and Bryant Drive, Tuggerah
Community Open Day: Saturday 21 January, 10am to 2pm

ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES – MOUNT DRUITT LOCAL COURT

2012-01-13T15:04:00.002+11:00

Photo of Maltese Terrier dog taken on day of seizure - 8 Oct 2011

A local Tregear woman twice failed to appear at Mount Druitt Local Court in relation to four animal cruelty charges. These included two counts of failure to provide veterinary treatment and two counts of failure to exercise reasonable care to prevent an act of cruelty to an animal. The charges related to the womans female Maltese Terrier dog and a male Shih Tzu crossbreed dog in her care.

An RSPCA Inspector responded to concerns about the welfare of several dogs on 8 October 2011. Both dogs were seized for veterinary attention which found them unrecognisable due to severely matted coats. The Maltese Terrier required treatment for an infection of the right eye, and the Shih Tzu for a severe bacterial ear infection.

This matter was heard ex parte when the woman failed to appear at Court on 15 December 2011. The accused was convicted and fined $750 for each veterinary charge and $500 for each of the charges relating to the matted coats. The Magistrate adjourned the matter until 12 January 2012 to allow the woman the opportunity to attend Court in relation to custody of her Maltese Terrier dog. When she again failed to appear the Magistrate granted custody of the dog to the RSPCA and prohibited the woman from owning any animal for five years. The woman was ordered to pay $81 Court costs, $137.28 transcription costs and $3,634.54 veterinary/boarding costs (total fines $2,500; total costs $3,852.82).

Friday Find-A-Friend; Stella, Female, Staffordshire Bull Terrier X

2012-01-06T10:43:00.001+11:00

Stella needs a very special home with a family who has experience with training dogs, as Stella is deaf and will need training using hand signals. She gets along very well with her kennel mate, Sophie, and would probably be best having another companion dog- they will be her 'ears' for her! Stella will need to meet any prospective housemates prior to adoption, so if you do already have another dog and you are thinking of adopting Stella, please bring your dog along to the shelter to meet her, so we can see how they interact.

Being deaf, Stellas yard will need to be very secure, as if she were to get out and run on the road, she would not hear a car coming. The yard must have colourbond fences and gates that are at least 5ft high, and in good condition with no gaps or footholes. Off lead walking will not be an option either, so a long walk every day, on the lead will be required. If you have children they too will need to be shown how to interact with Stella, by being included in Stellas training. IT would be best if Stellas family only had children over 6 years, so they are old enough to understand the training, and not to sneak up and grab Stella when she is sleeping, eating etc.

Besides being deaf, Stella is a typical playful, social, happy puppy. She is going through the teething stage, so it is very important to provide her with plenty of appropriate chew toys to help her through. She will also need sunscreen applied daily as she is prone to sunburn which may lead to skin cancer. A brush every couple of days, along with a bath every 6-8 weeks will help keep Stellas skin and coat clean and healthy.

Stella is available from the RSPCA Orange Shelter and comes health checked, micro chipped, desexed, vaccinated and up to date on her flea & worming treatments.

71 William Street, Orange 2800

Opening Hours; 10:00am to 3.30pm - Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Closed Tuesdays (except for emergencies).
Phone; (02) 6362-6171

And The Adventures of Tintin winners are...

2012-01-05T12:39:00.003+11:00

The competition was not the easisest, but did that stop our intrepid explorers from finding Snowy from amongst the html and www's - No! We recieved quite a few entries, but their can only be ten so here they are...

Major prize winners -

Lorna Monteiro - WA
Cassandra Bubb - NSW
Harley Nero Scott - NSW

Runner Up prize Winners -

Di Wu - NSW
Bing Du - NSW
Lucas laird - NSW
Jamey Law - NSW
Kerry Santillo - SA
Caroline Kelly - SA
Lara Daebritz - WA

Your prizes are on their way so keep your eyes on the post in the coming weeks. And don't forget to check out The Adventures of Tintin this Summer ;)

ONLY AT THE MOVIES DECEMBER 26TH - © 2011 PPC.

http://www.tintin-movie.com.au/

Facebook.com/TINTINAU

Twitter #TINTIN

Friday Find-A-Friend; Medlow, Male, Domestic Medium Hair X

2011-12-23T15:25:00.001+11:00

Meet Medlow!

Medlow is a sweet and affectionate boy who is looking for his forever home. He came to this shelter through no fault of his own and has since settled in really well. Being a medium haired cat, Medlow will require some care and grooming in order to keep his coat free from matts.

Medlow is social and gets on OK with other friendly cats but also enjoys some time on his own.

He will also require sunscreen or zinc to be applied to his ears and nose DAILY in order to protect him from harsh UV rays.

Medlow is $160 to adopt which includes: Desexing, Vet Health Examination, First Vaccination, Flea and Worming Treatment, a 30 day pet insurance cover note and A FRIEND FOR LIFE!

Council Lifetime Registration fee of $40, or $15 for pensioners applies at time of sale.

Medlow is available for adoption and meet'n'greet from the Blue Mountains RSPCA Shelter.

121 - 125 Mort Street, Katoomba
Open 6 days a week - closed Wednesdays.
Ph; (02) 4782 2674

Merry Xmas from RSPCA NSW

2011-12-23T13:35:00.002+11:00

When not shakin' it like a Polaroid picture, Tommy (http://rspcansw.org/uF9KAR), Sugar(http://rspcansw.org/sMfBpL), Omo (http://rspcansw.org/rW4lgo), Barry (http://rspcansw.org/vVCGJJ) & Conan (http://rspcansw.org/sYE05H) are desperatly looking for their fur-ever homes this Xmas. Can you help?

Snowys Treasure Hunt! Can you help Tintin find Snowy?

2011-12-19T15:53:00.001+11:00

Snowy is hot on the case! With Tintin and Captain Haddock in tow, Snowy has wandered off in search of the 3 Unicorn ship models that will lead them to Red Rackhams treasure. Can you help Tintin find Snowy?

To celebrate the release of The Adventures Of Tintin, at the movies December 26th, together with Paramount Pictures, we’re offering you the chance to win -

3x Major Prizes - Tintin Pet Camera, Tintin Movie Family Pass, Tintin Film Poster and a Tintin Tshirt
7x Runner Up Prizes - Tintin Movie Family Pass, Tintin Film Poster and a Tintin Tshirt

All you need to do is locate the where-a-bouts of 3 Snowys on the RSPCA NSW WEBSITE, copy and paste the web page address/s each Snowy is located on and send them to rspcanswonline@hotmail.com by the 22nd of January. Be sure to include your name, contact address and a contact number.

Tintin and his friends discover directions to a sunken ship commanded by Captain Haddock’s ancestor and go off on a treasure hunt. Starring Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) as Tintin, the intrepid young reporter whose relentless pursuit of a good story thrusts him into a world of high adventure, and Daniel Craig (Quantum of Solace) as the nefarious Red Rackham. The Adventures of Tintin is directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by Peter Jackson.

ONLY AT THE MOVIES DECEMBER 26TH - © 2011 PPC.

http://www.tintin-movie.com.au/

Facebook.com/TINTINAU

Twitter #TINTIN

RSPCA SPEAKS OUT AFTER ALLEGATIONS AGAINST PRESIDENT DISMISSED

2011-12-19T13:11:00.000+11:00

RSPCA NSW is relieved to learn of the outcome of today’s court hearing involving RSPCA NSW President and private veterinarian Dr Peter Wright. The charges against Dr Wright have been dismissed by a Sydney court.

This issue raised media queries during yesterday’s press conference when Premier Barry O’Farrell and Minister Katrina Hodgkinson attended RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter to reaffirm the State Government’s $7.5m pre-election promise to assist the charity in rebuilding Australia’s largest animal welfare facility.

RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman was disappointed that the allegations against Dr Wright overshadowed the more positive result of yesterday’s funding announcement. “We’ve been anticipating this funding announcement for several months now, and we were disheartened that the court matter took precedence over the Premier and Minister’s exciting funding news.

“We’ve seen overwhelming support from the NSW public for this rebuild, and they’ve played a large part in influencing the Government,” said Mr Coleman. “We’re grateful for the ongoing support over the years, and are excited that – with public support and funding – the Shelter rebuild project can finally progress.”

Allegations against Dr Wright were not related to the RSPCA; they pertain to a separate matter involving Dr Wright as a private veterinary practitioner.

“I can advise the informant in Dr Wright’s case is also a person of interest currently before the court in relation to several animal cruelty offences being prosecuted by RSPCA NSW,” said Mr Coleman. “This prosecution predates the allegations that were put against Dr Wright.”

Moronys Most Wanted: Vince, Male, Staffy X

2011-12-19T10:29:00.001+11:00

REWARD UPON CAPTURE - Unconditional love (and licks!)

My name is Vince and I’m a 1 year (and 7 months) old staffy. I came to the RSPCA through their Safe Beds For Pets Program because animals can also be victims of domestic violence. The lovely staff took really good care of me here until I was well enough to start looking for a new furever home but I’ve been waiting a while now. I am looking for a new family who has had dogs before and can make me feel part of the family by including me in day to day activities.

I enjoy daily walks and do require 1-2 walks a day to keep me fit and healthy. I love to play with toys so please provide me with plenty of different toys to keep my mind stimulated. I do like other dogs but I like to be the boss and I love people so much that I’d really just be the only pooch in the home. I need a fully fenced yard with no gaps I can squeeze through because I’m pretty inquisitive. A brush once a fortnight and a bath once a month will keep my coat maintained.

Because I have been in the shelter for so long I am at the moment at the RSPCA NSW – CNSW Dog Rehabilitation Program at the John Morony Centre so if you are interested in me you need to make an appointment. If you think I’d fit into your family please take the time to make an appointment by calling (02) 4582 2686. I asked 'Santa Paws' to send me a new family for Christmas and I’ve been VERY good all year – is your home looking for me?

Vince is available from the John Morony Correctional Complex, Berkshire Park. He comes health checked, micro chipped, desexed, vaccinated and up to date on her flea & worming treatments.

Phone appointment only, there is no direct public access.

Moronys Most Wanted: Sasha, Female, Staffy X

2011-12-15T15:58:00.001+11:00

REWARD UPON CAPTURE - A lifetime of cuddles and love!

My name is Sasha I’m a 5 year old staffy cross. I have called the shelter my home for the past 11 months. When I came into the shelter I was so skinny and heavily pregnant. My children have all grown up and I am left alone waiting for my forever family to come and bring me into their lives. I can be a little shy at first but once you get to know me I will become a loving and affectionate dog. I would prefer a home where I could be inside and out as I love human companionship. I do like other dogs but if you have another dog in your family I would like to meet any potential doggy house mates before we go home together. I also must go to a home that doesn’t have any cats or pocket pets as I may chase them.

Because I have been in the shelter for so long I am at the moment at the RSPCA NSW – CNSW Dog Rehabilitation Program at the John Morony centre so if you are interested in me you need to make an appointment. If you think I’d fit into your family please take the time to make an appointment by calling 02 4582 2686. Please don’t make me spend another Christmas without a family.

Sasha is available from the John Morony Correctional Complex, Berkshire Park. She comes health checked, micro chipped, desexed, vaccinated and up to date on her flea & worming treatments.

Phone appointment only, there is no direct public access.

Moronys Most Wanted: Boof, Male, Kelpie X

2011-12-14T11:10:00.000+11:00

REWARD UPON CAPTURE - Licks and kisses for the rest of your days!

My name is Boof and my previous owner left me behind when they went away. I was lucky that the neighbours were kind enough to give me some food and water and called the RSPCA NSW to try and help me. When the RSPCA NSW Inspector found me I was very skinny I hadn’t left my yard (even though I could I if I had wanted to) and I waited and waited for my owner to return. It appears that my previous owner had been gone for at least 2 weeks. The Inspector brought me back to the Sydney Shelter where they looked after me and slowly I got healthy again.

Even though my last owner didn’t look after me very well, I haven’t lost my affection for being with people and I am ready to find my forever home. I would best be suited as being the only dog in the family and no cats or pocket pets as I would chase them. I am a working class breed so I will need plenty of exercise.

Because Boof has been in the shelter so long, he is currently at the RSPCA NSW – CNSW Dog Rehabilitation Program at the John Morony centre so if you’re interested in making Boof part of your family, you will need to make an appointment to see him by phoning (02) 4582 2686.

Boof is available from the John Morony Correctional Complex, Berkshire Park. He comes health checked, micro chipped, desexed, vaccinated and up to date on his flea & worming treatments.

Phone appointment only, there is no direct public access.

Moronys Most Wanted: Brian, Male, Australian Cattledog X

2011-12-13T12:52:00.000+11:00

REWARD UPON CAPTURE - Unconditional love and a friend for life!

Brian came into our Orange Shelter cold and hungry from being left to roam the streets. He waited and waited for his family to come and get him but no family came for him. Brian was then moved to the Sydney Shelter where he sat and waited day after day for his family to adopt him. It has now been 8 months since he came into us and he is still waiting for his new family.

All Brian lives for is a ball to be thrown for him to catch and bring back to you, he would do this all day if you let him. His new family would have to have no cats or pocket pets as he doesn’t get along with them. All he is really asking for is a family who will love him forever.

Because Brian has been in the shelter for so long he is currently staying at the RSPCA NSW – CNSW Dog Rehabilitation Program at the John Morony centre, so you will need to make an appointment to see him on (02) 4582 2686. Please don’t let Brian stay here any longer than he has to!

Brian is available from the John Morony Correctional Complex, Berkshire Park. He comes health checked, micro chipped, desexed, vaccinated and up to date on his flea & worming treatments.

Phone appointment only, there is no direct public access.

DOG DUMPED IN GARBAGE BIN ON NSW FAR NORTH COAST

2011-12-13T09:20:00.000+11:00

Puppy as found at Woodenbong Tip 8 Dec 2011

Puppy under vet treatment 9 Dec 2011

The RSPCA is appealing for information to identify the person responsible for injuring a puppy and disposing of her in a garbage bin on the NSW Far North Coast.

The female three-month old puppy was found at the Woodenbong tip at 11.00am on Thursday 8 December 2011. A worker heard whimpering noises and found the injured pup covered in oil amongst waste dumped by a garbage truck. NSW Police and the RSPCA were contacted and the dog was taken to a local veterinarian.

The veterinarian found swelling at the back of the skull consistent with a blow in an attempt to kill the pup. The puppy has neurological damage and it remains uncertain whether she will survive her injuries.

The puppy is believed to have been collected by a garbage truck on Wednesday 7 December 2011 on a route from Mummulgum to Woodenbong along the Bruxner Highway and Bonalbo-Urbenville Road.

The white crossbreed puppy has a distinctive brindle patch over her left eye.

If the person who injured and abandoned the puppy in the garbage bin is located, they could face criminal charges of serious animal cruelty.

Anyone with information which may assist the RSPCA with their investigation is urged to contact RSPCA Inspectors by telephone on (02) 9770 7555 or toll free 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589).

Foster Carers Wanted!

2011-12-05T12:42:00.001+11:00

Have you ever thought about helping the RSPCA by fostering animals?

The RSPCA Sydney Shelter is currently looking for dedicated Foster Carers. We have many types of animals that require fostering including kittens & puppies, mother animals with litters, animals that require cage rest after surgery and animals that require socialisation and rehabilitation if they have behavioural issues.

In order to become a foster carer you need to attend an Information/Induction session, have a Premise Inspection and become a member of the RSPCA. No formal training or qualifications are required, generally time, patience and TLC are all our animals require. Becoming a Foster Carer requires ongoing commitment as we are always in need of people like yourself who would like to help.

We often hold induction every 4-6 weeks depending on demand. We go through the 'ins-n-outs' of the program which should give you the opportunity to make a fully informed decision whether to continue with the application process.

If you would like any more information about becoming a foster carer check out our website by clicking here - http://www.rspcansw.org.au/get_involved/become_a_foster_carer.

Or alternatively, by emailing the Foster Care Coordinators at fostercare@rspcansw.org.au.

For people living outside the Sydney area you can contact your local RSPCA Shelter or Branch to see how you can help them.

Friday Find-A-Friend; Conan, Male, Bullmastiff X Boxer

2011-12-02T11:21:00.001+11:00

Conan is a very strong boy who needs an owner who has experience with large dogs, and will be able to provide him with the training, and daily exercise Conan needs. Conan really enjoys going for a walk and will need a long walk, at least once per day. He does pull very hard on the lead, and needs further lead training- using a halti would also help. During his stay at the shelter, Conan has met several other dogs, both large and small. He is not overly excited to meet them, but is happy to have a sniff and wag to say 'Hello'. He has also been very tollerant of excitable dogs jumping all over him when they met.

If you do already have another dog and you are thinking of adopting Conan, you will need to bring your dog along to the shelter to meet him so we can see how they interact. Conan will chase small animals so will not be suited to go to a home with cats or pocket pets. Conan also tends to jump up a lot, so children should be supervised around Conan at all times, and the children need to be encouraged to participate in Conans training and general care, so they learn how to interact with him.

