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Pounds often have no idea about less common breeds and most of the general public would not be able to recognise a true pedigree purebred in most breeds. When I worked for the AWL where we only took 3 purebred surrenders in the 6 months I was there, the pound brought out a dog that had an ear tattoo they could'nt trace. They decided to check with us before he was pts as an unclaimed stray. The boss had a look and said they couldn't decide if it was an Elkhound or a Deerhound , which are nothing alike. She asked me to have a look and the dog in question was a purebred hunting pack registered Foxhound that I tracked to a hunt club in Vic. They didn't want him back but it turned out he was being kept locally as a pet by people who found him and had rung in a lost dog notification for a Beagle cross. They were only reunited with him by accident when they came looking for a replacement dog and found him in our kennels. Ho, what a lovely story. So glad they got him back.

You mean pure breds? Or were they all surrendered with pedigree papers? Whats with the nit picking? They were purebred dogs, how would I know what they were surrended with. I'm just a member of the public making an observation. Clyde isnt "nit picking" just for fun ask the person you see with what looks like a pedigree dog is it registered with a pedigree. 9 out of ten, frequently more the answer will be no. I and my family have had cattle dogs since before I was born. 90 out of a hundred never had a pedigree parent in living memory. The registered purebreds are the minority. It is becomming increasingy so with all breeds as pedigree breeders wont sell puppies on main register anymore. Just ring up the puppy for sale adds. nearly every one are limit register only this has been the norm now for over a decade. Anyone who wants an entire purebred is going to the trading post, local shops and gumtree. They are not comming from pedigree breeders. Most these days are either already desexed or come with a desexing contract. So precious few purebred pedigree's around for backyard breeding these days.

Good Grief! Charlie Brown I can relate to all three. Bit of a bummer you cant tell anyone how exciting it is to see a NORMAL doo. After all that worry. Then finally.......... All nice and firm. Elation.

Although on the up side, never have to hear that dreaded word "inherited" again. one question asked was after having the last vaccination pup went off food for weeks and yep they wondered if it may have been "inherited" from the parents? I know my child ended up in tepid baths for days after being vaccinated because ran tempretures so high could have gone into convulsions, far as I know thats called reaction to the vaccination. so what is it? inheritated in dogs, but caused by the injection in humans????????? In the seconds it took to ask me "could that be an inherited thing", and I THOUGH HO NO!, instant sick to my stomach, now even that is going to be my fault if something has gone wrong with the vaccination? had completly forgotten why opted out in the first place. my neighbour was fascinated by the conversation,(it was on speakerphone as im rather a bit deaf these days) he was all ears. Seems he had taken his sons litter of puppies for their vaccinations bar one. (his sister decided she would let hers get older before it was done). Next morning all but the unvaccinated pup was dead, the vet? Not a clue what had gone wrong. The live pup was a very inconvenient piece of evidence it wasnt something that had happend at the owners.

Just had a phone call from the happy owner of one of my last puppies I bred. She only took 3 days to learn where the door was and never made another mistake in the house...n she waas only 8 weeks and 3 days old... YAY! Think thats what I will miss the most. The silent phone. Its so quiet around here now.

