mita

Which would explain why the proposed laws in NSW & Victoria are based on supporting a commercial model approach to breeding & raising puppies. And also explain why those State Governments intend to dip into this 'industry' pool via costs of obtaining licences. Meanwhile, most registered breeders tend to work in a hobby home-style setting which is likelier to produce sounder companion dogs.

Funny you should say that about the positive effect of dogs. When they did research on the pet therapy dogs in hospitals, there was an unexpected finding that they had a positive influence on the staff. Same about puppies being raised for service work by prisoners.... there was not only positive effects on the prisoners involved, but also on the staff.

The Australian Government has a position paper on companion animal welfare. Makes the point that government policy doesn't go along with any animal rights' views that interfere with people responsibly owning companion pets: Animal welfare, animal liberation and animal rights are not synonymous terms. Animal liberation and animal rights represent a wide diversity of philosophical views and personal values. The Strategy omits value statements that are incompatible with the responsible use of animals for human purposes, such as companionship, food, fibre, research and teaching conducted for the benefit of humans and animals in Australian society. Unfortunately, it's the State laws which actually affect what happens for companion pets. And the proposed ones I've seen in Victoria & in New South Wales have very little to do with animal rights.... & not much more with welfare. Those proposed laws are slanted at supporting business models of commercial production of puppies, and at revenue raising by charging licensing fees. Nor are the proposed laws evidence- based on what is a companion dog and how they are best developed. Where studies show the slant is towards the practices that tend to be found among registered breeders. Practices that are not compatible with a commercial approach.

Some dogs go to work every day. One of the Sydney rescuers placed a lovely tibbie boy with a couple who own their own business. She told me how the tibbie goes to work with them every day. His special job is reception... where clients, callers & delivery people enjoy talking to him. The presence of dogs can bring something special into the workplace. So good to see this thread. There's a funny set of pics on the TYDTWD Facebook page. What the boss is afraid it is. What you hope it is. What it really is. What it means for an adoptable dog (they encourage rescuers to bring their foster dogs.

Thanks for the tip-off.

The fact that she's had an attack of pancreatitis this time, is due to something out of the ordinary. She got an overload of food by breaking into the packet of puppy food. If you meant actual 'puppy' food then it's higher in fat. All dogs, young & old, with a tendency towards pancreatitis, will get an attack if they get a big dose of fatty food. That was an accident. You must've been doing fine with her diet, in that her last attack of pancreatitis was 2 years ago. I speak from experience ... our rescue sheltie had frequent attacks of pancreatitis, until I got a handle on just how fat-free the diet has to be. I didn't use the prescription food, just worked out everyday foods as chezy's posted (thank goodness for basmati rice). So then no treatment costs. By coincidence, he also had a deteriorating eye condition that couldn't be cured, which meant he gradually lost his sight by age 12 years. But he was in no pain & adjusted to the protected life he led as a senior house pet. And we learned how to live with a dog with little or no vision. His life was comfortable, safe, pain-free & with plenty of grandpa naps. Distress free. Within a couple of years, he developed a bowel problem which meant that life could no longer be maintained. And he was lovingly given his wings. Each dog owner has to make their call according to their pet's circumstances & what they want for that pet. Warmest thoughts to you as you make your decision. These decisions are always made with thought & great love. The opposite of being a horrible person.

The Qld Animal Care & Management Act includes a specific reference to dogs being restrained as in being chained or tied up. There's a limit to the number of consecutive hours that they can be kept restrained. Also says water, food etc has to be available. I notice this NZ group says their law doesn't address specific limits to time spent being chained/tied up. Only refers to shelter, food & water. So they're also wisely setting up a petition for a change in the law.

It's taken living next door to greyhounds for me to find out what they're really like. As opposed to all the beliefs floating around .... which I once had, too. Great dogs, by the way, but very different from what many people think. Great article & I agree it should be shared around.

Lovely girl! From an admirer. :)

Cut to the chase & follow the issues. First, there's a problem of an older person with social & emotional problems that have led him to seek 'comfort' in acquiring a number of horses that are beyond his means & abilities to care for properly. The word 'hoarding' has covered this behaviour. The resulting neglect problems for the horses appears to be undisputed. Which means 2 things needed to be attended to: . Ensure the safety & well-being of the horses... a task legislated to the work of the RSPCA ; . Ensure the safety & well-being of the elderly man with deep-seated social/emotional problems. Care agencies exist under health & aged care legislation. It seems that the RSPCA performed the former. And also that a private horse breeder from nearby also tried to help (but 22 horses remained). But NO agency with expertise in the problems of the elderly man, was called in to help him. When there ought to have been both agencies at work.... communicating with each other & coordinating efforts. For once, an Australian example shows we've grasped this point here. More that one agency is needed in these situations.... & they need to coordinate efforts in the best interests of both animals & elderly person. In NSW, this need has been recognised. From the CCS NSW website: Catholic Community Services has been working with a variety of agencies, including the RSPCA and the Fire Brigade, to address the complex issues of hoarding and squalor. I'd assume that other social care agencies are doing the same thing. Without this approach, all that's left is useless huffing & puffing.