To ensure Conan is kept safe and secure he will need a large yard which has fences and gates that are AT LEAST 5ft high, colourbond would be best, and must be in good condition with no gaps or footholes. To help keep Conan looking and feeling his best he will need a brush once or twice a week, along with a bath every 6-8 weeks. As Conan has short coat he would also need a warm coat put on in colder weather, along with a kennel to protect him from the elements. Conan loves human company and would do best in a family who have plenty of time available for him, and will include him in the daily family routine, not leave him alone in a backyard day in, day out, as if he was, he would become bored, then possibly noisy or destructive.

Conan is available from the RSPCA Yagoona Shelter.

RSPCA Sydney (Yagoona) Shelter
201 Rookwood Road
Yagoona, 2199
ph; (02) 9770-7555

Adoptions:
Monday to Tuesday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday to Sunday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Closed on Public Holidays

RED DOG Gives Back to his Four-Legged Friends.

2011-11-30T11:12:00.001+11:00

We’ve long loved dogs for being man’s best friend, but now the RSPCA has even more reason to love dogs … RED DOG!

RED DOG, is being released DVD tomorrow, 1 December 2011 and $1 from the sale of every DVD sold in Coles supermarkets during the month of December will go to the RSPCA.

RED DOG is set to be the biggest Australian DVD release of the year. The film, which is still playing in cinemas, has grossed a remarkable $21.1m at the box-office to date, and is the 8th highest-grossing Australian film of all-time.

The film tells the incredible true-story of a wandering kelpie who befriends an entire mining community in the Pilbara region of WA in the 1970s. The canine star of the movie, ‘Koko’, has won the hearts of Australians, with more than 4,000 fans on Facebook.

RSPCA Australia CEO Heather Neil said that the RSPCA is thrilled to partner with Roadshow.

“The RSPCA is delighted that Roadshow and Woss Group Film Productions have chosen to partner with the RSPCA for the release of the RED DOG DVD.”

“Last year the RSPCA cared for over 155,000 animals yet less than 3 per cent of the RSPCA’s national funding comes from government, so we rely on the generosity of Australians to keep our doors open.

“Funds raised through this initiative will support the work of the RSPCA in caring for and rehoming animals, investigating cases of animal abuse and cruelty and campaigning for stronger animal protection laws in Australia.”

RED DOG producer Nelson Woss said “the RED DOG film has roamed the world and wherever we go we try to support a local dog shelter or charity. We are thrilled to support the RSPCA with the DVD release and hope that the Australian audiences that came out to see RED DOG also support RSPCA's important cause”.

Become a Guardian Angel this Xmas!

2011-11-29T10:46:00.001+11:00

To celebrate being a Guardian Angel, we’d love to reward you with your very own halo. Please go to our Guardian Gallery and upload an image of yourself or your pet and tell us why you became an RSPCA Guardian Angel.

Each year, the numbers of Guardian Angels grows. Many of you return again and again to help new animals have happier, safer Christmases. And because you are our very own animal angels, we'd like to give you a halo for your efforts! Please join our Guardian Gallery by uploading an image and telling us why you decided to donate to this cause. Don't forget to indicate how many times you've been an RSPCA Guardian Angel and we'll add the halos!

Simba needs home for Xmas!

2011-11-28T15:40:00.001+11:00

Simba is a big confident boy looking for a place to call his own! He has been waiting for months for a new home having been in the care of the RSPCA since March of this year. He originally came to the Wagga Wagga RSPCA branch where they had him available for adoption. He was transferred to the Sydney shelter in June to try and help him find his forever home and has been waiting ever since.

He likes company and will jump up to sit with you on the lounge or happily sleep on the bed but isn't an overly cuddly cat. He may not be suited to a home with young children who don't understand he needs his own space.

He isn’t a fan of staying at the shelter so we have had him living with a devoted foster carer while still being available to be adopted. His profile appears on the adoptapet website but because he isn’t on view at the Sydney Shelter he has missed out on being spotted when people come to visit. To help him find his new family quicker we have reduced his adoption fee to $80. He is desexed, microchipped, up to date with his vaccinations, worming and flea treatment and has had a full vet check. We are also including an adoption pack to go home with Simba (including a bag of Hills Science Diet Feline Adult biscuits, a bag of kitty litter, a blanket and some toys).

His foster carer is going away in 3 weeks time and we are hoping to have Simba settled into a new home before then. Please help Simba find a fur-ever home before Xmas!

If you're interested and would like to meet'n'greet Simba, please call (02) 9770-7555 and organize a play date today!

Friday Find-A-Friend; Sugar, Female, Sharpei X

2011-11-25T13:28:00.001+11:00

When Sugar was first brought to the RSPCA she was in bad shape. She had been struggling to feed a litter of pups with inadequate food and was extremely emaciated and unwell. Vet staff and Animal Attendents who have been with the RSPCA for many, many years were shocked at Sugars state. Though, after many weeks of special care and a little R+R, Sugar's condition improved and her beautiful personaility began to shine through. And it must be said, she is sweeter than a bowl of honey coated sugar cubes!

Sugar is a very affectionate dog and loves cuddles. She is looking for a home where she will get regular walks and exercise, and where she will also be included in family life as much as possible. Sugar is social with other dogs but any potential doggy mates should be introduced to her at the shelter prior to adoption, as she sometimes gets annoyed by over excited dogs.

Sugar is not suitable for a home with cats or other small pets as she will chase them.

Sugar has had some problems with ear infections while in the care of the RSPCA, and it is likely she will require extra care (such as regular cleaning and possibly intermittent medical treatments) for her ears for the rest of her life.

She is currently being fed with a special low allergy food to help prevent a recurrence of her ear problems, and she nmay need to remain on this diet for life.

Potential new owners are required to attend a consult with an RSPCA vet before adopting Sugar so her ear problems and dietary requirements can be properly discussed.

Sugar is available from the RSPCA Yagoona Shelter.

RSPCA Sydney (Yagoona) Shelter
201 Rookwood Road
Yagoona, 2199
ph; (02) 9770-7555

Adoptions:
Monday to Tuesday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday to Sunday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Closed on Public Holidays

Xmas Gift Giving Is Going To The Dogs & It’s Doggone Gorgeous!

2011-11-24T12:02:00.001+11:00

“Santa Paws Is Coming to MY Town” Tee Shirt RRP $12.95

Christmas Buddies RRP $9.95 each

Looking to find a gift for the furry child in your life that has everything? And help support your favorite animal welfare organisation at the same time?

Your dog will be sure to drool this 'Yule' over these fun and festive goodies from Doggone Gorgeous, available exclusively at PETstock outlets nationally - sales of which help the RSPCA.

All dressed up and somewhere to go! “Tis the season for some serious party pet fun and won’t pooch look doggone dapper wearing this cheeky festive-themed tee that comes with the RSPCA “woof of approval” for superior design, comfort and quality. Available in XS, S, M & L.

Forget the bone, studded collar and doggie treats, your pooch will go barking mad for these funky Christmas-themed toys that can be used as a retriever or tug and are sure to provide endless hours of entertainment and mental stimulation for pooch whilst you enjoy your festive celebrations! This gift makes a great stocking stuffer for your dog or for the dog lovers in your life. Choose from 3 grrr-oovy buddy characters - Red Reindeer, Blue Dog and Green Dog.

Paw through PETstock outlets nationally from mid November 2011 for these Doggone Gorgeous Christmas gifts.

9th Annual Doghouse Challenge Is On!

2011-11-24T09:33:00.001+11:00

On Saturday, 26th November RSPCA NSW, TAFE NSW and Bunnings Warehouse will join forces once again for the 9th annual Doghouse Challenge. The Challenge showcases the designs and craftsmanship of TAFE NSW students using materials provided by Bunnings Warehouse to build doghouses for RSPCA NSW. This year’s Challenge will be hosted by Bunnings Warehouse in Hoxton Park.

TAFE student teams from the Hunter, Sydney Metropolitan, Blue Mountains and Illawarra regions will have 30 minutes to construct their doghouses, after which time judging will commence. RSPCA NSW Shelter dogs will be on hand to inspect and “evaluate” the finished products.

“We’re always really impressed with the doghouse designs,” said RSPCA NSW Animal Wellbeing Support Coordinator Hannah Burfitt. “The students work really hard and put a lot of thought into constructing houses that are suitable for and appealing to dogs."

Awards will be presented based on teamwork, design, decoration, originality and eco-friendliness, just to name a few.

The finished doghouses will be displayed at Bunnings Warehouse in Hoxton Park before being handed over to the RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter in Yagoona.

When: Saturday, 26th November 11am-2pm
Where: Bunnings Warehouse – 2 Lyn Parade, Hoxton Park

RSPCA Broken Hill halves feline adoption fees!

2011-11-22T12:31:00.001+11:00

Stoli is $60 to adopt from RSPCA’s Broken Hill Shelter

From 21st November through 2nd December, RSPCA’s Broken Hill Shelter will cut feline adoption fees in half. With kitten season in full swing, RSPCA Shelter staff hopes the reduced adoption fee will help them rehome 30 felines currently in their care.

During this time, the following adoption fees will apply*:

Kittens up to twelve months old - $80
Adult cats up to six years old - $60
Senior cats over six years old - $40

“Summer and spring are always busy times for us, particularly when it comes to kittens,” said RSPCA Broken Hill Shelter Supervisor Merridy Wall. “Right now we’ve got over 20 kittens waiting to find new homes.”

The RSPCA reminds the public that pets are a long-term commitment and should be a considered purchase, not an impulse buy.

“Owning a pet can be a big responsibility,” said Ms Wall. “But for those people who are ready to commit to a pet, we hope this initiative will encourage their decision to come to the RSPCA before looking elsewhere."

Cats adopted from the RSPCA are behaviour assessed, desexed, microchipped, health checked, vaccinated and up to date on their flea and worming treatments.

The RSPCA Broken Hill Shelter is located on South Road and is open six days a week (closed Sundays) for adoptions. To view animals available for adoption, visit http://www.adoptapet.com.au/.

*Reduced fees apply to felines located at the Broken Hill Shelter only. Standard adoption processes apply.

Santa Paws is coming to town!!!

2011-11-21T12:43:00.001+11:00

He knows if you've been scent tagging - Santa Paws is on his way! Join us at the Rouse Hill Care Centre on the 3rd & 10th of December and have your pets keepsake photo taken with Santa Paws.

To help our much loved furry friends get into the Christmas spirit this year, the RSPCA Care Centre at Rouse Hill is proud to announce that Santa Paws will be instore for a purrrrrrfect Christmas photo for 2011!

Photos will take place on December 3rd and 10th between the hours of 10am and 4 pm so get your tails down to the Care Centre on Civic Way in the Rouse Hill Town Centre to avoid being on the naughty dog list!

Friday Find-A-Friend; Charlie, Male, American Staffy X

2011-11-18T14:19:00.001+11:00

Charlie has been at the Blue Mountains RSPCA Shelter for several months now and sadly has not yet been adopted. The fact is that he's a loving and playful boy who enjoys spending time with people and all his doggy friends. He is a boisterous dog that would benefit from a lot of time and obedience training, he has already learned to sit and responds very well to lot's of interaction and stimuli.

Charlie would need to go to a home with a secure, fully fenced yard - approximately 5 feet high to make sure he cannot escape. He would also need to be introduced to other dogs before going to a new home with them. Charlie is looking for a home where his owners will provide toys, mental stimuli, daily exercise and lots and lots of love.

He is only $300 to adopt which includes all of the following: Vet Check, Desexing, Current vaccination, Flea Control, Microchip, Heartworm Treatment, Worming, Behaviour Assessment, 30-day Pet Insurance and a Friend for Life.

Chalie is available for adoption and meet'n'greet from the Blue Mountains RSPCA Shelter.

121 - 125 Mort Street, Katoomba
Open 6 days a week - closed Wednesdays.
Ph; (02) 4782 2674

RSPCA CAWS PROGRAM VISITS CONDOBOLIN

2011-11-09T10:50:00.000+11:00

RSPCA NSW’s Community Animal Welfare Schemes (CAWS) program will visit central western NSW from 7th to 11th November to offer reduced-rate veterinary services to pet owners in Condobolin and educate school-aged children about important animal welfare issues.

CAWS – a subsidised, means-tested pet desexing and microchipping scheme – promotes responsible pet ownership and helps pensioners and low income earners improve their pets’ quality of life. Additionally, the program aims to help improve animal welfare and reduce the number of unwanted animals impounded each year.

The program also advocates education and public awareness to teach community members and school-aged children about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare and the importance of desexing.

“Education is an important aspect of CAWS,” said RSPCA NSW Education Officer Zoe Dawson. “It teaches students that they can make a difference to the health and welfare of animals and pets.”

The education program is suitable for audiences of all ages and can be tailored to suit the needs and size of the group.

Ms Dawson is currently visiting schools in the Condobolin area, and will travel to Trundle to visit students at Trundle Central School.

For more information about school visits or to make a booking, call 0459 183 800 or email zdawson@rspcansw.org.au

RSPCA OFFERS CREATURE COMFORTS WITH NEW CATTERY

2011-11-07T10:02:00.000+11:00

A brand new cattery and boarding facility has been installed at RSPCA’s Broken Hill Shelter. The new structure is thanks to one local supporter’s generous bequest, which was made specifically to fund this project.

RSPCA Broken Hill Shelter Supervisor Merridy Wall said the new cattery design is the first of its kind in Broken Hill and will offer a more comfortable stay for privately-owned cats boarding at the Shelter.

“The new cattery can house up to 12 cats at a time,” said Ms Wall. “The units are large enough so that two cats from the same family can be housed together. This is beneficial, as it can help reduce stress among cats while they’re staying in an unfamiliar environment.”

Each unit features its own outdoor balcony where cats can enjoy fresh air and relax in the sunshine.

The facility also offers reverse-cycle air conditioning to ensure year-round comfort regardless of extreme Broken Hill temperatures.

RSPCA Broken Hill Managing Veterinarian Dr Doug Dixon-Hughes said the new design will also allow Shelter staff to monitor individual cat’s health more effectively.

“The old cattery was a communal housing design,” said Dr Dixon-Hughes. “This made it more difficult for staff to determine whether all animals were eating and drinking regularly, or if any patterns were being distrupted. The new facility will enable us to monitor each animal closely and ensure their wellbeing while in our care.”

Friday Find-A-Friend; Tess, Female, Bullmastiff X

2011-11-04T10:41:00.003+11:00

Tess is a sweet girl who has been with us now for over 9 months and is looking for a forever home with a loving and experienced family, who will ensure that she receives the love, attention, training and socialising that she needs. She would love to be an active member of the family, and be included in as many daily activities as possible.

Tess is a strong girl and will be best suited to a home with no children under the age of 10 yrs as she could easily knock them over and accidently hurt them. Older children should be shown how to best interact with her, and should be encouraged to participate in Tess's training.

Tess has a lot of energy to burn, and needs at least one large walk daily. When left alone, she should have free access to plenty of toys and boredom busters like Kongs.

Tess is quite excitable around other dogs, and may jump on them. For this reason, we recommend that if you have another dog at home and you were considering Tess for your family, that they come in to meet Tess first. This is just to ensure that they get along well.

Cats and pocket pets are quite exciting to Tess and for that reason she cannot go home with any as she tends to chase them.

Tess will also need to have a fully secure yard with minimum 5ft fences. We recommend good quality colourbond with no gaps or foot-holes so she is kept safe and secure.

She will need a quick brush every couple of days, and a bath every 6-8 weeks or whenever she's dirty to keep her looking her beautiful best!

Tess is available from the RSPCA Yagoona Shelter. You can view his Adopt-A-Pet profile HERE.

RSPCA Sydney (Yagoona) Shelter
201 Rookwood Road
Yagoona, 2199
ph; (02) 9770-7555

Adoptions:
Monday to Tuesday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday to Sunday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Closed on Public Holidays

RSPCA ADVOCATES EDUCATION, THANKS TO COUNCIL GRANT

2011-10-31T10:26:00.000+11:00

RSPCA NSW’s Education Team will visit high schools in the Hastings community from 31st October to 4th November to help teach students about the importance of animal welfare. The Sydney-based team’s visit is thanks to a recently-awarded grant from Hastings Council.

As part of their week-long visit, the Education Team will work alongside RSPCA’s Port Macquarie Shelter and Volunteer Branch to raise awareness about animal welfare issues including: responsible pet ownership; the importance of desexing; laws surrounding animal cruelty; and the humane treatment of animals. They will also speak about ways to get involved with RSPCA initiatives in the local community.

RSPCA Port Macquarie Volunteer Branch President Jackianne Wright said the need for animal welfare education is apparent in the level of animal-related crimes reported, and is further evidenced by the number of animals being surrendered to the local RSPCA.