this is an interesting website http://naiaonline.org/blog/animal-rights/the-world-is-petless-if-you-want-it/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaiaOfficialBlog+%28NAIA+Official+Blog%29#.UJTNt2fa-rs The world is petless! If you want it. Gary Francione is something of an elder statesman for the modern animal rights movement. A legal scholar and one of the first abolitionists, he has taught animal rights theory since 1985 and written several books on the subject. His abolitionist views place him at odds with the more incremental (and more successful) protectionist wing of the animal rights movement, but they also afford him the rare privilege of honesty when it comes to expressing his beliefs. You see, Francione doesn’t view animal rights as a series of goalposts where activists continuously pull on emotionally-charged, low-hanging fruit in order to gradually lull the public into adopting their code of behavior — a foie gras ban here, a ban of circus animals or guardian language there — and as such, there is no need for manipulation and obfuscation on his part. He’s not trying to trick anybody; he’ll let you know exactly where he is coming from, and what his goals are: If, as a hypothetical matter, we changed the legal status of dogs and cats so that they were no longer property and they had a legal status closer to that of human children, would our continued production of dogs and cats (or other nonhumans) and our keeping of ‘pets’ be morally justified?” My answer to this purely hypothetical question is “no.” We cannot justify the perpetuation of domestication for the purpose of keeping “pets.” There it is in a nutshell. Of course, many animal rightists who are against the concept of pet ownership will assuage concerns by supporting the rescue of homeless animals, allowing adherents and uninformed supporters to fund and fuel the agenda while still keeping pets in all but name… but they almost inevitably leave out the part about what happens when all domestic animals are spayed and neutered, when all those homeless, needy pets finally find homes. Fortunately, Gary’s here to fill us in on the end game: But if there were two dogs left in the universe and it were up to us as to whether they were allowed to breed so that we could continue to live with dogs, and even if we could guarantee that all dogs would have homes as loving as the one that we provide, we would not hesitate for a second to bring the whole institution of “pet” ownership to an end. Well, it’s definitely quoteworthy — and at least he’s honest! But it’s also not the most effective form of advertising, and case in point as to why the abolitionists have gained so little traction while the incrementalists have succeeded far beyond their earliest goals. After all, it is unusual to find somebody who doesn’t at least love the idea of sharing their home with a pet, even if the responsibilities are another story. To most people, a petless world would simply be inhuman. RayRay • 3 months ago Why is the domesticated dog viewed as being not as important as say, dogs in the wild? I don't comprehend this view point in the slightest. Regardless of whether they were genetically altered, they are still living, breathing, UNIQUE animals - attempting to kill them all of, to technically, discriminate against them - seems unjust. I know my lovely little cat has a grand life with me, constant companionship, adventures outside, all the food she could want, an environment which is consistently regulated; all of the playing she desires - I doubt the outdoor life would appeal more to her. Domesticated pets are often treated like kings/queens.

thanks interesting reading. good points. found this on the site too. so targeting of potential income sources over, the obvious cruelty cases, happens overseas too? so many people wonder why what seem such obvious cruelty cases fail to get any action, yet others are seized sometimes without any warning, like the koala park just to name the first I could recall. http://www.naiaonlin...gh-speed-flight anyway it has its own thread now. I know thats just about the same story for my boy, except in his case he was a dog not a horse. but sure cost enough to get back a perfectly healthy dog. Even if it was later described as an unfortunate set of circumstances, they didnt get out of it without a handy profit.

thanks interesting reading. good points. found this on the site too. so targeting of potential income sources over, the obvious cruelty cases, happens overseas too? so many people wonder why what seem such obvious cruelty cases fail to get any action, yet others are seized sometimes without any warning, like the koala park just to name the first I could recall. HELD FOR RANSOM: THE PLIGHT OF “HIGH SPEED FLIGHT” Sanctuary extorts money from horse owner By: Patti Strand Date: 01/16/2012 Category: | Shelter Issues | In early April, High Speed Flight disappeared from her stable in Monterey County, California. In early May, after reporting the horse stolen and conducting an exhaustive search, her owner found the mare at Redwings Horse Sanctuary less than two miles down the road. When Cheryl Fayter knocked on their door with proof of ownership, Redwings balked. Fayter said a sanctuary staff member told her that the mare they called Sunshine "is not your horse," that they had received a "substantial donation" for her, and that she was ready to go to her new home. High Speed Flight was born in 1998 on Fayter's farm. Fayter offered witnesses to identify the horse as hers, but Redwings would not accept the word of the mare's veterinarian, her farrier, or others who had seen the horse grow up. Only a DNA test would be good enough, they said. So Fayter pulled a couple of horse hairs and sent them off for comparison with the mare's original DNA profile and a parental DNA check. The tests came back positive: the horse at Redwings was AQHA-registered High Speed Flight, the daughter of Bar Sevenfortyseven and Kat As Trophy. Still Redwings refused to return the horse. The DNA report could have been altered, they claimed, and besides, Fayter owed them for board and care since April. Fayter said she would pay board but would not agree to a second condition - inspection of her property by Redwings. The horse owner had a letter from a veterinarian attesting to the condition of her property and said she would accept inspection by a law enforcement agency or humane society with authority under California law, but she would not allow evaluation of her facility by the group with a financial interest in keeping her horse. Several letters, a Redwings threat to sell the horse, a lawsuit, a court injunction, and thousands of dollars in expenses later, High Speed Flight went home in mid-June. Fayter paid board and care charges of $1147 for 2.5 months even though the going rate in her area is $150 per month. In July a photo of the palomino quarter horse appeared on Redwings website with a request for donations for her care. NAIA is tracking a number of similar cases in which questionable practices have been used in seizing animals. Typically these impoundments have been conducted by tax-exempt societies or sanctuaries, which seem to be operating from their mission statements and by laws rather than applicable state and local laws. To complicate matters, there is a growing trend for government officials to appoint personnel from not-for-profit organizations as humane agents without regard to their ignorance about basic husbandry practices or their lack of training in the law and law enforcement. Accordingly, NAIA is disappointed, but not surprised to observe a growing number of serious due process violations in animal impoundment and seizure cases. NAIA sympathizes with those who are charged with the difficult job of enforcing animal cruelty laws and supports all responsible enforcement efforts to end animal abuse. However, we believe that a conflict of interest exists when tax-exempt organizations stand as both accusers and enforcers in cases where part of their income derives from fundraising campaigns that target the suspect or from custodial fees earned during related impoundment or seizure cases. These conflicts are detrimental to the public interest as well as prejudicial to the accused and potentially harmful to the animals involved. If you have been involved in such a situation and are willing to share court documents and other evidence with NAIA for publication, please e-mail [email protected] Meanwhile, NAIA will continue to cover the case of High Speed Flight and to bring similar cases to public attention. http://www.naiaonline.org/articles/article/held-for-ransom-the-plight-of-high-speed-flight

