Little Gifts

T and Asal - all the things I was thinking. I don't want it to be true but sadly I can see them doing it. I wonder why it hasn't been picked up out here?

*WARNING* Distressing video footage and photos in this link. Unsure if this is true but it doesn't sound that far fetched to me, having seen first hand how they treat dogs who were black tagged at one of their old and largest shelters in QLD. If an animal was not going to be rehomed or needed for a court case it immediately lost value and no efforts were made to provide it comfort or care - it had no value to them. Why would they change now? Shameful if it is true. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7733227/RSPCA-admits-sends-NSW-thoroughbreds-slaughterhouses-shocking-claims-racing-cruelty.html?fbclid=IwAR3aOKU8M32EIcBBcJgKMDD49h0-xiEZrTm9ksFTJfh_FC3zaC5QDB5EG5U

That is very true Moosmum. There are so many little bits of information that will make life so much better for animals with first time owners. Many of us have learnt it accidentally or the hard way over years of pet ownership. But imagine someone sharing all this knowledge so others didn't make the same mistakes, rather than just punishing after mistakes are made? The animals would certainly be better off for it and shouldn't that really be what we are aiming for anyway? I've also had Storybook Farm on my mind of late - a rescue that focused on animals with serious disabilities. I remember it being reported that the owner said some of the mess the RSPCA found from the raid was simply because special needs animals make more mess and that their area had not yet been cleaned. Then too shouldn't it be that special needs animals need a higher level of care? Same with breeding facilities. The risk to life of the mother and newborn pups is critical during whelping. Shouldn't that require a higher standard of care and skilled staff coverage? Instead we have basic bottom lines that don't necessarily meet every animal's basic care needs. If the RSPCA want to be leaders in preventative education for at least the general pet buying public then they could develop a program that could be localised and run in council areas so the information could be better targeted. But I guess it is what they see as their core business? Currently it seems to be fundraising.

This is part of the job I don't think they do well either. Lots of people don't seem to understand the difference between discipline and abuse, between meeting basic care needs and neglect or between attending to basic medical needs and it will heal on its own, but once informed, if they continue their behaviour they should be prosecuted. Once you know what is expected legally, if you knowingly break that law it is on you. This formal advice practise from 'authorities' has a purpose towards avoiding future harms. Same with pet ownership education - it is needed across the country as part of prevention but doesn't exist. Maybe councils would be better positioned to offer it but given how some run their pounds that's also a problematic solution. Imagine the offer of free council registration for one year if a person attended an honest and practical Pet Ownership workshop BEFORE purchasing a pet. A lot of minds could be changed or informed and resources for responsible pet sourcing could be provided. A lot of money could be saved by council, rescue and pet owners and pets and their owners might have a chance at better lives together. Surely the RSPCA has a spare mill it could put into developing that?

In QLD pokie money has paid for all the new shelters and offices. How many other charities out there have been so fortunate and still can't attend to their core business?

Wherever your expenditure is the greatest tells you what a large organisation is really all about. Used to see it in govt all the time. There will be more staff in their media and communications unit than than their will be inspectors, all housed in schmick facilities with modern technology while there are dogs lying in old hot/cold facilities somewhere still.

PETA actually sound like a voice you want to get behind there. Proactive rather than reactive is exactly how I feel too. Why all the crazy then? I agree with pretty much everything they said except the underfunding. RSPCA is the only charitable animal welfare organisation in the black and perhaps they should be diverting some of their pennies into prevention and prosecution rather than spending so much on their media and communications budget?

I did the survey T linked to on the other page. I was clear in that even though I live in QLD I was basing it on my experiences with them over a NSW based matter. Oh I hope it makes a difference! We just need someone doing some actual bloody preventative and effective investigation and prosecution that benefits animals! I don't care who does it as long as they do it with some skill, speed, insight and passion! ! It's not too much to ask!

Oh my! I'm not really a small white fluffy kind of girl but Esme looks like she has loads of personality and is a happy girl! And what a great way for her to grow up around your pack! She is going to make some family very happy! Thank you for sharing with us again!!!!

What a beautiful looking dog!

That is excellent news Snook! Absolutely nothing would be gained from euthanising that staffy. Horrific experience for all involved. I hope the dachschund's family have learnt some important lessons here.

I also feel for both owners but the first thing I saw was a picture of that blood soaked stafford and allegations that it had simply killed the dachshund for no reason. The next day I skeptically looked at the petition from the stafford's family and heard a very different story. Like everything the truth will lie somewhere between both 'stories'. I've experienced a couple of 2 dog fights so can't imagine what a 4 dog fight would be like on your adrenalin and decision making skills. Even worse having a child with me I'm sure I would become immobolised like I was in a nightmare. It's not a normal situation to be in. But this started because 3 loose dogs in a heightened state approached a calmly leashed dog (with it's family). But for that this never would've happened. Both families are forever changed by this avoidable situation. I hope the dachsund's family improve their fencing and get some recall and behavioural training for their remaining dogs. I suspect the stafford will need to at least be wearing a muzzle in public. I'd also be getting a full behavioural assessment done on it so they know the dog they now have. No winners here but a definate catalyst point. Nothing will be gained or learnt from killing another dog.

Oh Grumpette I am so sorry. He was a beautiful boy inside and out and I will miss seeing his smiling face and hearing about him. Sending a warm hug your way while you get through this. XXX

What a gorgeous story!

Grass Puppy!!!! He is very handsome!