“Currently, there is no animal welfare organisation in the Hastings area equipped with the skills, knowledge, resources and experience that RSPCA’s Education Team can offer,” said Ms Wright.

“We expect the team’s visit may help reduce the level of crime involving animals and encourage not only responsible pet ownership within the community, but overall responsible citizenship as well.”

RSPCA NSW Education Officer Stephanie Sok said the team is very much looking forward to next week’s visit.

“Our overarching goal is to help teach students and the larger community that each individual can make a difference in the welfare of animals,” said Ms Sok.

The program is suitable for audiences of all ages and can be tailored to suit the needs and size of the group.

RSPCA’s Education Team has already booked speaking engagements at Heritage Christian School, Byabarra Public School, Hastings Public School and Camden Haven High School. Please call 02 9782 4477 or email education@rspcansw.org.au for more information about school visits or to make a booking.

Friday Find-A-Friend; Conan, Boxer X

2011-10-28T16:05:00.000+11:00

Conan is a very strong boy who needs an owner who has experience with large dogs, and will be able to provide him with the training, and daily exercise Conan needs. Conan really enjoys going for a walk and will need a long walk, at least once per day. He does pull very hard on the lead, and needs further lead training- using a halti would also help.

During his stay at the shelter, Conan has met several other dogs, both large and small. He is not overly excited to meet them, but is happy to have a sniff and wag to say 'Hello'. He has also been very tollerant of excitable dogs jumping all over him when they met. If you do already have another dog and you are thinking of adopting Conan, you will need to bring your dog along to the shelter to meet him so we can see how they interact. Conan will chase small animals so will not be suited to go to a home with cats or pocket pets. Conan also tends to jump up a lot, so children should be supervised around Conan at all times, and the children need to be encouraged to participate in Conans training and general care, so they learn how to interact with him.

To ensure Conan is kept safe and secure he will need a large yard which has fences and gates that are at least 5ft high, colourbond would be best, and must be in good condition with no gaps or footholes. To help keep Conan looking and feeling his best he will need a brush once or twice a week, along with a bath every 6-8 weeks. As Conan has short coat he would also need a warm coat put on in colder weather, along with a kennel to protect him from the elements. Conan loves human company and would do best in a family who have plenty of time available for him, and will include him in the daily family routine, not leave him alone in a backyard day in, day out, as if he was, he would become bored, then possibly noisy or destructive.

Conan is available from the RSPCA Yagoona Shelter. You can view his Adopt-A-Pet profile HERE.

RSPCA Sydney (Yagoona) Shelter
201 Rookwood Road
Yagoona, 2199
ph; (02) 9770-7555

Adoptions:
Monday to Tuesday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday to Sunday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Closed on Public Holidays

Puppies stolen from RSPCA Hunter Shelter

2011-10-28T11:16:00.000+11:00

The stolen puppies are brindle in colour, similair to the pup featured above.

This past Wednesday night, two puppies were stolen from RSPCA’s Hunter Shelter in Rutherford. The 10-week-old female Mastiff Cross pups were being treated for a medical condition and require medication urgently to ensure they don’t become fatally ill. Concerned Shelter staff are asking for the public’s help to expedite the dogs’ safe return.

The puppies had been in RSPCA’s care since the end of September, when they were brought in as strays. Due to their medical condition, they were not yet up for adoption.

Acting Shelter Manager Scott Meyers said the thief/thieves cut through three fences and smashed a window to get to the puppies.

“The puppies were taken from an indoor enclosure sometime between 6pm yesterday and 6am today,” said Mr Meyers.

“At this point, we’re extremely concerned about the puppies’ health and wellbeing,” said Mr Meyers. “They were due to have their medication this morning. Without continued veterinary treatment, their lives are in grave danger.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Maitland Police or the RSPCA’s Hunter Shelter on (02) 4939 1555.

Biscuit - An eye for an eye!

2011-10-18T12:49:00.003+11:00

As more and more pet owners are faced with hard choices mandated by today’s difficult economic climate, an unfortunate result is that many family pets are not getting the level of medical care they need. Desparate pet owners are faced with ‘no-win’ choices of no medical care, minimal medical care or surrendering their pet.

'Wong Wong' was one such Pomeranian who was brought into the Sydney Shelter. He was a little worse for wear but it wasn't like you would know it by looking at him play. He had only one eye and a plate in his leg from a previous injury. As is becoming more and more common, his owner couldn't afford the mounting vet bills and to add to their woes - pets weren’t allowed at their new home. Things looked dire for little 'Wong Wong'.

And then along came Samantha. Samantha took one look and adopted 'Wong Wong' right there and then, renaming him Biscuit and shuttling him back to his new home.

Surrendering your dog can be a difficult decision. Often, people believe they must give up their dog because they do not know how to handle a particular issue. However, most issues such as housing options, steep veterinarian bills, allergies, and behavioral issues all can often be addressed.

We at RSPCA NSW are aware that no responsible pet owner would make any of these choices if they had any other option. Therefore, one of our goals in this blog is to try to provide you with education that leads to additional choices. In that light, we would like to make you aware of the resources, suggestions and options suggested in this blog and on our RSPCA NSW website. Or, as a last resort if you are forced to surrender your pet, we urge you to contact an RSPCA Shelter or rescue in your geographic area to see if they can take in your pet and try to find them a new happy home.

Samantha tells us that Biscuit has settled in really well. He has so many toys that choosing a favourite is difficult - they are all his favourite. If they are playing a game of tug a war he runs over and jumps in the middle! His injuries don’t stop him in any way enjoying life. He still loves to run around and play but mostly enjoys to sit and have a cuddle on his new owners lap.

Good luck Biscuit! May all the holes that you dig, be deep and the treats you receive, chewy :)

Jay Jay comes to the rescue!

2011-10-17T13:34:00.001+11:00

Catastrophes unite us in our courage, our challenges and our grief. But they also provide a blueprint for our future. Particularly when that blueprint allows for the saving of human life and when natural disaster strikes the bond between animal and man has never been stronger.

Above is a picture of Jay Jay (previously known as Johnny) prior to being rehomed. He was brought by his owner Zoe in April of this year from the Yagoona Shelter and is currently enrolled in the K9 Urban Search and Rescue team for the SES & NSW Fire Brigade.

RSPCA NSW Inspector Slade Macklin is working with SES & NSW Fire Brigades Steve Austin in rehabilitating and training Jay Jay for eventual deployment into disaster zones. The canines help search teams to locate victims, using their incredible sense of smell to detect live human scent, even from a victim buried deep in the rubble.

Urban Search and Rescue dogs are all trained to locate people that may have become buried due to natural or man made disasters. All of the dogs are trained to give a bark indication when they have located live human scent. Canine searchers play a critical role during structural collapse incidents. Canines with high "toy drive" are used for urban search and rescue. It is a game of hide and seek" for the dog. In training, people run from the dog and hide with the toy, playing with the dog when found. By the time the dog is on a real search, he is looking willingly for trapped people.

"He is doing really well - his drive and focus is fantastic. By September next year Jay Jay and other dogs on the team will be qualified and deployable to natural disasters zones such as Christchurch and Japan to search for victims." said Inspector Macklin. "I wanted to forward this on as we dont often see where the dogs that we have rehomed have progressed to and that they dont need to be pure bred to be life savers."

We here at RSPCA NSW wish Jay Jay the safest of travels and all the best in his new home and vocation.

Friday Find-A-Friend; Susie, Greyhound

2011-10-07T13:27:00.000+11:00

I am a sweet, gentle girl who is looking for a new family who has knowledge of my breed.

I require 1-2 walks a day to keep me fit and healthy. I get very excited when I see the lead and am out on a walk. I do like toys and love to chase them so please provide me with different toys to keep me busy when left alone.

I do like to greet other dogs but sometimes may not show much interest in meeting them. I cannot be re homed with small breed dogs but if you have another large breed dog at home, I will have to meet before taking me home.

I require a fully secure 5 ft fence with no holes or gaps where I can escape through.

A quick brush once a fortnight and a bath once a month will keep my coat maintained.

NO CATS OR POCKET PETS.
NO SMALL ANIMALS.
MUST HAVE BREED KNOWLEDGE.

I am available from the RSPCA Yagoona Shelter with the rest of my pals.

RSPCA Sydney (Yagoona) Shelter
201 Rookwood Road
Yagoona, 2199

ph; (02) 9770-7555

Adoptions:
Monday to Tuesday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday to Sunday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Closed on Public Holidays

New RSPCA Program Helps Homeless Pets and People!

2011-10-04T16:33:00.000+11:00

With over 30,000 homeless people reported in NSW, the RSPCA today announces it will launch Australia’s first dedicated program to helping homeless pets and their owners. Living Ruff is a unique program that hopes to provide a range of community outreach services for pets and people living without access to long-term accommodation of a suitable standard.

Living Ruff Program initiatives include: emergency boarding and foster care; access to veterinary services; access to food for pets; education programs; and outreach services.

RSPCA NSW will officially launch the first stage of the Living Ruff Program on Wednesday, 5 October with the Exodus Foundation in Ashfield. The RSPCA is actively seeking funding to roll out incremental stages of the program.

“The RSPCA is about animal welfare, as well as human welfare,” said RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman.

“We understand the bond between pets and their owners is strong, particularly during times of hardship and distress. Living Ruff will offer services for homeless pets and their owners in the hopes of helping them remain together during this challenging time,” said Mr Coleman.

Exodus Foundation Founder Rev Bill Crews said that for many homeless people, the only stable love in their lives is the love they share with their pets.

“This love can provide friendship in the face of loneliness and inner warmth when it’s cold outside. The more homeless people know there are services available to look after their pets, the more secure they’ll feel in – what is for them – an insecure, scary world,” said Rev Crews.

RSPCA NSW Special Programs Coordinator Fiona Millhouse developed Living Ruff after joining the RSPCA earlier this year as part of the Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference Program.

“Through to the Vodafone Foundation’s World of Difference Program, Ms Millhouse has come on board to share her extensive knowledge on both program development and homelessness,” said Mr Coleman. “We’re very fortunate to have her as part of our team during this exciting time.

Walking on Sunshine!

2011-10-04T10:24:00.000+11:00

The RSPCA Cat Legacy House at Somersby has been busy planning and building outdoor climbing frames for the residents, since April 2010. While all cats have access to a landscaped garden, it lacked environment enrichment. It did not encourage the cats to be outside and to be active. This leads to behavioural problems and some very lazy cats!

Imagine looking at the same four walls and garden for five years. Enough to pull your hair out? Well that’s just what our Legacy Cat, Jia, was doing in his free time. We decided that Jia needed some enrichment by the way of a climbing structure. This would provide physical enrichment with different surfaces to explore and varying platforms to climb, jump and discover while also providing visual stimulation.

The concept for designing the climbing frames on this side of the house was to make use of the walls in the construction process. Some of the residents have smaller gardens (privacy issues) and the frames were planned to utilize the small space in the best possible way. With some clever thinking and design work, we were able to stretch our funds to incorporate 3 climbing frames and to trial ‘bunk beds’ in two rooms. The result? Jia now has a climbing frame that extends up and over his garden and incorporates a sunning platform and a tunnel to investigate. Fred has a climbing frame that includes a sunning platform, shady retreat and a hideaway tunnel. And Miss Mini and Miss Puss have a climbing frame that is shaded by their own native tree which includes a deluxe cabin to dream away their days.

The two boys are also trialing the bunk beds; Fred likes the top bunk and Jia the lower.

I am pleased that our climbing frames continue to benefit and enrich the lives of these much cherished cats. It does feel like they are Walking on Sunshine.

Lisa Brennan

Animal Attendant

RSPCA Cat Legacy House

p.s. Many thanks to Mick Clarke and the boys at Kincumber Men’s Shed, for their ongoing commitment to community projects; including their time, energy and beautiful construction of the RSPCA Cat Legacy House climbing frames.

Friday Find-A-Friend; Dan, Domestic Medium Hair X

2011-09-30T13:05:00.000+10:00

Meet Dan!

Dan came into the shelter as a stray and was sadly never reclaimed. He is a friendly and social boy who is now looking for his new family. Dan gets on OK with other friendly cats, but also enjoys some time on his own. He is quite people social and enjoys getting pats.

Being a medium haired cat, Dan will require a brush once or twice a week to maintain his coat and ensure it remains free from matts. Dan will need in his new home a litter tray, scratching post, food and water bowls, a few toys to play with and a nice warm bed to curl up in.

Dan is $160 to adopt which includes: Desexing and Vet Health Examination, Microchipping, First Vaccination, FIV Test, Flea and Worming Treatment, a 30 day pet insurance cover note and A FRIEND FOR LIFE!

For more information please visit: http://www.rspcansw.org.au/ or call (02) 4782 2674

Trade a Trick for a Treat at the RSPCA!

2011-09-29T16:51:00.001+10:00

The RSPCA Sydney Shelter is currently experiencing a shortage of toys and treats for the animals in its care. As part of their Halloween-themed ‘Tricks for Treats’ initiative, the RSPCA is asking for donations from the public leading up to 31 October.

“Treats are a very important part of our positive reinforcement training methods with the animals,” said Marika Taylor, Sydney Shelter Volunteer Coordinator. Shelter staff and volunteers practice obedience training with the animals on a daily basis, so treats are consumed quickly. “We’re always in need of treats and toys, particularly for dogs and cats.”

Treats provide a reward system for training, while toys provide comfort and stimulation for animals staying in an unfamiliar environment.

Can you donate pet-friendly treats and toys? All donated dog and cat items can be dropped off at the RSPCA Sydney Shelter, 201 Rookwood Road, Yagoona between 9.00am and 8.00pm. Treats and toys can also be purchased directly from the Shelter’s retail store (closed Wednesdays) and the RSPCA Care Centre at Rouse Hill Town Centre.

Tradingpost.com.au and RSPCA Adoptapet join forces to help pets find a home!

2011-09-29T09:14:00.000+10:00

Thousands of dogs and cats soon will have a better chance of finding a family thanks to a new partnership between the RSPCA and Australia’s No 1 classifieds site, tradingpost.com.au, to offer online pet adoptions.

Michael Padden, Head of Telstra Advertising Network said customers visiting tradingpost.com.au will be able to browse ads for rescue animals in addition to the thousands of pets for sale by private and commercial customers, making it easier than ever before for homeless pets to be adopted.

“With so many animals looking for new homes, we’re delighted to be providing the RSPCA with a new channel to promote animal adoption,” Mr Padden said.

“Tradingpost.com.au is already the largest marketplace for pets in Australia, with more than 3.8 million visits to the site each month , and the new partnership with RSCPA means that there will be an additional 2,500 cats, dogs and other pets listed on tradingpost.com.au making the total number of pets available in excess of 10,000.” Mr Padden said.

Kellie Rutherford, Partnership Relationship Manager for RSPCA Australia said around 45,000 animals are adopted from the RSPCA each year.

“By partnering with tradingpost.com.au we can put our adoption animals in front of a broader audience and hopefully find these animals their forever homes.”

The RSPCA’s website Adoptapet lets you view some of the animals waiting adoption at RSPCA locations across Australia. Browsing through Adoptapet, you'll see that many wonderful pets find their way to the RSPCA for a number of different reasons and all are thoroughly health checked and temperament tested before being offered up for adoption by the RSPCA.

For more information visit http://www.adoptapet.com.au/ or http://www.tradingpost.com.au/

INCLUDE PETS IN BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL PLAN, WARNS RSPCA

2011-09-21T13:22:00.000+10:00

Nearly 80 bushfires were reported to the NSW Rural Fire Service in the past two days. With bushfire season upon us, RSPCA NSW is urging the public to include their animals when preparing a family bushfire evacuation plan.

Because animals can get very distressed in smoky environments, pet owners should take precautionary measures whenever possible. The RSPCA recommends that people relocate their animals to a safe place before there’s an immediate threat or evacuation.

“Planning ahead is critical,” said RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector David OShannessy. “Often, people have no choice but to leave their animals behind because they’ve not considered their pets as part of their evacuation plan.”

Bushfire survival plans should include separate strategies to care for companion animals and livestock.

In preparation for an emergency, the RSPCA recommends:

Having carry boxes (for smaller pets), leads (for dogs) and halters (for horses) readily accessible – if possible, familiarise pets with boxes and leads in advance so they become more comfortable with them
Ensuring pets wear collars and tags at all times – tags should include the animal’s name, owner’s name and phone number
To always have a secondary contact number on the ID tag or microchip record – a home phone won’t be answered in an evacuation
Ensuring pets are microchipped and registered with your local council, as required under NSW law
Preparing an emergency pet supply kit – food and water (remember to pack a can opener if feeding canned food), food and water bowls, kitty litter and litter tray for cats, medication, blankets and towels
Keeping current photos of your pets and a detailed description of them, in the event they become lost
If pets should become lost during an emergency, contact the RSPCA for helpful tips on how to locate them
Appointing a backup person – possibly a trustworthy neighbour – who can implement your evacuation plan in your absence

Livestock tips include:

Preparing and maintaining fuel-reduced areas onto which livestock can be moved and held
Having emergency supplies of fodder and water available

“Pets typically cannot survive on their own so taking animals with you is strongly recommended whenever possible,” said Chief Inspector OShannessy.