Very true unfortunately. I know when I learned the first consignment were here in quarantine my first thought was ho god, a new penis extension is being added. Why on earth isnt someone in authority banning this. The videos of the attacks in america were available for all to see. Did it really matter these horrific images only accounted for a small percentage of the tens of thousands of good canine pit/bull citizins.It was a scenario that was not in Australia. Now it is. How did I know they had arrived? Because their proud importer was advertising for expressions of interest in the expected puppies at "only" $5,000 each. Went downhill from there didnt it. The really tragic part is they are here now, the good ones are heart stealers.

well, well, well. Theres one chap who automatically adds another $250 to the retraining fee if its been to carrot stick school. how to keep respect at feeding time. http://horseproblems.com.au/Feeding%20your%20horse.htm Just the beginning shows the writer is fully aware "love" just doesnt cut it. "Feeding time can be one of the most dangerous times for horse owners and I have to warn that the lack of rules causes many horses to be sent to me for re-education. I include buck jumping. Feed time is when horses fight for their position in the pecking order. You are being sized up as to whether you are number one or number two Fail in this test of assertiveness and you are destined have a horse that doesn't respect you. Lack of respect equals problems for you in the future. There are two main venues where the horse puts the amateur owner through the assessment phase. To decide whether you are worthy of being the boss or just second in charge. They are, feed time and lunging. If you are not up to the job, the horse will assume the role and immediately lose respect for you. That loss of respect, quite frankly means that the horse doesn't really like you any more. How do you feel about that then? This behavior starts in foals at about 5 weeks old and in fact, they are the dangerous ones. Would you believe that I have horses sent to me that are bucking their owners off and this is primarily caused by a lack of respect and associated rules at feeding time? Here are some rules that always should be adhered to:" Who was it thought horsie land was all goodness and light?

yep and when it all goes pear shaped its the horse thats put down. Or if its lucky gets sold to someone who knows its a horse not a mind reading soul mate who cant mind read after all. One thing about pony club you see the darlings who you would give your eye teeth to have at home, gradually destroyed before your eyes and turned into "stupid, savage, bucking bronc" u name it and suddenly its gone and a new well behved one arrives to be disintergrated. As for the penis extensions, they are either made so hot, scared, fear reactive, and yes even downright savage, no one is interested if they are onsold. Many cases they are put down because might be seen to shine with a new owner all those that are unsound of both body and mind, cant fit in the right hole, many with temprement problems, both innate and man made are quietly turned into dog meat. Its incredibly rare to see headlines of "horse attacks....etc"

I agree with this as well. I actually think some people should start off with something in a cage, small and relatively harmless, like maybe a rabbit. Some people should never progress to dogs at all. Sea monkeys might be a viable alternative for them :p you haven't seen my rabbit on a bad day :laugh: I know what you mean, I dont have any scars from a dog bite, My imported from England Netherland Dwarf buck? He certainly should be registered as dangerous,,,and muzzled. The only way I could make him let go my thumb. Knock him out with the feed scoop. Still have that scar. I thought its the Polish that many Judges refuse to work with?