There is nothing wrong with Bull breeds, what's wrong is the idiots who breed some of them for the wrong reasons. The Pitbull was a dog fighter not a protection dog, but some idiots along the way decided that they should be harmful to people so they bred duds that showed aggression in the wrong areas the way I see it evolve......so man made many Bull breeds into what they were never supposed to be, so what needs to be done IMHO is cull off these crap Bull breeds, get out the breed book and start breeding some proper ones who comply with the breed standards Pitbull's shouldn't be biting people, if they do......something isn't right in the bloodlines.......a friend of mine has 2 Pits both bullet proof with people and other dogs, but I have also seen some shockers too, maulings waiting to happen. I'm going to regret this.... I can see a one notion mind at work. Yes, genes are important.... but they are not alone in the mix which determines if an individual dog has a high risk or a low risk of aggression. What is required is attention to all the factors.

Your are kidding arent you? No I suppose you arent.. Why would I be kidding in asking a question? wasnt it oversimplification that brought in BSL and naught else? doesnt the AVA paper list a raft of issues just about all ignored in the quick fix mentality? I think maybe you need to come back and post when the Endone is out of your system as you have said, since your posts make no sense at all? I'm glad I'm not the only one that was having trouble with the meaning. Inez, whatever you're taking the meds for, I hope all goes well for you. Take care.

Oh, Aphra, that's a classic!

Mantis, the evidence that's been presented in this thread.... as opposed to opinions.... is that the breed per se is not sufficient to predict degree of risk in a particular dog. Which is why both the American Veterinary Association & the Australian Veterinary Association do not support breed-specific legislation as a measure in preventing dog bites/attacks. It's opinions with no scientific backing that's rolling thro' this thread. Even 'making up' phenomena.... 'nerve factor', 'nerve issues'. And I wonder why very few seem to know about the excellent AVA paper which is based on evidence from studies.

Your are kidding arent you? No I suppose you arent.. Why would I be kidding in asking a question?

So now we're down to just 'genes'?

Your little gem hidden away in this thread, corvus. And what goes into a mix of factors which will either heighten or reduce risk... is well known from research. Only pity is, not many people .... or indeed, the authorities when making laws .... seem to have read it. From the AVA 2012 paper. Remember.... it's the mix. Not one factor totally on its own. Which is why going after breed alone, is useless: While genetics are an important factor, the impact of the environment and learning are critical to the behaviour of a dog. The tendency of a dog to bite is dependent on at least five interacting factors:  heredity (genes, breed)  early experience  socialisation and training  health (physical and psychological) and  victim behaviour (Beaver 2001, Seksel 2002, Snyder 2005). Other factors include the sex and age of the animal, along with a range of other social and environmental factors.

Yes, good to see. But it's not likely to contribute much to public opinion.... when most of the public haven't laid eyes on it.

Double post.

The Australian Veterinary Association in 2012 issued a brilliant paper called 'Dangerous Dogs - A Sensible Solution'. Sets out all the research about dogs & how various countries have responded. Among all the many points.... it says that dogs usually have behavioural signs well before they cause serious injury. Also points out the relationship with types of owners, victims & places where dog attacks tend to happen. They mount a good argument why breed specific legislation is not going to ensure public safety. They set out all the measures that they think... will. And provide information that should help pet owners acquire & manage dogs with low risk of causing any problems. However.... I can't see very many of these excellent proactive ideas being rolled out. In the vacuum, authorities & some members of the public just keep circling around the 'breed' thing. http://www.ava.com.au/sites/default/files/AVA_website/pdfs/Dangerous%20dogs%20-%20a%20sensible%20solution%20FINAL.pdf Oh... & even tho' the evidence is clear that puppies bred & raised in more home-style settings will end to go on to be of less risk of aggression.... 2 states are busily legislating that large scale puppy 'factories' can go ahead.

Thanks for the link to the Facebook page. What a happy & warm little Nana Pom she is now. I love her doggie coat that's got the built-in ear muffs.

Tyson is gorgeous!

T, I was struggling to think what to say to you .... & there you've said it, so much better than I can. Dear little pets, they'll be the brightest new stars tonight, because they were loved so much.

For SE Q'lders. The Military Dogs Training Unit at Amberley base, sends their puppies out at 12 weeks of age to live in ordinary pet homes within the community for the socialisation & familiarity that comes with living that lifestyle to the fullest. They're always looking for suitable pet lovers to do this. One of the DOLers did some time back... & she used to post about the experience. Anyone interested .... you'll find the email & phone number to make enquiries, on the RAAF Military Working Dogs' Facebook page. Scroll down to the pic of a cute baby pup, born to a military career at the base. https://www.facebook.com/RAAF.MWD

No highjack at all. Nana Pom & all the other Nana & Gramps dogs need all the attention they can get. It's also so good if their stories.... with happy endings ... are got out to the general public. It's not only awareness about older dogs needing homes, but also sharing what gems the Golden Oldies can be. Here's hoping the 12 yr old greyhound finds a home, like Nana Pom has.