For more information on animal welfare in emergencies, visit: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/emergency

Friday Find-A-Friend; Boof, Kelpie X

2011-09-16T15:59:00.000+10:00

Boof is a friendly and boisterous boy who also has a sweet and sensitive side. He is looking for an experienced, firm owner who has previously had large breed dogs and can commit to continuing obedience training and walking him on his halti. Boof can be a handful but is also a big softy at times and will just want to cuddle up with you and give you kisses. As he is so boisterous and strong it is recommended that he doesn’t go to a home with children under 6 years of age as he may knock them over accidentally.

Boof will need at least two daily walks on his halti as well as daily obedience training. He can sit and is learning how to shake. He is responsive to commands and will do anything for a treat. To keep Boof mentally stimulated when alone or bored, he will benefit from having toys and treat balls like a Kong to keep him busy. He is dominant when meeting other dogs and will always want to greet other dogs but not all dogs take his dominance well and he doesn’t like when other dogs jump on him. Because of this, it is best that Boof be the only dog in his new home. Socialisation is important but when he meets other dogs he must be on his halti and held by an adult. He is not the type of dog that can be taken to an off leash dog park.

Boof is very interested in small animals and will chase them so his new home cannot have small animals. His backyard must have secure 5ft fencing with no holes or gaps. A brush once a fortnight and a bath when he is dirty will keep him looking handsome and his coat maintained. Boof is a friendly and sweet boy who will make a loving companion to someone who is looking for a friendly and sweet dog who they will continue to train.

Boof is $300 to adopt, and is desexed, vaccinated, wormed and health tested. The RSPCA is open six days, closed Wednesdays, for adoptions.

For more information please visit: http://www.rspcansw.org.au/ or call 9770 7555.

Booz & Company beautify Katoomba

2011-09-13T16:50:00.000+10:00

"On a cold rainy morning last week, a handful of eager staff from Booz & Company gathered in convoy to road trip up to the RSPCA's Katoomba shelter for a day of gardening and flower bed regeneration. Despite the rainy weather, our spirits were buoyed by the sight of several dogs at the gate (who looked pretty happy to see us too!) as well Kathy - the shelter's manager who did a great job of showing us around, providing us with the gardening gear that we needed and educating the team about the work of the RSPCA.

Thankfully the rain had stopped by the time we set into the day's activities - clearing sticks from the lawn for mowing, weeding and regenerating the flower beds. As we did our work, the shelter's staff came along with dogs to distract us (a good distraction!) and to chat about the animals.

After hours of work, the sun finally came out! Mez took us on a tour of the dog and cat shelters which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Overall it was a fantastic day in the mountains and we'd like to thank the staff, cats and dogs of Katoomba RSPCA for having us over!"

The Staff of Booz & Company.

Adopt a Pet Profile: Ella, Great Dane Cross

2011-09-07T15:50:00.000+10:00

Ella is an 11 month old female, Great Dane Cross. She is a very sweet natured girl who is looking for her fur-ever home.

Firstly, Ella is deaf. She will need to go to a home with experienced dog owners who are willing to put the time and effort into her. Ella's new owners will need to be able to spend some time with her, continuing her basic obedience training with the use of hand signals rather then vocal commands. Ella is very people and dog social, but will need to meet any new potential doggy friends before being adopted. Ella needs to go to a home with NO SMALL CHILDREN as she can get very excited and jumpy, and at times forgets she is a large size dog!

Being a white dog, Ella is quite sensitive to the sun and will require sun block on her when she is outdoors, mainly on her nose, ears and around her eyes. Ella is a very playful girl and loves her toys so would enjoy her new family spending time with her and her toys. She will need a large fully fenced yard with solid fences no less than 5 feet. Ella loves other dogs but would need to meet any potential doggy housemates before going home to live with them. She would love some interactive playtime each day and a walk on lead, never off lead, as she is deaf and would be unable to hear traffic or you calling her. She is a great companion.

Ella is $350 to adopt which includes: Desexing and Vet Consultation, Microchipping, First Vaccination, Heartworm Test, Flea and Worming Treatments, 30 day pet insurance cover note and A FRIEND FOR LIFE!

Ella is suitable for experienced ORANGE family.

She is available at the RSPCA Blue Mountains (Katoomba) Shelter

121-125 Mort St

KATOOMBA NSW 2780

Phone: 02 4782 2674
Fax: 02 4782 5556

10am to 3:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Closed Wed and public holidays.

Science prize for research that whipped horses don’t run faster

2011-09-07T14:35:00.000+10:00

Research revealing the futility of whipping racehorses has attracted the most prestigious award in Australian science.

The 2011 Eureka Prize for Scientific Research that Contributes to Animal Protection was last night awarded to Professor Paul McGreevy and his team of scientists, for research that investigated the impact of whipping on performance in Thoroughbred races.

The team comprises Professor McGreevy, Honorary Associate Professor David Evans, Honorary Associate Dr Andrew McLean and RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist Dr Bidda Jones.

Study co-author, Dr David Evans, said the results of the study offered no support for the retention of whipping in horse racing.

“We looked at running times in a series of races, how whips were used and whether that whip use influenced the outcome of a race. What we found was that whipping did not affect the probability of whether or not a horse finished a race in the first three placings."

Animal behaviour expert Professor Paul McGreevy said he hoped this research would highlight the fallacy and futility of whipping.

“Top performance horses have been bred and prepared to give of their best. Add to that excellent horsemanship and you’ve got a winning combination. That’s all you need. We have evidence here that great horsemanship does not involve flogging tired horses.”

The research was funded by RSPCA Australia and carried out with the assistance of Racing New South Wales.

"Working with Paul McGreevy and the rest of the team has been a wonderful collaboration,” said RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist Dr Bidda Jones.

“The mix of expertise in equine behaviour, physiology, training and animal welfare has led to several important advances in our understanding of the challenges faced by horses in sport and has thrown a spotlight on the use of whips in racing.

“It's also been encouraging to those involved in other equine disciplines such as dressage and showjumping, who are seeking to improve horse welfare.”

The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are the most coveted science awards in Australia. Director of the Australian Museum, Frank Howarth, said Professor McGreevy’s team had been instrumental in bringing an ethical dimension to horse training and racing at an international level.

“Moreover, the team has shown through scientific research that much of the harm currently inflicted on horses in sport bears no real benefits anyway.”

The $10,000 Voiceless Eureka Prize for Scientific Research That Contributes to Animal Protection is awarded to an individual or team for scientific research that has contributed, or has the potential to contribute, to animal protection.

Friday Find-A-Friend; Squizzy, Terrier X

2011-08-26T15:40:00.000+10:00

Squizzy is a shy little boy. He loves to be patted and hugged but he can be a bit timid until he gets to know you.

Squizzy would love to go to a nice quiet home. He gets along fine with the other puppies here at the shelter but would like to meet any potential canine housemates before he goes home with you.

Squizzy has been vet checked and his worming and vaccinations are up to date. He has been behaviorally assessed, microchipped and desexed.

He is currently available from the Dubbo Adoption Centre.

Boothenba Road - Cnr Yarrandale Road

Dubbo 2830

Ph: (02) 6882-1934 between the hours of 10:00am - 3:30pm

Fax: (02) 6882-1934

Dubbo Adoption Centre opening hours:

10:00am to 4:00pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
10:00am to 12:00pm Tuesdays.
10:00am to 3:30pm Saturday and Sundays.

August is National Desexing Month!

2011-08-15T13:20:00.000+10:00

During National Desexing Month, vet clinics around Australia are promoting desexing and generously offering special deals to encourage desexing in July, before the spring breeding season. The aim is to help prevent the thousands of unwanted cats and dogs which are killed in pounds and shelters each year.

RSPCA NSW is strongly supportive of desexing dogs and cats as an important way of reducing the number of unwanted pets, improving the health of individual animals, and reducing problems caused by animals in communities.

The main reason for desexing is to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The RSPCA takes in 160,000 animals every year and many of these are the result of unplanned breeding. Regretfully, many have to be euthanased because there are not enough suitable homes for them to go to. Desexing can help prevent and reduce this.

Desexed animals are generally less likely to get diseases and illness such as mammary cancer and uterine infections in females and cancer and prostate problems in males.Desexing commonly reduces behaviour problems such as roaming, aggression and urine marking in males. In females it prevents mating behaviour and false pregnancy.

The RSPCA practises early age desexing from the age of eight weeks when the surgery is simple and recovery is rapid. Early age desexing is an effective way of reducing accidental pregnancy in young animals and ensuring compliance with local council desexing requirements. If your puppy or kitten was not desexed prior to sale, they must be desexed before they are able to produce any unintended litters. There is absolutely no benefit in letting females have one litter before they are desexed.

Talk to your vet about desexing, microchipping and vaccinations. They’re all important parts of being a responsible dog owner and will ensure your new best friend stays healthy and happy.

Why should you desex your pet?

- By desexing your pet you are helping to reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats that end up at shelters each year.
- Desexing your pet can reduce the risk of testicular and cervical cancer, along with other reproductive related conditions.
- Pets are less prone to wander and fight.
- Unplanned and poorly planned pregnancy in pets is a major cause of animal surrender, please don't let your pet be a part of this unnecessary problem.

Adopt a Pet Profile: Zoidberg, Male, Domestic Short Hair X

2011-08-11T12:11:00.000+10:00

Click my pic to see more of me in action!

This is Zoidberg, he has been at the shelter since January 2011 looking for his forever home, but due to his condition he has been over looked.

Zoidberg is a very special boy who has mild brain damage - this causes his head to bob uncontrollably and he also walks in circles. Sometimes Zoidy can come across as deaf, but its mostly just confusion.

Zoidy cannot go to a home with young children as he can be a bit skittish if he is startled.

Zoidberg absolutely adores other animals and MUST go to a home with another friendly cat or a calm friendly dog, because when he doesnt have a companion Zoidy can get quite distressed.

Due to his condition Zoidy can NEVER be let outside and must be an indoor only cat for his whole life. Zoidberg will need a patient calm family who will love him for his quirky ways.

Zoidy enjoys the occasional cuddle but isnt one to sit on your lap and have a sleep, he is more than happy to play with toys and do his own thing. In his new home Zoidberg will need a warm bed, scratching post, litter tray, toys, and someone to love him just the way he is.

Zoidberg is $190 to adopt which includes: Desexing, Microchip, Vaccinations, Flea and Worm Control, Vet Check, Pet Insurance and a purrrfect companion.

He is avaialble from the Blue Mountains RSPCA Shelter.

Blue Mountains RSPCA Shelter
121-125 Mort Street, Katoomba 2780

Open 6 days a week - closed Wednesdays.
Phone; (02) 4782 2674

ANIMAL CRUELTY OFFENCES – RAYMOND TERRACE LOCAL COURT

2011-08-11T11:50:00.001+10:00

Photograph taken on day of seizure 13 December 2010

A local Girvan woman appeared at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tuesday 9 August 2011, for hearing of animal cruelty charges. The woman had earlier pleaded not guilty to two offences, namely failure to provide proper and sufficient food and failure to provide veterinary treatment to her horse.

An RSPCA Inspector responded to a report about the horse on 22 October 2010. She found the bay mare in poor body condition with prominent ribs, shoulders, spine and withers. The mare's foal was approximately three weeks old. Both horses were seized by Inspectors on 13 December 2010 after the woman failed to comply with instructions to improve the condition of the mare. Veterinarians scored the mare's condition as emaciated and also diagnosed a heavy internal parasite burden. Within six weeks under RSPCA care, the mare had gained 84 kilograms (25% of her presenting weight). The woman surrendered the mare and foal to the RSPCA on 27 January 2011.

Following yesterday's hearing the woman was found guilty and convicted of both charges. She was fined $500 for the food charge and was convicted with no further penalty for the veterinary charge. The woman was ordered to pay $81 Court costs, $1380 veterinary/agistment costs and $4000 towards the RSPCA's legal costs (total fines $500; total costs $5,461).

Both horses have since been rehomed by the RSPCA.

All charges are under NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations.

Friday Find-A-Friend; Cecelia, American Staffy Cross X

2011-08-05T16:39:00.000+10:00

I am a very friendly,social girl and am responsive and playful with people. I can get excited very easily and tend to jump up at you for attention.

I need an energetic family who can provide me lots of quality exercise and mental stimuilation. I will not do well just left alone often and may beocme anxious, please leave me with lots of toys or boredom busters if I am to be left alone for long periods. I can sit but would love to learn some more manners,use positive reinforcement like food treats for my rewards as I am very motivated by food.

I would love to be taken for a good long walk daily or 2 shorter ones if that fits in with you. Keep in mind children should always be supervised around animals, I can be jumpy with play so may accidently knock over small children. I am not comfortable when other dogs approach me so can not go home with another dog.My home should have no cats or pocket pets as I will chase and annoy them.

My yard should be totally secure and the fences should be at least 5ft high.

NO CATS OR OTHER PETS. MUST BE ONLY DOG.

You can view a video of Cecelia in action HERE and more pictures of her HERE.
Cecelia is available from the RSPCA Sydney Yagoona Shelter.

Sydney Yagoona Shelter

Phone (02) 9770 7555
Fax (02) 9770 7575
Address: 201 Rookwood Road, Yagoona, 2199.

Adoptions: Monday to Tuesday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday to Sunday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Closed on Public Holidays

The RSPCA is open six days, closed Wednesdays, for adoptions. For more information please visit: http://www.rspcansw.org.au/ or call 9770 7555

Dear Customer, please note a property check may be required before adoption to ensure the safety and welfare of our animals. Rental agreements allowing pets will be required for adoptions into rental properties.

CHOOSE WISELY – CHOOSE CAGE FREE THIS CUPCAKE DAY

2011-08-04T10:19:00.000+10:00

On Monday 15 August, registered RSPCA Cupcake Cooks across Australia will celebrate Cupcake Day for the RSPCA. Cupcake Cooks are encouraged to Choose Wisely and use humanely farmed or RSPCA Approved eggs when baking.

The RSPCA’s Choose Wisely initiative is designed to get hens out of cages and help consumers decipher the difference between cage, barn-laid, free range and RSPCA Approved eggs.

“Labels can be downright confusing,” said RSPCA NSW Campaigns Manager Mark Bond. “Often consumers think they’re choosing humanely farmed eggs because they’re misled by the packaging.”

“A lot of schools and students register for Cupcake Day,” said RSPCA NSW Senior Education Manager Mark Jeffrey. “We try to educate students and teachers about the importance of humane farming practices and the difference it can make for the lives of hunreds of thousands of hens.”

Things to remember when choosing eggs:

Avoid buying cage eggs all together. If it doesn’t specify the production system, then unfortunately the eggs were most likely produced by hens in cages. Read labels carefully. Look for certified barn-laid, free range, organic or RSPCA Approved eggs.

“RSPCA Approved eggs are a great choice because the RSPCA regularly inspects farms to ensure our higher welfare standards are maintained,” said Mr Bond.

The RSPCA receives less than 2% of funding from the government, and relies on the community for support. “By using cage-free eggs, Cupcake Day participants can help raise vital funds for the organisation while helping to keep hens out of cages,” said Mr Jeffrey.

Register today at http://www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au/ and help the RSPCA continue their fight against animal cruelty. For more information about Choose Wisely, visit http://www.choosewisely.com.au/.

Adopt a Pet Profile: Beau, Shih Tzu Cross / Maltese X

2011-07-27T09:27:00.000+10:00

Beau is a lovable boy who needs a family with plenty of time available to spend with him. He is a very social boy, who really enjoys being included in whatever is going on, rather than sitting alone. Beau has met several other dogs in the shelter, both large and small, and has been happy to say hello to them all. If you do already have another dog and you are thinking of adopting Beau, please bring your dog along to the shelter to meet Beau, so we can see how they interact.

Beau is a bit unsure around cats and would need to be introduced to them slowly and supervised around them. He does tend to get quite excited and chase pocket pets, so would be best in a home without them. Beau does require regular grooming to keep him looking, and feeling his best. This needs to include a brush every couple of days, a bath every 6-8 weeks, and clipping in the warmer months.

Beau loves his treats, and they can be used as rewards (in moderation) for his training. He does enjoy a walk, and will need to be taken for one every day. If you have children you will need to supervise them around Beau, and show them how to interact with him. He does tend to jump up when he gets excited, which means he may accidently knock little ones over or scratch them, so you will need to take the time to teach him settled behaviour around children.

To ensure Beau is kept safe and secure he will need a yard which has fences and gates that are in good condition with no gaps or footholes and are flush to the ground- colourbond would be best.