I care. Labelling these dogs as "monsters" suggests that somehow they are extraordinary. Until I hear evidence to the contrary, I'll consider them highly dog aggressive dogs. No more, no less. Hyperbolic language is what I expect of the press, not people discussing these incidents on a dog forum. All this discussion, reminds me of something. Decades ago , decades before the first pit bull ever put paw in this country. Few people in the city actually kept their dogs at home, it was not uncommon if a bitch was in season to see the apalling sight of up to 20 and more males in an imense pack fighting to drive off the other males. My parent would usher us all inside and mum would hop into the car and drive into the pack until she had the bitch beside the drivers door and if she could, haul her into the car and whisk her away. It could be a dangerous exercise, invariably they had been dumped some in apalling condition. Mum would take them to the vet the worst caseones put down. some mum kept and turned out great pets. Anyone who owned (an undesexed) bitch had to have dog proof fences to keep the hoards OUT. In those days almost no one kept a bitch. 50's and 60's, n just about no one desexed their dogs. Believe it or not the worlds a nicer place for our dogs now in many ways. Common sense with dogs and cats, rabbits, all pets perhaps needs to be taught at school, so few parents even know so how can they teach? I remember how they eradicted hydatid, they taught the kids at school how it was passed on and how to keep your dog from giving it to you. they did it then? they dont now. the results of getting it is just as horrific as it ever was. dog attacks too. Dad would say. two good dogs at home, running loose together becomes a pack, a pack will do what a single wouldnt even think of, add more and the danger, and drive to kill grows expeditionally. Dad, would shut and lock the gates. although in those days we didnt have 'breeds' bred for fighting each other. them arriving added a new dimension, to the pack equation . Dogs will be dogs, the humans need to realise any fido and have a bad hair day. regardless of breed. Trouble is few believe it or plan to prevent it. Or in the case of the two who got out, the fence wasnt as adequate as the owner believed. I think we have all seen heaps of different breeds decide they dont like some other dog and its on for young and old. Although that Pit/amstaff breeder explained the difference we now see. Dogs that don't understand the "I surrender" body language. The reason I won't ever use an off leash park. To me "It" is an "accident" waiting to happen.

Don't know how you figure this will solve the issue. "Proper" APBT breeders bred dog aggressive dogs - indeed, they didn't see it as an issue and said as much in their BSL submissions. I see a lot of assumptions about these dogs being mistreated, poorly managed or raised to be aggressive. I don't see a shred of evidence that would support any of those assumptions. The only thing we know for sure is that these dogs escaped their yard and attacked another dog, maiming its owner in the process. There is far more involved than simply "its all the owners fault" as well. There are families in dogs just as in people where agression is very near the surface. I looked after some dogs many years ago while the family was on holiday. Some months before they had found one of their dogs dead in the yard and thought it had been bitten by a snake. Foamy mouth etc, a week into them being away, I find one of the now 3 semi consious foaming at the mouth, but? ears wet? neck wet? Wrapped her up and the vet treated her for shock and all seemed fine. But the cause? No idea. Almost a week later hear growling and sneaked up to discover the eldest attacking the one that had been in shock,, neck all wet, ears too and yes going into shock, another vet trip later and she was ok. Told the owners, the old dog had another go some weeks later. Ultimately she had to be kept seperated from the other two. What breed? Chihuahua. She was a sneak, would only attack if she thought no one was around, hardly any teeth so no actual bite marks but the distress of the attack was enough to almost kill the victum anyway. Years later I bought a very nice pup who when grown would suddenly take a dislike to another and the attack was just as savage as the old girl I had seen. Even more telling discovered my new pup was a grandaughter of a sister to that dog. Family trait? Never saw it emerge in any from the first Kennel my original 3 came from, from what I observed at times they ran 10 to 20 together hooning round the gardens without a cross word.

This breeder really is honest as to the possiblities in any pup. Always Faithful Amstaffs are dual-registered with the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. The AKC refers to this breed as the American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff) while the UKC still recognizes the original name of American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). Before you seriously consider adding an Amstaff / APBT to your life, take time - a lot of time - to understand what this breed is and what it is not. The following excerpts are taken from Joe Stahlkuppe's The American Pit Bull Terrier Handbook which refers to this breed entirely as the APBT. In understanding the complete APBT, a potential owner should take into account all facets of sharing one's life with a pet of complexity. Know The APBT Understanding the APBT requires acceptance of the total package. The strength and power cannot be seen clearly without acknowledging the personality and charm. The toughness of the breed cannot be fully reckoned with without assessing the gentleness of the breed. The APBT's harshly real background should not be a focal point without considering the funny, clownish antics of the dog. Unless you know what owning an APBT truly involves, you are setting yourself (and an innocent dog) up for what could be a failure of monumental proportions. Owning an APBT can be a wonderful experience, but never be deluded that this is just another dog. Are APBTs and Amstaffs the Same Breed? The AKC allowed APBTs to be registered as Amstaffs for a number of years until the studbook was closed. This meant that from the closing of the studbook on, the AKC would register only dogs whose parents were registered as American Staffordshire Terriers. Since that time, the Amstaff has gradually changed from what it had been as a renamed American Pit Bull Terrier. It is correct to state, in general terms, that the AKC Amstaff and the APBT of the UKC and ADBA is now not the same breed. They look quite similar, but there have been changes in the Amstaff after 65 years of breeding purely for conformation. The differences between the Amstaff and the APBT would be even greater if there had not been dual registration. Some of the APBT breeders who opted for their dogs' inclusion in the American Kennel Club as American Staffordshire Terriers, kept their dogs registered in the United Kennel Club as APBTs. There are still some dual-registered dogs today. Several years ago, the top APBT of the United Kennel Club was also the top American Staffordshire Terrier of the American Kennel Club! All claims and dramatic protestations to the contrary, in some cases, the Amstaff and the APBT are the same breed. Aggressiveness Toward Other Dogs Many breeds of dogs are animal-aggressive to one degree or another. The popular Jack Russell Terrier, often animal-aggressive, as other members of the terrier group usually are, was originally bred to do battle with rats, badgers, foxes, and other animals. Jack Russells were bred to help deplete the huge number of rats in the days before other reliable extermination processes. To expect the average JRT not to go after a stray cat or trespassing dog is to be unrealistic, but that is not to say that dogs can't be trained and socialized to ignore other animals. This is possible with the Jack Russell and it is possible with the APBT. Dogs that grow up with other animals generally reach an accommodation of their own. It is important to recognize that APBTs, as a fighting breed, don't respond to challenges in the same way that nonfighting breeds do. Most dogs are merely trying to establish dominance over their opponent. When that opponent gives in and strikes classical submission positions, cowering or rolling over onto its back, most dominant dogs are satisfied and the fight stops. When game-bred dogs confront each other, neither of them will submit to the other. Gameness requires that they never give up. When a fight begins between two game dogs, whether either has never been in a pit before or not, the fight will not stop unless death or human beings stop it. Gameness brings a whole new dimension to a dogfight. No bristling and dominance displays here. There is very little time for a human to intervene after the aggressiveness starts. This is no contest to see who will be top dog, leader of the pack. This fight is more serious with life or death hanging in the balance. Some game-bred dog breeders have dogs that are perfectly safe around other dogs when out and away from the yard. One breeder, the owner of ten dogs, stated, "I have one dog that I can walk on the streets or in parks and he won't be aggressive unless another dog acts in a threatening manner." This same breeder has nine other dogs that he doesn't feel comfortable in taking out to places where they may encounter other dogs.