You can view Beaus online profile here...
http://www.adoptapet.com.au/animal/animalDetails.asp?animalid=166318&result=56&statusID=3

Beau is avaialble from the Sydney Yagoona Shelter.

Sydney Yagoona Shelter
Phone (02) 9770 7555
Fax (02) 9770 7575
Address: 201 Rookwood Road, Yagoona, 2199.

Adoptions: Monday to Tuesday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday to Sunday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Closed on Public Holidays

The RSPCA is open six days, closed Wednesdays, for adoptions. For more information please visit: http://www.rspcansw.org.au/ or call 9770 7555

Basil - Vale-dog-torian!!!

2011-07-26T16:50:00.000+10:00

Basil is presented with his 1st place trophy and sash

Back in March earlier this year, Sandra Moriarty visited our Hunter Region (Rutherford) RSCA Shelter in search of a fury child to save and call her own. It was here that Sandra came across Sammy. Sammy was quickly plucked from obscurity, given a different name "Basil" and whisked home to be showered with love and affection the likes of which Basil had not seen for some time. Sandra recently contacted us, writing...

"Hi,

We adopted Basil, (previous name Sammy) in March this year from your Rutherford Newcastle shelter. I just wanted to let you know what a joy he is and share his 1st place on the weekend in the Beginners class at Hillsborough Dog Training club.
--
Cheers,
Sandra Moriarty"

Congratulations guys, you both deserve each other and thanks for sharing your story. Basil, stay in school and keep your nose wet!

You can meet, greet and adopt all of Basils mates and "alumni" from the Hunter Region (Rutherford) RSCPA Shelter at http://www.adoptapet.com.au/

Hunter Region (Rutherford) Shelter
6-10 Burlington Place
Rutherford, Maitland 2320
PH: 02 4939 1555
FX: 02 4939 1589

Operating times:
Adoptions & Surrenders
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday & Public Holidays Closed.

Opening Hours for Acceptance & Reclaim of Stray Animals
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9:00am - 4:00pm
Tuesday 9:00am - 2:00pm
Public Holidays Closed.

ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES – RAYMOND TERRACE LOCAL COURT

2011-07-26T11:28:00.000+10:00

Photo taken 30 August 2010

A local Glen Oak woman pleaded guilty to ten charges of animal cruelty at Raymond Terrace Local Court today, 25 July 2011. The charges comprised one count of aggravated cruelty, one count of failure to provide proper and sufficient food, four counts of failure to provide veterinary treatment, one count of failure to alleviate pain, and one count of failing to exercise reasonable care to prevent the commission of an act of cruelty. Two charges related to breaches of the NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice for Breeding Dogs and Cats.

RSPCA Inspectors attended the womans dog breeding facility on 30 August 2010. A number of dogs were found to have untreated medical conditions including eye and ear conditions, dental disease, flea burdens, and matted, urine-soaked coats. One emaciated Silky Terrier dog was deemed cruel to be kept alive and was euthanased for multiple chronic conditions. Another three Shih Tzu dogs were found to be in poor body condition as a result of not being fed proper and sufficient food for at least two weeks. One of these female dogs had a moderately sized mammary tumour.

Breaches of the regulatory standards for breeding dogs included failing to keep housing clean and hygienic (72 dogs in two sheds) and failing to provide sufficient ventilation (100 dogs in three sheds/rooms). The woman surrendered thirty-four dogs to the RSPCA following this inspection.

The woman was convicted and given a two year Section 9 good behaviour bond for the aggravated cruelty charge. She was fined $500 for each of the remaining nine charges and ordered to pay $79 Court costs. She was also ordered to present to NSW Police for fingerprinting. The woman was also prohibited from owning, or residing at premises, with more than two desexed dogs ($4,500 total fines; $79 total costs).

All charges are under NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations.

Friday Find-A-Friend; Bess, Mini Foxie X

2011-07-22T14:32:00.001+10:00

Bess was brought to the shelter with about 12 other dogs from a backyard breeder - Bess had 5 little pups to rear and was an excellent mother. The pups have all found homes, but now Bess is looking for her fur-ever home. She is a gentle girl she loves her soft toys and running in the back yard she appears to be housetrained unless she cannot get access to the outdoors. Bess will let you know when someone is at the door and she loves to share BBQ chicken and chewy treats, she would make an excellent companion for someone who leads a quiet life.

Bess is $180.00 which includes desexing, microchip, vaccination, 1 months heart worm prevention, wormed and treated for fleas, she also comes with one months free pet insurance and a new collar.

She is available from the Central Coast Shelter.

RSPCA Central Coast Shelter

Phone (02) 43722044
Address Lot 455 Reeves Road, Somersby 2250
Open 6 days a week. Closed on Wednesdays.

Jetpets to the rescue!

2011-07-21T10:00:00.000+10:00

We’d like to thank Jet Pets (http://www.jetpets.com.au/) for flying Digger from Dubbo to Brisbane free of charge. Jet Pets help us out with free flights for our shelter animals. Kim fell in love with Digger on adoptapet.com.au and so the shelter took Digger to Dubbo airport and sent her off on a flight to Brisbane where new owner Kim picked him up. Digger is now in his new home with Kim in Gindalee, Queensland and loving life! Thanks Jet Pets and new owner Kim.

Freelance Writer Wanted!

2011-07-21T09:39:00.001+10:00

RSPCA NSW is searching for an outstanding freelance writer/editor to contribute to our animal publications, Animals and Animania as well as to provide content to our Annual Report.

These three publications focus on the work we do but they are targeted to very different audiences. Animals is our members’ magazine. With a distribution of over 8000 copies, three times a year, it is pitched at RSPCA annual and life members who have a deep interest in animals and the work of the organisation.

Animania is our kids’ publication. A quarterly national publication, it is distributed to junior members of the RSPCA in six states. This colourful A5 magazine is aimed at 5 - 11 year olds and is packed with fun facts, competitions, puzzles and animal information.

Our Annual Report is distributed to our members, major donors and selected corporate supporters. It is a summary of our accomplishments over the year and includes our audited financial report.

The freelance writer/editor will not be required to work from RSPCA offices but will be required to attend flat plan and story meetings, conduct interviews and attend sites as required for publication purposes. This person will also help coordinate photo shoots. Working with a freelance designer, this person will assist in putting the publications together to be approved by RSPCA NSW.

This opportunity would suit someone with a strong interest in animal welfare who can adapt their writing style to suit two very different demographics. You should be an exceptional writer with strong editorial and layout skills. We are looking for someone who creates stories that are engaging, error free and enrol the reader in our work.

We estimate that the work requires a one to two day commitment per week – depending on how fast you write. The fee basis will be by publication.

• Animals – A4 publication 48 pages plus cover X 3 issues

• Animania – A5 publication 50 pages plus cover X 4 issues.

• Annual Report – A4 publication 56 plus cover – includes 14 page financial report X 1 issue

Interested parties should send a summary of your experience and two examples of your work to publications@rspcansw.org.au

MY KITCHEN RULES WINNERS SAMMY AND BELLA CELEBRATE RSPCA’S CUPCAKE DAY

2011-07-20T09:44:00.000+10:00

2011 My Kitchen Rules winners Sammy and Bella Jakubiak are helping the RSPCA celebrate Cupcake Day this year. The culinary duo recently created a signature cupcake recipe especially for the fundraising event, and they’re looking forward to raising awareness for the animal welfare organisation.

Sisters Sammy and Bella are passionate about food, and are long-time supporters of the RSPCA. So their involvement in RSPCA’s Cupcake Day is icing on the cake!

“We’re huge supporters of the RSPCA,” said Bella. “We adopted our cat Oscar from the RSPCA years ago. Oscar’s 14 years old now, and he’s still one of the best cats ever!” Sammy and Bella’s other family pets include dogs Baci and Jesse, as well as their talented – and talkative – Cockatiel, Frankie.

These ladies are “in love with food” and their flare for flavour is evident in their creative recipes. “We hope our cupcake recipe inspires people and encourages them to get on board with RSPCA’s Cupcake Day,” said Sammy.

Sammy and Bella are also savvy when it comes to making humane food choices. “We have a deep respect for animals, and we always source free range eggs for our recipes,” said Bella.

To find out more, visit http://www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au/. Register today and help the RSPCA continue their fight against animal cruelty. Registration is free, and you’ll find plenty of great recipes using cage free eggs (including Sammy and Bella’s delicious Lavender and Honey Cupcake recipe), fundraising tips, party ideas and more to help get you started. Plus, for every $100 raised online you’ll receive an entry into the draw to win a Kymco Like 125 Scooter (valued at $3,490). The top national fundraiser will win a Kymco Agility RS 125 Scooter (valued at $2,990).*

Help the RSPCA make Monday 15 August the sweetest day of the year. If you can’t be involved on this date, you can still hold your Cupcake Day Party at anytime during the month of August 2011.

*Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please visit http://www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au/ or call (02) 9782 4480.

ANIMAL CRUELTY OFFENCES – KYOGLE LOCAL COURT

2011-07-19T15:00:00.000+10:00

Photo taken 25 June 2010

A local Woodenbong woman appeared in Kyogle Local Court on Thursday 14 July 2011.

She pleaded guilty to two charges of failure to provide proper and sufficient food and four charges of failure to provide veterinary treatment to her two dogs.

An RSPCA Inspector responded to a complaint about the dogs' poor condition on 25 June 2010. The two female Great Dane dogs were taken for immediate veterinary examination. The woman surrendered the younger of the dogs to the RSPCA and the other was taken into custody. The older dog succumbed to her intestinal problems and died that night.

Both dogs were diagnosed as emaciated. Both had flea infestations and very heavy Strongyloides intestinal worm burdens.

The woman was convicted and fined $800 for each of the two food charges. She placed on a twelve month Section 9 good behaviour bond for the four veterinary charges. She was also ordered to pay $79 Court costs and $1,010.60 veterinary costs (total fines $1,600; total costs $1,089.60).

The surviving dog recovered and was rehomed by the RSPCA.

All charges are under NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations.

When I grow up! 03/08 - 31/08 The East Village Hotel, Darlinghurst

2011-07-19T14:45:00.000+10:00

If you're in the Darlinghurst neighborhood this August, be sure to pop into The East Village Hotel and check out Gemma Parsons "When I grow up" photographic exhibition. The exhibition features a childrens book with Hugo the Weimaraner, and follows his exploits and what Hugo could be when he grows up. From dancer to teacher and back again, Hugos journey will certainly capture your imagination.

The exhibition will run from the 3rd August until the 31st of August.

The East Village Hotel
234 Palmer Street
Darlinghurst

Are you single? Do you have a dog?

2011-07-18T16:18:00.003+10:00

Would you like to meet someone in a more unusual and fun way? Sick of the singles scene and want to take part in an experiment where you get to use your "primal animal instincts"?

Then have we got the TV show for you...

Please email Southern Star Productions a photo of you and your dog, your contact details and tell us a bit about yourself and your furry friend. What are you looking for in a partner? We want to know!

Email to: puppylove@sstar.com.au

APPLICATIONS CLOSING SOON SO HURRY!

BATHURST PET OWNERS WELCOME CAWS

2011-07-18T16:01:00.001+10:00

From 18 July to 29 July 2011, the Bathurst Community Animal Welfare Scheme (CAWS) will offer reduced-rate veterinary services to local pet owners. CAWS, a discounted pet desexing and microchipping scheme, promotes responsible pet ownership and helps pensioners and low income earners improve their pets’ quality of life.

Now in its seventh year, the program aims to help improve animal welfare and reduce the number of unwanted animals impounded each year.

CAWS is supported by RSPCA NSW, Bathurst Regional Council and Bathurst Veterinarians; additional assistance is provided by the dedicated volunteers at the RSPCA Bathurst Branch.

Bathurst Regional Council Senior Ranger and local RSPCA Branch President Margaret Gaal has been involved with the program since its inception in 2004. She said the program offers numberous benefits to the local community.

“Desexing can help improve an animal’s general health and overall wellbeing,” said Ms Gaal. “This can positively impact not only other animals in the community, but people as well.”

The program also advocates education and public awareness to teach community members and school-aged children about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare and the humane treatment of animals. “CAWS helps encourage people to have empathy and compassion towards animals,” said Ms Gaal. “This is imperative to promoting long-term, effective change.”

Bathurst Council has run two CAWS programs per year since 2006. “The impact thus far has been remarkable,” said Ms Gaal. “As a result, the council hopes to offer continued support for the program in the future.”

It is expected that 120 animals will be desexed and microchipped as part of this two-week initiative.

Bathurst residents can contact participating veterinary clinics for more information:

Bathurst Veterinary Hospital: 6332 5800
Stewart St Veterinary Hospital: 6331 1222
Dr Tom’s Veterinary Practice: 6332 3222
Durham Street Veterinary Clinic: 6334 2009

Friday Find-A-Friend; Cecelia, American Staffy X

2011-07-15T10:29:00.000+10:00

I am a very friendly, social girl and am responsive and playful with people. I can get excited very easily and tend to jump up at you for attention. I need an energetic family who can provide me lots of quality exercise and mental stimuilation. I will not do well just left alone often and may beocme anxious, please leave me with lots of toys or boredom busters if I am to be left alone for long periods. I can sit but would love to learn some more manners,use positive reinforcement like food treats for my rewards as I am very motivated by food. I would love to be taken for a good long walk daily or 2 shorter ones if that fits in with you.

Keep in mind children should always be supervised around animals, I can be jumpy with play so may accidently knock over small children. I am not comfortable when other dogs approach me so can not go home with another dog.My home should have no cats or pocket pets as I will chase and annoy them.

My yard should be totally secure and the fences should be at least 5ft high.

NO CATS. MUST BE ONLY DOG.

You can view my online profile here...
http://www.adoptapet.com.au/animal/animalDetails.asp?animalid=121747&result=1&statusID=3

Cecelia is available from the Sydney Yagoona Shelter NOW!
Sydney Yagoona Shelter
Phone (02) 9770 7555
Fax (02) 9770 7575
Address: 201 Rookwood Road, Yagoona, 2199.

Adoptions: Monday to Tuesday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday to Sunday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Closed on Public Holidays

The RSPCA is open six days, closed Wednesdays, for adoptions. For more information please visit: http://www.rspcansw.org.au/ or call 9770 7555

ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGE – BATEMANS BAY LOCAL COURT

2011-07-13T17:25:00.000+10:00

A lcoal Batemans Bay man pleaded guilty to a charge of aggravated cruelty to an animal at Batemans Bay Local Court on Monday 11 July 2011.

An RSPCA Inspector responded to a report about the mans male domestic short hair cat on the 11th November 2010. The Inspector seized the cat for urgent veterinary examination due to a large open facial wound.

The cat required euthanasia due to an advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the face. The erosive lesion extended from the cat's lower right eyelid to his upper lip. The carcinoma extended into the oral cavity and exposed the internal nasal cartilages. A post mortem confirmed that the carcinoma had spread to the local lymph node.

The veterinarian estimated the condition had been present for at least five to six months. The man admitted that the cat had not been provided with veterinary treatment.

The man was fined $500 and placed on a two year Section 9 good behaviour bond.

Photographs not suitable for publication.

All charges are under NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations.

ANIMAL CRUELTY OFFENCES – MAITLAND LOCAL COURT

2011-07-12T13:03:00.000+10:00

Photo taken on day of seizure 12 April 2011 (male German Shepherd dog scored as very underweight)

A local Maitland man pleaded guilty to three animal cruelty offences at Maitland Local Court on Thursday, 30 June 2011. He was charged with two counts of failure to provide proper and sufficient food and one count of failure to provide adequate shelter to his two German Shepherd dogs.

The male and female dogs were seized by an RSPCA Inspector on 12 April 2011 after the man failed to contact the Inspector regarding his concerns about the poor condition of the dogs. A veterinarian diagnosed both dogs as suffering malnutrition. Both dogs were housed in a backyard with no adequate shelter. The man surrendered both dogs to the RSPCA on 8 June 2011.

The man was convicted and fined $400. He was ordered to pay $140 Court costs and $2,493.13 veterinary/boarding costs (total fines $400; total costs $2,633.13)

All charges are under NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations.

Government must mandate stunning in Indonesia

2011-07-11T14:41:00.000+10:00

While news of industry and government discussions on stunning is encouraging, only a government level agreement to mandate stunning will give the Australian community any assurance that animals will be protected in Indonesia. Now that Australians have seen the reality of fully conscious slaughter, anything less will never be accepted.

Cutting the throat of a conscious animal causes immense pain and suffering and contrary to some claims - by law, all cattle must be stunned in Australia. To accept a lesser standard in importing countries is a failure in our duty of care towards animals born under the protection of Australian law.

The RSPCA continues to call on the government to only issue export permits for facilities that practice pre-slaughter stunning - anything less than that will not provide any assurances that animals will be protected.