there are three breeds of kelpies in australia, the ANKC registered which can be shown at ANKC shows, there's the working kelpies registered with I forget their initials. then theres the bulk of kelpies living their lives as pets or working dogs and never registered with either, I am pretty sure the Cudglebar kelpies have never had a prefix in front of their name but work? amazing dogs, inituative too. one sent to bring in a filly for wound dressing, was in a paddock alone, trouble was the mob was on the other side of the fence she flatly refused to move away from the mob. The kelpie looked to the boss for instructions, meanwhile boss was laughing too hard at the predicament. So , kelpie gave boss a disgusted look , jumped the fence, drove the mob to the yards with the filly following on the other side of the fence, soon as she entered the yard, kelpie rejumped the fence. Blocked the gate and barked at boss to get his sorry butt over and shut the gate. What has this to do with Pit Bull and an AmStaff? One has papers.... one doesn't. Do you own checking, there are dogs in USA described as dual registered Pit Bull and AmStaff. Like what the? http://www.dogforum.com.au/general-dog-forum/639-amstaff-v-pitbull-3.html OK , the photo is of an APBT. Nice isn't he The American Staffordshire is the registered version of the APBT. That is a simple version ( sorry guys-been a hectic night) It is not a recognised breed in Australia Natty you are correct,it is however a recognised,registered breed with the UKC .It is one of the things brought to many debates when concerning BSL and those especially pertaining to the ID'ng of a said Restricted Breed. In other parts ofthe world a dog can actually be dual registered,APBT/Amstaff. An APBT is an unpapered Amstaff. Sorry Occy,probably more brain splat on the way It is not a case though of simple an APBT being a BYB Amstaff. Without the Pi Bull , there would be no Amstaff. The Amstaff was created from a select group of APBT. No other blood has ever been introduced. In fact the Stud Books reopened in the 70's to allow a fresh infusion of APBT blood into the Amstaff , thus in effect making the Amstaff an even younger 'breed' . This is a highly condensed version of things sory,as I said ,tis been one of those nights and its getting late. Hopefully the thread will not implode before I can come back tomorow Kennel Assistant Blue Mountains Pet Resort https://www.facebook.com/OzBullRescue http://sgallo4.tripod.com/id39.html http://www.bulldogbreeds.com/americanpitbullterrier.html

My take on it, no one will be advised until after the euthanesia has been done in future. Interesting how many posters seem to think it should have been put down, despite the fact the now owner saw the dog with the finder and their children where it was no problem, nor with them, but hey if an animal doesnt love everyone in this new world, tough luck. not many guarding breeds will survive once they enter then. Or any hunting either, narrows the field down to what? I dont know a kelpie, border collie, sheltie, u name it wont bark at or chase a rabbit? the only ones I do know grew up with em, that would include cats and chooks too, and thats precious few.

the wonderful thing about microchips is she is forever connected to you. I so hope that phone call is comming soon. I know my vet was astonished one day,had a lovely dog brought in for stitches for an injury, he scanned him and discovered he had been reported lost or stolen 3 years earlier, his owner were overjoyed so although we are so praying for you she comes home tonight. It doesnt mean it might be tomorrow next week whatever. It was 3 months before those chips found my girls back home. The weird thing was although they were tens of miles apart they were home within days of each other. soon as they were sold and yes it was their chips did the job even though their new owners had been told they were not chipped. one scan revealed the truth.

does that make any? sense?

The thread is about the failure of a charity to do the job they advertise is founded for "all creatures , great and small" Also the failure of the people we elect to parliment to formulate laws to not only make this runaway accountable or held to account or even consider let alone implement the very sensible suggestions made in that letter. Do you not wonder, just a little, why our politicions are so hands OFF, this charity? With multi millions invested yet not usable? Yet had no trouble creating the ICCC to investigate so many other places and departments, one of which many of the inspectorate are ex employee's of? These employee's could be subject to investigation in their former employment in the Police force, yet now in positions of far greater powers even over their former bosses now, with no such accountabilty whatever? Why? Why not? Is this employer so good they never make a mistake in recruitment? Yet the previous employer had found occasionaly problems occurred that brought in the ICCC to investigate?

Considering this was submitted to Parliment and and enquiry on the subject is even in the Hansard. Nothing has been done to implement this mans recommendations....why on earth not? 3rd June 2010 The Honorable Members General Purpose Standing Committee No.5 Inquiry into the R S P C A raid on the Waterways Wildlife Park Dear Members, My full name is Leon Andrew Mills and I have resided in Gunnedah since 1982, I moved to Gunnedah as a result of my applying for the Police Prosecutors position for the Gunnedah Local Court Circuit. I continued in that position until my retirement in 2006. In 2008 I stood in the Local Government elections and was successful in gaining office as a Gunnedah Shire Councillor. I am still in that position today. The two submission I would like the Honorable Committee to consider are that the compliance section of the RSPCA 9RSPCA Inspectors) be disbanded and that all the duties that they try to perform in relation to the investigation and brief preparation for alleged offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (the Act), be given to sworn Constables of the NSW Police Force in particular the Rural Crime Unit. My second submission is that all prosecutions under the Act by done by Police Prosecutors in the Local Court jurisdiction. RSPCA Inspectors obtain their powers s a result of being issued an Authority under .section 4D(2) of the Act. In relation to this Inquiry it is clear that Inspectors Prowse and French have no idea of their powers. I say that on this basis, the Act is clear in relation to what an inspector can do and is set out in Division 2 of the Act. On the Friday following the taking of the Koalas a report was broadcast on the 6.30am local A B C News that Officer Prowse said the reason for taking the Koalas was that they were “stressed”. There is no power under the Act to take an animal that is stressed. It alledging distress, as referred to in Section 24H subsection (5) of the Act, there is no evidence at all that any of these animals were suffering debility, exhaustion or significant physical injury. To support what I am submitting, the Honorable Committee would note that the Officers examined the Koalas at about 10.30-11am. They gave no treatment to these Koalas from that time until after 4.30pm, why? There was nothing wrong with them, and of course we are talking about Officers that would be expected to take immediate action if an animal was suffering debility, exhaustion or significant physical injury. These two Officers had to do something and they illegally removed these Koala for the sole purpose of the T V show R S P C A Animal Rescue. To further support this submission the head of the R S P C A Mr Steve Coleman said no proceedings would be taken against Nancy Small as a result of community outrage. I completely reject this statement. As a former Police Prosecutor of 28 years both in the city and country on rare occasions there is community outrage when some proceedings are taken. I have never before heard of proceedings for a criminal matter being abandoned or not brought because of community outrage. The reason there were no proceedings brought was that there was nothing wrong with these animals. Offences under the act are Criminal. Officers French and Prowse were supposed to be “investigating” this matter. It is interesting to note the quality of this so called investigation. No interview with Nancy Small or any other carers of these Koalas. No exhibits such as, stool samples, feed provided in the Koala enclosure, photos for identifications of each Koala, no tagging for identification. When one looks at the R S P C A Seizure Notice re this matter S N 010 16 the Officers have not even identified the Koalas to the extent of their sex. This so called investigation is absolutely pathetic and shows the quality of how RSPCA inspectors carry out their duties. The N S W police have a branch now called the Rural Crime Unit these branches operated both in the city and country. They are staffed by sworn Police who have been fully trained in investigation techniques. Many of these Officers are fully trained Detectives. It would be my respectful submission that these officers should take over the compliance section of the R S P C A. Of course it would require extra staff and resources. It would be my suggestion that appropriate funding could be transferred from the funding the State Government gives to the R S P C A to the Police Budget. Another benefit of a transfer to Police is that all Police investigations are subject to review by independent authorities such as the Ombudsman or I C A C. This is not the case with R S P C A inspectors, they answer to no one other than themselves. On the 18th of February last I attended the local branch meeting of the R S P C A as the head of the organization Mr Steve Coleman was attending. During the course of the meeting he answered a number of questions re the Waterways incident. Mrs. Dodd asked him a question being, “who can I complain to”, Mr Coleman’s response was “the Chief Inspector of the RS S P C A”. From a community point of view in this day and age it is totally unacceptable that we have an organization such as this that when a complaint comes in they investigate themselves. The subject Koalas were living in a happy well cared for environment when they were illegally removed by Inspectors French and Prowse. One of the females had a baby Koala in her pouch that Mrs Small was aware of. I have been told that the R S P C A Inspectors became aware of this fact over the 48 hours following their removal. One of the other Koalas was an elderly female that Mrs Small has described as the “Old Lady”. Mrs Small has never denied that this Koala was elderly and whilst ever in good health could live out her days in the Koala Enclosure. Both these Koalas that were supposed to being cared for by Inspectors French and Prowse are now dead so I ask this question what investigation has the RSPCA done in relation to the deaths of these Koala or am I correct in assuming that when an animal dies because of the ignorance or lack of care by that inspector no investigation takes place. This is another example as to why the Police should take over these responsibilities so that when this type of incident occurs it can be properly investigated or reviewed by an appropriate authority. I referred earlier in this document to the fact that prior to my retirement I was the police Prosecutor for the Gunnedah Court Circuit. During the 1980’s and 1990’s and in some cases still to this day besides representing Police informants in Court Police prosecutors represent many other entities, for example, Probation and Parole, National Parks and Wildlife, D O C S, Roads and Traffic Authority and the RSPCA. Over the years until about 2000, every so often I would receive a brief from an RSPCA Inspector who would be the informant usually in more than one information. If the matter was a “not guilty” plea I would present the case on behalf of the informant. If the offence or offences were proved some costs would be sought by the Informant that would usually be for witness expenses and any fodder that may have been required to give to the animals in question. No Legal professional costs were ever sought. In addition a fact I feel is relevant is that Police Prosecutors DPP Prosecutors and Crown Prosecutors have a duty to place all the evidence before the Court. Each carries a custodial penalty of 2 years imprisonment. True there is a difference in the monetary penalty but goal is the most severe penalty for a Criminal Offence. A common assault is one where the victim suffers no serious injury. For some reason the Parliament does not view aggravated cruelty as a serious offence at law. The RSPCA since about 2000, to my knowledge, have been engaging private solicitors to conduct their prosecutions and one might ask why did they move to this system. It is my submission that this practice should cease and that Police Prosecutors should conduct the prosecutions for the RSPCA. I say that on this basis. By engaging private Solicitors or barristers there is no obligation on them to place before the Court evidence that may disadvantage their case. Legal and Professional Costs come into play. If their prosecution is successful they would ask for these costs. It seems unbelievable that recently in one of their prosecutions at Narrabri an amount in excess of a quarter of a million dollars was sought for costs in a matter heard in the Local Court, and as I said before, an offence not serious at law. In conclusion it is my humble opinion that inspectors French and Prowse have no knowledge in respect to their obligations under the Act and it is clear they see their careers more in the field of TV and to add insult to injury when asked a question by myself about the TV show RSPCA Animal Rescue and their role in this incident when he attended Gunnedah on the 18th February last, Mr Coleman’s explanation was and I quote, “the Officers had been on another job with them and when they said they were going to Gunnedah the crew said we might just tag along” end quote. I informed him that I did not accept that explanation at all. It’s a sad situation when the head of such an organization is trying to assist the coverup. Yours faithfully Leon Mills Councilor Gunnedah Shire Council