The public will not have confidence in a system that is still in the hands of an industry that has proven it cannot be trusted. It's important to remember that this is an industry that has knowingly supplied animals to horrific cruelty in Indonesian slaughterhouses for nearly two decades.

OIE Guidelines

Using OIE guidelines as a benchmark for the treatment of Australian animals in Indonesia is totally unnacceptable. OIE guidelines are base level standards designed to guide countries that don't have animal protection regulations.

OIE guidelines do not require upright restraint so animals can still be knocked over onto their sides for slaughter; they do not require pre-slaughter stunning; and they in fact do not prohibit roping slaughter whereby animals are forcibly tripped and pulled to the floor for the throat cut.

OIE guidelines do not represent acceptable welfare standards and should not be sold as such.

The RSPCA is supporting legislation that would see live exports phased out over the next three years, with strict regulations implemented in the interim that would see animals only going to facilities that meet Australian standards.

via RSPCA Australia

Fur-iday Find-A-Friend: Clio, Domestic Medium Hair Cross

2011-07-08T14:07:00.000+10:00

Clio is a quiet but sweet girl and she would love a calm home where she can relax. She will need lots of love and time to settle in her new home, as well as a litter tray, bed, scratching post and some toys. Clio gets on ok with other calm and friendly cats, but doesn't like them all over her.

She will need to be kept INSIDE at all times untill she is fully grown, if not for life! This is so she doesn't run away, get injured on the road, and to protect the local wildlife.

Due to our current cat adoption drive Clio is $100 to adopt which includes:

Vet Check, Desexing, Microchip, First Vaccination, Flea Control, Worming, Pet insurance and a friend for Life!

Clio is a beautiful soul and would make a lovely companion. She is currently available for adoption from the Blue Mountains Shelter.

Phone (02) 4782 2674
Address 121-125 Mort Street, Katoomba 2780
Open 6 days a week - closed Wednesdays

"Take a shot" and donate to our shelter wishlist!

2011-07-07T16:07:00.000+10:00

We understand some people prefer to donate to us by buying specific goods rather than giving us cash.

To make sure the goods donated are what we need we have come up with shelter wish-lists that will be updated every 2 months. This way you will know that your donation is going directly to the animals, staff and volunteers of the RSPCA. If you let us know what you have donated, we will thank you on the wish list.

For any specific questions about items on these lists please refer to the contact name on each list.

Our RSPCANSW Sydney Shelter is in dire need of two new digital cameras for use within our Shelter Volunteer Program. Used primarily to document activities, programs and animal interactions between shelter residents and registered volunteers - the cameras are an essential part of the RSPCAs animal rehabilitation program.

If either you or anybody you may know can aid, please email James Roden on at jroden@rspcansw.org.au. Brand new digital cameras would be key as would any previously owned digital cameras in excellent condition. Thanks :)

ANIMAL CRUELTY OFFENCES – MOUNT DRUITT LOCAL COURT

2011-07-07T12:19:00.000+10:00

Al local Cranebrook woman was sentenced for six animal cruelty offences at Mount Druitt Local Court on Thursday, 30 June 2011. She pleaded guilty at an earlier Court appearance to two charges of aggravated cruelty, two charges of failure to provide proper and sufficient food and two charges of failure to provide veterinary treatment to her two Cattle dogs.

The deceased male and female dogs were seized from the womans property by an RSPCA Inspector on the 14th June 2010. Post mortem examinations were supportive of a diagnosis of starvation and the veterinarian estimated that both emaciated dogs had not received sufficient food for at least three weeks prior to death. A flea burden was also present on both the dogs' bodies.

The woman was sentenced to nine months imprisonment with a three months non-parole period. The Magistrate prohibited her from owning any animal for seven years. She was also ordered to pay $108.70 in Court and transcription costs.

The woman lodged an Appeal to the District Court with respect to the severity of these penalties and was released on bail.

Photographs were deemed unsuitable for publication.

All charges are under NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations.

"Hare" to the throne

2011-07-07T09:27:00.000+10:00

A big thank you to Backyard Chicken Coops (http://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/) for providing the Sydney (Yagoona) shelter with a free Taj Mahal chicken coop for our rabbits! Confused? Don’t be – the Taj Mahal is not only a great chicken coop but is also an excellent rabbit home and Backyard Chicken Coops have donated one to us. It lives in our pocket pet area so next time you visit the shelter feel free to have a good look at it. It’s a palace for rabbits.

$100 BUYS YOU UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

2011-07-04T15:10:00.000+10:00

Maria is available from the Sydney Yagoona Shelter

What does $100 get you?

- An electricity bill or Endless hours of entertainment
- A night at the pub or A cuddle buddy for life
- A pair of shoes or Years of unconditional love

This winter, RSPCA NSW is asking you to consider that the $100 you might fritter away on a Friday night could instead give you years of companionship and love from a special someone - someone who greets you at the door by wrapping themselves around your leg and purring with delight.

On a busy winter day up to seventy cats can arrive at RSPCA shelters across the state. Many cats have spent their childhood, adolescence and now adulthood in shelters. RSPCA needs help finding them homes quickly.

RSPCA NSW Shelters are brimming over with gorgeous adult cats who are ready and waiting to find their forever homes.

Starting 1 July and finishing 31 July 2011, RSPCA Shelters statewide are reducing the adoption fee for all adult cats (1-6 years) to $100! As with all RSPCA animals available for adoption, this fee includes desexing, vaccinations and microchipping. For only $100 you can help give an adult cat a second chance and gain a special friend.

Please help RSPCA NSW find these loving cats forever homes. It will be the best $100 that you’ve ever spent.

Visit http://www.adoptapet.com.au/ to search for RSPCA cats awaiting adoption in your area.

Adopt a Pet Profile: Skunk, Chinese Crested Dog

2011-07-04T12:27:00.000+10:00

Skunk was surrendered to the shelter and is now in need of a new home. He will need an owner who has experience with the Chinese Crested and understands the care he will need.

Skunk has been in a home with children and enjoys their company. We suggest older more mature kids as he can be shy and unsure of loud noises and quick movements around his head, and feet.

He gets on well with other dogs and he also doesn't mind cats. He should still be supervised when around them. Skunk will need to have oil free moisturising cream rubbed into his skin if he starts to dry out. He will also need sunscreen applied before going out into the sunlight, and protecting clothing. He is a beautiful boy who adores affection.

Skunk is quiet and calm and loves to sit on your lap while watching TV. He loves to sit on couches, and beds, and must be an indoors dog especially during the hot parts of the day, and at night(except when needing to go outside for exercise or other activities).

He will need regular exercise and stimulation such as a walk or games in the back yard. He will need a yard with secure fencing, with no gaps. He can become playful at times and could be trained to do tricks etc. He already sits for treats.
Skunk is desexed, vaccinated, wormed and health tested. He is available right now from the Rouse Hill Care Centre. You can contact him by...

Phone: (02) 8883-0622
Address: Shop GR 146C, Civic Way, Rouse Hill Town Centre,
Windsor Road, ROUSE HILL, NSW, 2155

Please contact the Care Centre by phone to find out more about animals available for adoption, or alternatively check out Adopt a Pet website.

ANIMAL CRUELTY CONVICTION – LITHGOW LOCAL COURT

2011-06-21T09:27:00.000+10:00

Photo of abandoned dog - note swelling under neck

A 49-year-old man from Wallerawang was sentenced on three animal cruelty charges at Lithgow Local Court on 16 June 2011. He had pleaded guilty at an earlier Court appearance to abandoning an animal, failing to provide proper and sufficient food and failing to provide veterinary treatment.

His aged male Terrier cross breed dog was found abandoned at a local tip on 1 March 2010. Upon veterinary examination the emaciated dog was found to have wounds to the face and hips, a large swelling under his neck and an umbilical hernia. During an interview on 21 April 2010, the offender admitted that he had not sought veterinary treatment for the dog and had dumped him at the local tip.

The offender was convicted and ordered to perform 70 hours community service for abandoning the dog. He was given a S9 twelve month good behaviour bond and fined $500 for each of the food and veterinary charges. He has been prohibited from owning any animal for ten years and was ordered to present to Police for fingerprinting.

He was also ordered to pay $854.35 veterinary/boarding costs (total fines $1,000; total costs $854.35).

All charges are under NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations

ANIMAL CRUELTY OFFENCES – FAIRFIELD LOCAL COURT

2011-06-17T10:27:00.000+10:00

Photo taken 1 July 2010 - calf found barely alive in plastic container

A local Horsley Park man appeared at Fairfield Local Court on Tuesday 14 June 2011. He pleaded guilty to 22 charges of animal cruelty relating to over 40 cattle.

RSPCA Inspectors visited the mans property on numerous occasions between May and September 2010 in response to complaints about the welfare of his cattle. On five occasions, charges were laid for offences committed under the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. These included failure to provide proper and sufficient food (three counts), failure to provide veterinary treatment (ten counts) and failure to exercise reasonable care of an animal to prevent the commission of an act of cruelty (seven counts).

Two charges of aggravated cruelty were laid in relation to a cow with cancerous tumour of the eye and a calf found barely alive in a plastic crate with no food or water. Both animals required euthanasia after veterinarians deemed them cruel to be kept alive.

The man was fined $50 for each offence. He was ordered to pay $79 Court costs and $2,804.43 veterinary costs. The Magistrate ordered the man could possess a maximum of 85 head of cattle (total fines $1,100; total costs $2,883.43).

All charges are under NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations.

INTERSTATE COMPETITION HEATS UP WITH RSPCA’S STATE OF ADOPTION SERIES

2011-06-17T09:55:00.003+10:00

As the NSW Blues and QLD Maroons battle it out on the field tomorrow, RSPCA NSW and RSPCA QLD keep the competition heated off-field with their annual State of Adoption challenge.

Paying tribute to State of Origin, RSPCA’s State of Adoption challenge aims to rehome as many Shelter animals as possible during the State of Origin Series.

Game Two marks the midway point for the interstate competition, and NSW is working hard to gain the lead.

“At this stage, Queensland is in the lead – both on and off the field,” said RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman. “But RSPCA NSW is optimistic and we hope to make a comeback in the coming weeks.”

At last week’s tally, RSPCA QLD was ahead with 493 adoptions to RSPCA NSW’s 436. RSPCA NSW is urging potential pet owners to adopt from RSPCA Shelters throughout the state in hopes of surpassing their QLD rivals. A total tally will be taken and the winning state will be announced on 6 July. All potential adopters will undergo the regular screening procedures before taking their new family member home.

“It’s all in the name of friendly competition,” said Mr Coleman. “The real winners are the thousands of animals who will find new, loving homes as a result.”

Why adopt a pet from the RSPCA?

All animals available for adoption have been health-checked, behaviour assessed, microchipped, vaccinated, wormed, flea treated and desexed, as appropriate.
RSPCA Shelters offer a wide variety of animals to choose from including cats, dogs, livestock, ducks, birds, pocket pets and more.
All potential new pet owners are assisted by RSPCA staff prior to adoption to help ensure people and pets are well-suited for one another.

To view RSPCA animals in need of good homes throughout Australia, visit http://www.adoptapet.com.au/.

ANIMAL CRUELTY CONVICTION – BANKSTOWN LOCAL COURT

2011-06-10T11:21:00.002+10:00

A local Padstow woman was sentenced for animal cruelty at Bankstown Local Court yesterday.

At an earlier Court appearance, the woman pleaded guilty to two charges of failing to provide veterinary treatment to her female cattle dog.

An RSPCA Inspector seized the dog for urgent veterinary examination on 15 March 2010 after responding to a complaint about the dog's welfare. The Inspector found the dog in her yard, debilitated and unable to stand. The resulting urine scalding at the rear of her body had become flyblown, causing flesh wounds from maggot infestations. The veterinarian described the dog's flea burden as severe. The dog was deemed cruel to be kept alive and humanely euthanased.

The woman was convicted of both charges and fined a total of $6,000.00. She was ordered to pay $79.00 Court costs.

All charges are under NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations

Live Exports Suspended to Indonesia

2011-06-08T08:28:00.001+10:00

RSPCA Australia and Animals Australia have welcomed the announcement today by Prime Minister Julia Gillard to suspend the live cattle trade to Indonesia. The announcement follows a nationwide outpouring of rage at the airing of footage showing cattle being brutalised and tortured on ABC’s Four Corners.

For the second time in six years, an investigation by Animals Australia has exposed the brutal treatment of exported cattle and forced the Federal government to take action. Today’s announcement of the suspension of the live trade to Indonesia follows the 2006 suspension of the live trade to Egypt.

"From the first moment of viewing this footage, I knew that suspending the trade was the only appropriate response from the government”, said RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist Dr Bidda Jones.

“While we are relieved at this announcement, it should not be forgotten that some 100,000 Australian cattle currently in Indonesia will face the same brutal treatment. The government must immediately put inspectors in Indonesian slaughterhouses to provide these animals with at least some protection"

"If successive Australian governments had proper oversight of this industry, these cattle and the six million previously exported to Indonesia, would not have faced the horrors of Indonesian slaughterhouses.

"If the Prime Minister didn't realise it before, she now has irrefutable evidence that the live export industry cannot be trusted. Not even MLA's own constituents are accepting their claims that they didn't know what was occurring in Indonesia. This is an industry that has made misleading the government, public and farmers an art form and animals has suffered immeasurably as a result," said Lyn White, Animals Australia Campaign Director and cruelty investigator.

"For years, this industry supplied animals to Egypt knowing they would be brutalised and now they have been exposed as complicit in Indonesia by supplying animals to the most brutal treatment imaginable and facilitating that treatment through the installation of cruel restraint devices.

"Over the past week, Australians have voiced their overwhelming outrage and disapproval of the live trade and the government's failure to take urgent action. The only way the Gillard government will redeem itself in the eyes of the public will be to support legislation soon to be introduced into the Federal parliament to end live export. RSPCA Australia and Animals Australia will continue our national campaign calling for an end to all live exports. " said Ms White.

Visit http://www.banliveexports.com/ to support the ban live exports campaign.

RSPCA NSW

Live exports ad campaign launch

2011-06-06T09:48:00.001+10:00

Lyn White from Animals Australia was interviewed over the weekend for Sunrise. The launch of the ads were during "Downtown Abby" last night on Channel 7. Lyn is the Communications Director for AA. She is recognised and respected as one of Australia's foremost animal advocates and animal cruelty investigators.

In March 2011, Lyn visited 10 abattoirs in four Indonesian cities to document the treatment and slaughter of Australian cattle. RSPCA Australia conducted a full scientific assessment of the evidence from this investigation. The evidence is damning and again shows the willingness of live exporters to supply Australian animals overseas, regardless of how cruelly they will be treated.

For more info, please click here...http://www.banliveexport.com/

ANIMAL CRUELTY OFFENCES – MOUNT DRUITT LOCAL COURT

2011-06-03T12:47:00.000+10:00

Photos taken on day of seizure 25 January 2011 (note ears affected by fly bite dermatitis)

A local Bidwell man appeared at Mount Druitt Local Court Thursday, 26 May 2011. He was charged with one count of failing to provide proper and sufficient food and three counts of failing to provide veterinary treatment to his female Rottweiler crossbreed dog.

An RSPCA Inspector seized the dog on 25 January 2011 after responding to a report about her poor condition. The subsequent veterinary examination scored the dog's body condition as very underweight. The dog's ears were ulcerated and crusting from fly bite dermatitis, her hind dew claws were growing into the pads on her feet and she was infested with fleas. The veterinarian estimated that there was a failure to provide the dog with adequate nutrition for at least three weeks. The dog gained three kilograms within two weeks of RSPCA care.

The man pleaded guilty to all four charges. He was convicted and fined $700. He was also ordered to pay $79 Court costs and $2,531.26 veterinary/boarding costs. After considering his history and current circumstances, the dog was returned to the owner by the Magistrate.

Gorilla hitches a ride! R u going his way? UPDATED

2011-06-02T15:58:00.001+10:00

Gorilla was hanging out with his girlfriend in Scone, NSW when he flew across the road and was accidentally hit by a car. The car driver couldn’t see him and so kept driving on to Brisbane. Sadly for Gorilla he was stuck in the grill of the car and couldn’t get loose. He was brought to the RSPCA Queensland wildlife hospital as soon as he was discovered. Miraculously he only had a tiny cut on his shoulder.

He is now ready to go and needs a lift home! The other kookaburras in care with us are all Queenslanders and want this NSW-welshman back in his own territory before the next big state of origin game! He is hearing a lot of sledging from his birdy friends that are ruffling his feathers. If you can help him get home to Scone NSW (about 8.5hrs south of Brisbane) then let us know as soon as possible so we can send him back to his girlfriend!

Alternatively, if you can’t take him but have a spare $240, then you could sponsor his flight home instead - our one goal is simple. Get Gorilla over the border to re-unite him with his love!

Please call (07) 3426 9989 or email rspcaonline@rspcaqld.org.au if you would like to talk more about Gorilla's journey.