I don't think such a nirvana exists! I work in a place where I do not deal with customers, and I deal with some extremely rude people - they just work in the same company as I do!! Don't you think thats why pets a so good for us. ) We dont have to guess what they are thinking, you know instantly if they like you, dont care, or if they dont like you its pretty obvious before they attack instead of finding the knife first then working from there. Far less stressful.

Rather Ties in well with this I saw today. An old Cherokee told his grandson, “my son, there is a battle between two wolves inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, jealousy, greed, resentment, inferiority, lies and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope humility, kindness, empathy and truth.” The boy thought about it, and asked, “Grandfather, which wolf wins?” The old man quietly replied, “The one you feed.”

Dont think I though you wern't taking all care. I just thought to warn you how incredibly determined I discovered the two cattledogs I mentioned were. the runs I had them in were the height you said and over the decades Ive had Cattledogs only that pair got out, In Jodies case she then proceeded to get back along with the chicken Couldnt believe it except the gate was still firmly shut and the feathers still there to prove she had gone visiting without leave. I had others that wouldnt even think about leaving over a one metre fence.

I would be interested in your impresions. :) I have seen them and crosses before but never had to deal with them closely and on a daily basis. I am making sure one exercise yard is escape proof and unable to be climbed out of as I hear they are as nimble as a cat and I won't risk her climbing out. All the runs are escape proof but the yards are not fully enlosed(as in over the top) - yet!Theya re 1.8metres high adn double fenced but I am not taking any risks. Will let you know how I find her :) When I was a young child a local lady had a Fox she kept as a pet. He has his own run and a very securely fenced yard and was only taken out on a leash, not that he seemed to mind, he loved pats and was a very curious creature. I don't remember him smelling? but I was only around 5 I would be seriously putting a roof on the pen or yard. Jodi my cattle girl would leave any time she decided the pups needed a fresh chicken and she wasnt a dingo. she was a rokeglen red cattledog, she was a very agile lump. benni our sons cattledog too could not be contained unless it had a roof. not worth the drama after the event, I assure you