Story via: RSPCA QLD

UPDATE: Thank you to all the wonderful Facebookers who helped us raise the money to get him back home! And thank you to RSPCA NSW for helping us spread Gorilla's message. He will now be preparing for his flight back to your State - we will make sure we video his release to everyone can 'be there' on the big day! RSPCA QLD

A letter to the RSPCA - Duchess

2011-06-02T15:52:00.000+10:00

We recently received a letter from a fantastic volunteer who spent the 2011 Million Paws Walk with Duchess - a gorgeous Sharpei from our Sydney Yagoona Shelter. Like many of her mates at the shelter, she was brought to the Sydney Million Paws Walk and was made available for adoption on the day at the Million Paws Walk adoption tent. Numerous volunteers kindly gave up their time to walk the adoption dogs and give them every opportunity to be adopted out to their "fur"ever home.
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Hello,

It was lovely to meet and walk beautiful Duchess at the Million Paws Walk last weekend. We did not anticipate that she would be so well behaved and calm! A couple of other dogs at the walk got a little grizzly with her (as they can do!) but she never snapped back in the entire 5 or so hours we spent with her. Not even when one particularly naughty dog took a treat right out of her mouth! She walked amazingly well on her lead (no pulling) and was just a beautiful, affectionate girl who even got on our laps for a cuddle when we were having a break after the walk, just like a cat.

We both really fell in love with her and if we only had a yard, we would have definitely taken her home ourselves :(

We would really appreciate it if you could update us on how she is going and when she finds a home. She is a very special girl and deserves nothing but the best.

Thanks again for giving us an opportunity to help out yesterday, we had a really fun time and all the staff were just lovely.

Anastasia and Ryan
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Gillard Government now complicit in cattle cruelty

2011-06-02T13:25:00.000+10:00

Despite the Gillard Government now being fully aware of the brutal treatment that Australian cattle will receive in Indonesian slaughterhouses and being inundated by Australians calling for them to halt the trade to Indonesia, they are allowing a further three shipments of cattle to depart for Indonesia in coming days.

"A shipment left Darwin yesterday for Indonesia and another two shipments are due to commence loading in Broome today. This is absolutely disgraceful and makes the Gillard Government directly complicit in animal cruelty," said Animals Australia Cruelty Investigator Lyn White.

"The first thing that Minister Ludwig would have asked this week is what shipments were on the water for Indonesia and what were due to leave. He should have seen that the industry was stockpiling cattle in Indonesia, fearful of the political repercussions of the Four Corners programme."

Four of the largest livestock ships that ply the Australian trade and usually go to the middle East just happen to be in Indonesia at the moment. Two other shipments departed yesterday and another two are loading today.

"By allowing animals to be rushed onto these ships the Gillard Government is now responsible for condemning up to thousands of more animals to a cruel and brutal death in Indonesia," said RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist Dr Bidda Jones.

"Up until now the Government could use the excuse that they didn't know, but this is no longer available to them. They are now complicit in supplying animals to cruelty. It is unforgivable that they would allow further shipments of cattle to leave our shores knowing that they will be terrorised, brutalised and even tortured in Indonesian slaughterhouses."

CRUEL CATTLE EXPORTS TO INDONESIA MUST HALT IMMEDIATELY

2011-05-31T10:31:00.001+10:00

Cast your vote against live exports at BanLiveExport.com

RSPCA Australia and Animals Australia have joined forces to call for an immediate halt to the cattle trade to Indonesia after the exposure of the worst abuses ever documented in Australia’s live export trade.

The investigation, carried out by Animals Australia in March, revealed that on a nightly basis Australian cattle are being subjected to abuse and torture prior to slaughter.

Animals Australia’s cruelty investigator, Lyn White, said the Minister’s announcement tonight of putting his department in charge of an investigation in Indonesia is unacceptable.

“This is the very department that has been doing the industry’s bidding for decades so no Australian can rest easy knowing these animals are back in their hands,” said Ms White.

She also commented that the industry’s eleventh hour bid to suspend supply to three abattoirs is a desperate attempt to appease public outrage.

“MLA representatives had visited six times in the last 14 months one of the most brutal abattoirs filmed in this investigation. Yet they are now suggesting further training is the solution when clearly they have failed to prevent the cruelty occurring there on a nightly basis.

“What MLA and LiveCorp don’t admit is that they have created the problem. They have been using Australian taxpayer funding to install restraint boxes for cattle that are inherently cruel and breach international animal welfare standards.

“These devices (Mark 1 restraint box) facilitate a distressing and cruel death and have been condemned by the world’s leading slaughter expert Temple Grandin as being ‘atrocious’ and as ‘violating every humane standard in the world’.

“If animal protection groups weren’t exposing this cruelty, MLA and LiveCorp would happily continue to install these boxes and supply animals to facilities where wanton cruelty against animals is the norm, as they have done for over a decade.

“MLA and Livecorp have been deliberately deceiving farmers to ensure supply of animals and misrepresenting their work to the government to maintain support for the trade. It has never been clearer that this is not a trade worthy of government backing.”

RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist Dr Bidda Jones conducted a full scientific assessment of the evidence from this investigation and found that every slaughter facility visited breached international animal welfare standards.

“Through my analysis I found that the majority of animals were subjected to physical abuse, such as tail twisting, hitting, kicking, eye gouging, and even tail breaking or tendon slashing. One Brahman steer with a broken leg was tortured for 26 minutes before being killed,” said Dr Jones.

“Cattle experienced an average of 11 cuts to the throat, with one slaughterman cutting at the throat of a steer 33 times. Half of all Australian animals observed being slaughtered showed signs of consciousness more than one and a half minutes after their throats were cut.

“But the most galling aspect of this evidence is that the industry’s installation of Mark 1 boxes has entrenched a system of restraint and slaughter that causes significant suffering and that would be illegal in Australia.

“This is what Australian industry presence in Indonesia for two decades has achieved. Putting live exporters in charge of animal welfare is like putting tobacco companies in charge of the public health system.”

RSPCA Australia and Animals Australia are calling on the Gillard Government to immediately halt the cattle trade to Indonesia and announce an end date for all live exports. On top of this, the government should urgently assist producers in whatever way is necessary to get their animals to processors in Australia.

N.B. The footage from the Animals Australia investigation was taken straight to Four Corners due to the government’s failure to act on further evidence of the cruel treatment of exported sheep in the Middle East last November. The Indonesia footage is also being provided to all Federal parliamentarians.

Images and video are available for download at http://www.banliveexport.com/

ANIMAL CRUELTY OFFENCES – PICTON LOCAL COURT

2011-05-30T11:06:00.001+10:00

After 3 weeks in RSPCA care, the pigs' body conditions
were within normal range (photo taken 25 August 2010)

A local Tahmoor man appeared at Picton Local Court on Thursday, 26 May 2011. He pleaded guilty to two charges, namely failing to provide proper and sufficient food and failing to provide adequate shelter to five piglets.

An RSPCA Inspector responded to a complaint about the welfare of pigs at a property in Kentlyn on 4 August 2010. The following day she returned to the property with a Ranger from the local Livestock Health and Pest Authority. The pigs were housed in appalling conditions and had no available shelter. Five piglets were seized and presented for veterinary examination. This examination found the piglets were in emaciated to very poor body condition due to a lack of adequate nutrition.

The piglets were surrendered to the care of the RSPCA on 9 August 2010. All recovered and were subsequently rehomed.

The man was convicted and fined $1,000 for each charge. He was ordered to pay $79 Court costs and $1,293.25 veterinary expenses (total fines $2,000; total costs $1,372.25).

All charges are under NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations.

POSITION VACANT - UNICORN ATTENDANT

2011-05-18T10:25:00.001+10:00

Play the RSPCA Rescue Shelter and you can contribute directly to the work that the RSPCA does. Invite your friends to play and spread the word, raise awareness about animal care and have fun while you directly contribute to the ongoing success of the RSPCA.

Build and run your own animal shelter and rescue and care for a huge variety of animals. Grow your shelter, return animals to perfect health and adopt them out to caring families.

Start out small and build your shelter over time. Build enclosures, hire staff, keep your animals happy, feed them and let them play. Earn cash as you play to support your shelter or buy more and make a direct contribution to the RSPCA.

Your first animal is waiting, go and help it!

Adopt a Pet Profile: Benji, Fox Terrier X

2011-05-11T11:41:00.002+10:00

Benji is a active and friendly little fellow who is looking for a new family and home.

He needs an owner who has lots of time to spend with him and be willing to include him in their day to day activities whenever possible.

He should be fine around children, but he does enjoy his food alot and prefers to be left alone while eating it. Please also keep in mind that children should always be supervised around dogs. If you have kids at home please bring them in so everyone can meet him and see if he's suitable for the whole family.

Benji can be a bit unsure when meeting new dogs, so if you have another dog at home please also bring them into the shelter to meet to ensure they will get along well as doggie housemates.

He will require at least one walk per day or another form of quality exercise to help keep him happy, healthy and fit. His coat is short and requires minimal grooming but a bath every month or so will help keep him looking his best.

Please ensure your fencing is secure and at least 5ft with no gaps or holes for him to squeeze out and escape.

Benji is desexed, vaccinated, wormed and health tested. He is available right now at the Sydney Shelter. You can contact him by...

Phone (02) 9770 7555
Fax (02) 9770 7575
Address: 201 Rookwood Road, Yagoona, 2199.

Adoptions: Monday to Tuesday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday to Sunday: 9.30am to 3.00pm
Closed on Public Holidays

The RSPCA is open six days, closed Wednesdays, for adoptions. For more information please visit: http://www.rspcansw.org.au/ or call 9770 7555

ANIMAL CRUELTY OFFENCES – BLACKTOWN LOCAL COURT

2011-05-06T15:17:00.002+10:00

Photo #1 – taken 24 Dec 2010

Photo #2 – taken 24 Dec 2010

Dog’s incisor teeth worn and gums ulcerated

Photo #3 – taken 24 Dec 2010

Photo #4 – taken 24 Dec 2010
Dog’s infected ear

A local Rouse Hill woman appeared at Blacktown Lcoal Court on Thursday 5 May 2011.

She pleaded guilty to four charges of failing to provide veterinary treatment to her two female Labrador dogs. An RSPCA Inspector responded to a complaint about the dogs' condition on 24 December 2010. The dogs were seized and presented for veterinary treatment. Both dogs had severe flea infestations. One dog suffered flea allergy dermatitis. Her incisor teeth were worn and gums ulcerated from constantly chewing at her skin. The other dog needed urgent treatment for an ear infection, and was anaemic as a result of the flea burden and a hookworm infestation.

The woman surrendered both dogs to the RSPCA on 31 January 2011.

The woman was convicted and fined $250 for each charge. She was ordered to pay $79 Court costs and $3,365.84 veterinary/boarding costs (total fines $1,000 and costs $3,444.84).

RSPCA’S SYDNEY MILLION PAWS WALK – BIGGEST AND BEST YET

2011-05-06T14:53:00.000+10:00

Sunday 15 May is right around the corner and thousands of RSPCA supporters nationwide are counting down for this year’s RSPCA Million Paws Walk. With nine days to go, online registrations for this year’s Sydney location have already surpassed last year’s numbers by nearly 50% and the organisation is gearing up for their biggest and best Million Paws Walk event yet!

“RSPCA staff, volunteers, supporters, partners and fundraisers have been working tirelessly and we’re certain this year’s fundraising event will prove to be a tremendous success,” said RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman.

The RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk is Australia’s premier pet event, and this year’s attendees – animal owners or not – will have plenty to look forward to. With live music, competitions (complete with celebrity judges), a world record breaking attempt for the biggest dog gelato cake, seminars, Pet Expo and more, there’s something for everyone – and every dog!

It’s not too late to get involved. Register online at http://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/ before Saturday 14 May and save 25% on registration fees, or register in person on the day. Walk individually, with your dog or in a group. Tell your friends, family or work mates and form a team.

If you can’t make it on the day, you can still get involved by fundraising online. Online fundraisers even have the chance to win a 2011 Hyundai i30w SX manual wagon valued at $24,000*. For every $100 raised online, you’ll receive an entry into the draw – the more you raise, the more chances to win!

*Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please visit http://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/ or call (02) 9782 4480.

Adopt a Pet Profile: Tiga, Domestic Short Hair X

2011-05-06T11:18:00.000+10:00

Tiga originally comes from Bali but moved to Australia with his owners. Unfortunately April 2010 Tiga was surrendered to the RSPCA as his owners had to move and were unable to keep Tiga in their new home. This made Tiga quite upset and he soon became too stressed staying in the shelter environment. He came down with cat flu and was very depressed. After seeing poor Tiga like this I decided to take him home to foster until we could find him a new home. Tiga was lucky to find this but unfortunately it did not work and he came back to the shelter again. Tiga is now back at home in foster until he finds his loving new human and home.

Tiga is an affectionate and loyal boy who adores attention from his human. He is such a sweetheart and knows only how to make you smile. He loves to sleep on the bed and re-arrange the blankets to make sure he is very comfortable. Tiga also loves to have a conversation and talks quite a bit but also enjoys relaxing and chilling with his family.

Tiga does have some requirements so we can make sure he finds his forever home this time. He MUST be an indoor cat only. His owners should work from home or be retired and spend quite a bit of time at home. Tiga thrives from attention and human company. Must be the only cat. He has been attacked by other cats and been injured by them in the past. Lastly you must be prepared to open your heart and home to Tiga. He has nothing but love to give and deserves the best a cat can have. Please help Tigas dreams come true.

**If you would like to meet Tiga please call the RSPCA on 9770 7555 and ask to speak to Team Leader Nicole.D. We can then organise a day that is good for you to come in to the shelter and I will bring Tiga in to meet you.**

RSPCA NSW ANIMAL HEALTH PROGRAM HEADS TO WILCANNIA

2011-05-03T16:27:00.000+10:00

RSPCA NSW’s Indigenous Community Companion Animal Health Program will visit the North West region of NSW 4 – 6 May to offer free desexing and animal health checks in the Wilcannia community.

The program’s aim is to improve the health and safety of indigenous children and families by implementing an integrated companion animal health scheme in rural indigenous communities. The program offers much-needed veterinary services and education to regional and remote indigenous communities that may not otherwise be able to attain them. With the nearest veterinary services located 200 kilometres away in Broken Hill, Wilcannia is a prime example of one such community.

A temporary field hospital will be set up, and members of the community are encouraged to bring their pets along for treatment and advice. RSPCA NSW staff and volunteers will offer vaccinations, health checks, microchipping, surgical or chemical desexing, treatment for fleas, worms, ticks, mange and other parasites, as well as practical pet care advice and education.

RSPCA NSW Community Veterinary Nurse – Education Tanya Dominguez and RSPCA NSW Training Coordinator Narelle Maxwell will visit local schools and community centres to speak with students and adults about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, humane treatment of animals and safety concepts around animals such as bite prevention.

“We try to involve the community as much as possible,” said Dr Ann-Margret Withers, RSPCA Sydney Shelter Veterinarian and Desexing Program Coordinator. Dr Withers, who’s been involved with the program since its inception six years ago, believes effective community liaison is critical in making the program successful. “Without community involvement, our efforts to improve the long term community management of the health and welfare of their pets will not be achieved. In this instance, we engaged local Wilcannia community members to help conduct a pre-program survey and to offer community support throughout the three-day program.”

The program is offered to communities free of charge, and relies on RSPCA NSW funding with in kind support from local, state and commonwealth government agencies responsible for indigenous communities. “We’d love to get out on the road and visit more communities, but our limited budget only allows us to reach a few towns per year,” said Dr Withers.

This visit has garnered support from the Wilcannia Local Aboriginal Land Council, the Central Darling Shire, the Great Western Area Health Service and the Remote Service Delivery coordinator for the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).

So far, the team’s efforts have helped control overpopulation of companion animals and limit disease transmission between animals and humans in indigenous communities throughout NSW including Boggabilla, Bourke, Bowraville, Brewarrina, Collarenebri, Enngonia, Gingie, Goodooga, Ivanhoe, Jabullum, Namoi, Purfleet, Taree, Toomelah, Walgett, Walhallow, Weilmoringle and now Wilcannia.

Adopt a Pet Profile: Angel, Maltese X

2011-04-28T16:27:00.001+10:00

Angel is a very friendly and affectionate girl looking for a loving home. She needs a mature household with older owners as she doesn’t like to play much. Angel is happiest when she can relax with her family and enjoy gentle interaction. She can be a bit unsure of children running around or fast movements so it is best that her new home be calm. She is friendly with other dogs so would be happy if her new home was to have one but they must meet at the shelter before they can go home together.

Angel is looking for an owner who will be home most of the day and have plenty of time to spend with her, she is affectionate and will become very close with her owner and wont enjoy being alone for long periods of time. For the times she is left alone, she will need plenty to do to keep her busy like kongs or boredom busters. As she is a Maltese she will need daily brushes to prevent her coat from matting or getting knots. A bath every few months will be good to keep her clean. Angel is a very sweet and gentle natured dog who is looking for a quite home with a family who will spend plenty of time with her. She is currently at a foster carers but is brought in to the shelter most days but it might be best to call before you come to make sure she is here, on 9770 7528.

Angel is $90 (due to our current SAVE campaign) to adopt, and is desexed, vaccinated, wormed and health tested. The RSPCA is open six days, closed Wednesdays, for adoptions. For more information please visit: http://www.rspcansw.org.au/ or call 9770 7555.

RSPCA NSW HALVES ADOPTION FEES TO SAVE LIVES

2011-04-28T10:06:00.000+10:00

RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter reached capacity a few weeks ago and regional shelters state-wide aren’t far behind. The non-profit organisation in once again desperate to save as many animals’ lives as possible and is therefore halving adoption fees on all animals at RSPCA NSW shelters and the RSPCA Care Centre at Rouse Hill from Saturday, 23 April through Sunday, 15 May.*

“We’re being forced to euthanase perfectly healthy animals because we’ve physically run out of room and have nowhere to care for incoming animals,” said RSPCA NSW Animal Wellbeing Executive Manager Susan Hill. “It’s absolutely devastating, and it’s really taking a toll on staff morale.”

The RSPCA NSW launched their first SAVE campaign back in February, which was specifically geared toward rehoming cats and kittens. “The campaign was hugely successful – we were able to rehome more than 500 felines in five days,” said Ms Hill. “So we’ve adopted a similar model this time, but have extended it to cover all animals at all RSPCA NSW shelters state-wide.”

“We’ve got thousands of gorgeous, loving animals that deserve a chance at life,” said Ms Hill. “We’re hoping this cost savings will encourage people to make the RSPCA their first choice when considering pet adoption.”

The RSPCA reminds people that pets are a long-term commitment and should be a considered decision, not an impulse buy. For those ready to take on the responsibility of a pet, please visit http://www.adoptapet.com.au/ to learn more about RSPCA animals available for adoption.

*Terms and conditions apply. For more information about SAVE, visit www.rspcansw.org.au/save

BULLDOGS AND RSPCA GEAR UP FOR GAME DAY

2011-04-28T09:52:00.000+10:00

Canterbury Bulldogs Forward and RSPCA Ambassador
Dene Halatau washes RSPCA Shelter dog, Alev

RSPCA NSW and long-time supporters, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, are gearing up for the NRL team’s big Easter game this Saturday against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Bulldogs and Shelter dogs spent the week celebrating in anticipation of a big win.

The celebration kicked off with Bulldogs players heading out to the RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter in Yagoona on Tuesday, 19 April to wash shelter dogs and get Bulldogs fans and RSPCA supporters excited about the upcoming game.

“We had a great time washing the Shelter dogs,” said Bulldogs Forward and RSPCA Ambassador Dene Halatau. “Aussie Pooch Mobile was there and all the players took turns bathing dogs – it was a great way to lead into this weekend’s game.”

The celebration will continue on Game Day, this Saturday, 23 April. The big match, against fellow animal-loving team the Rabbitohs, is devoted to raising funds and generating awareness for the RSPCA and the upcoming RSPCA Million Paws Walk fundraiser. RSPCA volunteers will pass out free Bulldogs face masks, the Belles cheerleaders will be decked out in RSPCA Million Paws Walk t-shirts and the RSPCA will treat the crowd with pre-game and half time entertainment.

“’We’re looking forward to Game Day and hope to get the crowd really excited about the RSPCA’s upcoming Million Paws Walk event on Sunday, 15 May,” said Halatau.

Watch out for Ziggy, RSPCA Million Paws Walk mascot, who will make a special appearance on field to deliver the game ball.

RSPCA Education spread the word!

2011-04-19T15:44:00.001+10:00

Last week, the RSPCA Education Team visited Moree to deliver Education Programs to the local schools and assist the RSPCA Moree Branch at the annual Moree Show.

Over a couple of days, Zoe and Stephanie from the Education Team presented talks to schools in Moree and Mallawa about the RSPCA, dog safety and responsible pet ownership.

A particular highlight of the trip was a visit to Moree Secondary College. The Education Team was accompanied by regional RSPCA Inspectors Andrew and Michael and discussed with students the role of RSPCA, life as an RSPCA Inspector and the types of animal cruelty cases investigated.

The week concluded with a successful day at the Moree Show where Zoe and Stephanie assisted in judging the pet show and liaised with the community about the work of RSPCA and how to get involved with the local branch.

You can view more photos of the RSPCA Education Teams trip to Moree here...http://rspcansw.org/gtVPE5

RSPCA CONDEMNS USE OF DOGS IN PIG HUNTING

2011-04-18T15:53:00.000+10:00

The Game Council of NSW is at it again, this time calling for ‘expressions of interest’ for volunteer hunters to use dogs to hunt feral pigs in NSW State forests. RSPCA NSW today condemned the Game Council’s proposal, saying it flies in the face of the progress made in recent years to improve humaneness in wildlife and pest animal management.

“The RSPCA accepts that in some circumstances there is a need to control introduced animals such as feral pigs, but we firmly believe that any control measures used must be justified, effective and humane,” said RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman. “This is certainly not the case with hunting pigs with dogs.”

“Recreational hunting of pigs does not have any significant effect in reducing the agricultural or environmental impacts of these animals. Pig hunters do not apply their activities in a coordinated manner nor do they target their efforts in ways that would reduce impacts.”

“Pigs hunted with dogs are chased, held down and may be attacked and wounded by the dogs before the hunter is able to dispatch the pig. This is especially likely where dogs are poorly trained or are not called off quickly after they have located the pig. This means that the pig has suffered considerable pain, suffering and distress prior to death. Accredited game hunters (professional game meat harvesters) have an incentive to ensure that the pig is not mauled or injured, as the carcass would not be acceptable for processing. Recreational hunters have no such incentive or requirement for training or applying humane practices.”

“Not only is the use of dogs cruel to the pigs, it also places the dogs themselves in danger of injury and death. Some hunters will treat injured dogs themselves by sewing up their wounds, rather than take them for appropriate veterinary treatment. In addition, pig dogs are frequently lost during hunting and can end up as stray/wild dogs causing stock losses to farmers.”

The RSPCA NSW urges members of the public to contact their local political representatives, including NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell, to voice their disgust at this barbaric form of recreational hunting.

RSPCA’S MILLION PAWS WALK IS ALMOST HERE

2011-04-18T11:03:00.001+10:00

The RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk is only four weeks away – get ready for a great day out and save 25% when you register online at http://www.millionpawswalk.com.au/. With 25 walk locations around NSW, there’s sure to be one near you.

You don’t need to be a dog owner to participate – everyone is invited to join the pack on Sunday, May 15th 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.

If you do plan to bring your four-legged friends along, make sure they’re healthy, fit and ready for the big day. “RSPCA’s Million Paws Walk is designed to be fun, but it can be challenging for older or unfit dogs, as well as short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs and Boxers,” said RSPCA NSW Events Manager Sarah Rossiter. “If your dog isn’t accustomed to regular exercise, walking on a lead or socialising with others, start working with them now so they’re better-prepared and can enjoy themselves on the day.”

Water will be available at the event, but seasoned Million Paws Walk participants come prepared with sun protection (for themselves as well as their pets), an extra supply of water and good walking shoes. “Last year’s Million Paws Walk in Sydney got unseasonably warm, and some dogs didn’t cope very well with the heat,” said Ms Rossiter. “So we’re encouraging people to be prepared for a warm day, just in case.”

If you can’t make it on the day, you can still get involved by fundraising online. Online fundraisers even have the chance to win a 2011 Hyundai i30w SX manual wagon valued at $24,000*. For every $100 raised online, you’ll receive an entry into the draw – the more you raise, the more chances to win!

Labrador Beau (pictured above), currently available for adoption at RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter in Yagoona, is on a mission to lose those extra kilos in order to reach a healthy weight and be in shape for this year’s RSPCA Million Paws Walk. Only four weeks to go!

This year, walks around NSW will be held at:

Albury – Hovell Tree Park
Armidale – The Greenlands Armidale
Bathurst – Bi-Centennial Park
Berridale – Lions Park
Blue Mountains – Melrose Park
Central Coast – Lyons Park
Coffs Harbour – RSPCA Shelter
Cooma – Centennial Park
Dubbo – Ollie Robbins Oval
Glen Innes – Glen Innes Showground
Goulburn – Goulburn Girl Guides Hall
Gunnedah – RSPCA Volunteer Branch
Illawarra – Reddall Reserve
Inverell – Campbell Park
Kempsey – Kempsey Showground
Morpeth – Morpeth Common
Nowra – White Sands Park
Orange – EMUS Rugby Club
Port Macquarie – PM Racecourse
Sydney – Sydney Olympic Park
Tamworth – RSPCA Volunteer Branch
Taree – Taree Showground
Tweed Heads – Jack Bayliss Park
Ulladulla & South Coast – Milton Showground

Wagga Wagga – Wiradjuri Walking Track

“May 15th is right around the corner, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic day,” said Ms Rossiter.

*Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please visit www.millionpawswalk.com.au or call (02) 9782 4480. For all the latest news and up to date information, follow RSPCA NSW on Facebook and Twitter @RSPCANSW.

RSPCA Sydney Shelter at Capacity!

2011-04-11T16:14:00.002+10:00

Bling Bling is available from the Sydney Yagoona Shelter NOW

RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter in Yagoona has reached capacity and the animal welfare organisation is urging people considering pet adoption to visit the RSPCA now to find their new animal friend.

“The Shelter is always busy,” said RSPCA Sydney Shelter Manager Donna Hough. “But we are exceptionally full at this time, and are now faced with euthanasing incoming animals because we’ve physically run out of room.”

RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter is the largest animal shelter in the Southern Hemisphere, and acts as a transfer centre for smaller RSPCA shelters throughout NSW. However, the Shelter has been forced to limit the number of transfers being accepted from other RSPCA shelters, which will ultimately impact regional shelters state-wide.

“Our kittery is packed at the moment,” said Ms Hough, referring to the area where young kittens are housed. “This is most likely a result of kitten season lasting longer than normal due to warm weather. But adoptions have been particularly slow over the past few weeks as well, which has only exacerbated the issue.”

It isn’t just the kittery that’s inundated; the entire Shelter is filled with animals of all kinds waiting to find new homes. “We’ve got so many large breed dogs right now, as well as rabbits, adult cats, even chooks!”

Ms Hough hopes that families will take school holidays as an opportunity to visit the Shelter and meet the animals. “Easter is a good time to introduce a new pet into the household because kids are on school holidays, and – assuming families aren’t going away – they’re more likely to be at home to introduce new pets to the family, spend time with the animal and ensure it gets settled into a routine. Overall, it can be a great opportunity to bond with the animal.”

After the overwhelming success of our SAVE campaign in February where we rehomed over 500 cats, we didn’t think we would be in a similar predicament in April, but we are. Which is why we are halving the adoption fee of all animals in RSPCA NSW shelters and the Care Centre at Rouse Hill from Friday 22nd of April until the 15th of May.

The RSPCA reminds people that pets are a long-term commitment and should be a considered decision, not an impulse buy. For those ready to take on the responsibility of a pet, please make the RSPCA your first stop. To learn more about RSPCA animals available for adoption, visit http://www.adoptapet.com.au/.

RSPCA awards Sarbi the Purple Cross

2011-04-07T16:32:00.001+10:00

Sarbi the Explosive Detection Dog received RSPCA’s most prestigious animal bravery award today, the Purple Cross, at a ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.

Sarbi was awarded the Purple Cross by The National President of RSPCA Australia, Mrs Lynne Bradshaw.

“It recognises the deeds of animals that have shown outstanding service to humans, particularly if they’ve shown exceptional courage,” Mrs Bradshaw said. “I think there’s no doubt that Sarbi has shown an incredible resilience and strength that should be recognised.”

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie AC, DSC, CSM, also attended the ceremony. “I am very proud of the professional and dedicated work of our combat engineers and dog handlers, and the vital role they play in keeping our soldiers safe on deployment,” said Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie. “I am thrilled that the RSPCA has chosen to honour Sarbi, and by extension, all of Army’s working dogs and their handlers with this award."

Sarbi went missing in Afghanistan in September 2008 following Coalition contact with Insurgents.

During the engagement, nine Australian soldiers, including Sarbi’s handler, were wounded.

Sarbi was returned to Tarin Kot in October 2009, after being missing in action for 13 months.

FIRST RSPCA APPROVED CHICKEN IN VICTORIA, SA & TAS

2011-04-06T13:50:00.000+10:00

Victorians, South Australians and Tasmanians will have easier access to higher welfare chicken with the launch of the first RSPCA Approved chicken in Coles today.

The chickens are raised in the Bendigo Valley on farms that meet the RSPCA’s high animal welfare standards.

“We’re very excited about this new product line. It’s the first time on the East Coast that the RSPCA has been able to provide a higher welfare meat chicken option to consumers, who we know are looking for it,” said RSPCA Australia CEO Heather Neil.

“The key objective of the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is to improve the lives of farm animals by moving away from conventional farming systems to production environments that better meet the animal’s welfare and behavioural needs.

“As a result of this new product in Coles and the RSPCA’s work with chicken farmers - hundreds of thousands of meat chickens will have a much better life.”

The RSPCA’S meat chicken standards can be applied to bird-friendly indoor (barn) or outdoor (free-range) systems. RSPCA Approved Bendigo Valley chicken is an indoor system and is labeled as such so consumers can make a fully informed choice.

Animal welfare on RSPCA Approved farms is much higher than what is required by law or recommended in various state codes of practice.

“Achieving a high level of welfare on meat chicken farms entails getting the balance right between all the housing conditions that can have an impact on bird welfare such as space, lighting and enrichment. “RSPCA assessors regularly visit RSPCA Approved farms to ensure our high standards are maintained.”

On all RSPCA Approved chicken farms:

- chickens have more space
- chickens are free to forage and dustbathe in litter
- chickens have straw bales or other objects to investigate
- chickens have perches to sit on
- chickens have a longer dark period so they can rest properly

To find RSPCA Approved chicken near you visit www.rspca.org.au/shophumane . To view our Approved Farming Standards visit http://www.rspca.org.au/what-we-do/approved-farming-scheme/

Animal Cruelty Offences – Camden Local Court

2011-04-06T12:09:00.001+10:00

Photo taken 24 Dec 2009
(fish tank with high ammonia levels)

Photo taken 5 Feb 2010
(17 peach face birds in cage on floor)

A local Narellan man appeared for sentencing at Camden Local Court on 30 March 2011. As proprietor of 'Pets R Us and Grooming', a pet shop located at Narellan, the man was charged with thirty-six offences under the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations. He had pleaded guilty to all offences at an earlier Court appearance.

RSPCA Inspectors responded to numerous complaints about the welfare of animals in this pet shop between April 2009 and May 2010. During this period four inspections identified offences where the pet shop was not compliant with regulatory standards defined in the NSW Animal Welfare Code of Practice for Animals in Pet Shops.

In addition to twenty-nine regulatory breaches of the Code of Practice, the man was charged with seven counts of failing to provide veterinary treatment to four birds. The birds were seized by RSPCA Inspectors on 5 February 2010 for urgent veterinary attention. A budgerigar was diagnosed as suffering a chronic mite infestation and respiratory condition. Two cockatiels with respiratory conditions suffered from ocular and wing lesions, and a plum-head parrot had ocular lesions.

The owner was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service. He was fined $5,400 and placed on a Section 9 good behaviour bond for two years. Under the conditions of the bond, the RSPCA may inspect animals at his premises on reasonable notice. The man was ordered to dispose of all animals for which he is personally-in-charge within seven days. He has also been prohibited from possessing any animal for two years. The man was ordered to pay $2,636.20 veterinary costs and $5,000 toward the RSPCA's legal expenses. For seven offences, the man was convicted with no further penalty imposed (total fines and costs $13,036.20).

And they call it Puppy love!

2011-04-01T10:44:00.000+11:00

Has your Labrador been looking a bit lonely of late? Is your feline bored of batting around a ball of string, all alone? Your horse – long in the face?

The compatibility experts at eHarmony.com.au believe that the search for love and companionship shouldn’t be limited to humans, which is why they have decided to apply their compatibility knowledge to our four-legged friends

eHarmony have partnered with the RSPCA to create a fun and user-friendly matching system designed to find the perfect mate for your pet. With the RSPCA’s expertise on animals, and eHarmony’s relationship know-how, comPETability was born.

While eHarmony takes great pride in the science behind their Compatibility Matching System™ for humans, they haven’t managed to crack the pet equation just yet!

All you have to do is go to facebook.com/eharmonyaustralia, fill out a quick questionnaire on your pet’s behalf and wait for a match…