The one-day family-friendly event held at the Launceston Silverdome promotes responsible pet ownership and the welfare of our native wildlife. All proceeds raised from the event will be donated to Tasmanian animal shelter.
The Dogs’ Home of Tasmania is calling all animal lovers to visit their stand, learn more about making their dogs’ lives more fulfilling through enrichment and find out about the wonderful pooches available for adoption at their Launceston shelter. Plus, shop for goodies to pamper their doggies at home!
“Our mission is simple – Adopt Don’t Shop. The most rewarding thing someone can do is adopt a dog. They aren’t damaged goods; some need a second chance, others need a first chance, and we are more than happy to help them find their loving home,” said DHoT CEO Michael Sertori.
“Also, we are heavily promoting enrichment because dogs are like kids; they get bored! They need entertainment and this can be achieved with toys and food or - even better – combining them! We will have dog treats, snuffle mats, licki mats and other enrichment items for purchase and can show people how to use it.”
DHOT will also have recipes for you to take home and try out!
“Kids can also guess how many dog biscuits are in our mystery jar and enter our competition to win a doggie goodie hamper!” said Mr Sertori.
DHOT is not government funded and do rely on the public for support.
“Donating to us helps us maintain our Homes and keep vital maintenance and improvements up to date,” he said. “Due to the harsh cleaning products we use, it starts to erode away at our kennels and equipment, and we are constantly doing upgrades so our dogs are happy, safe and comfortable.”
DHOT will have a donation box at their stand, but donations can be added to purchases or contributions made via the website www.dhot.com.au.
For more information about the expo, visit www.taspetexpo.com.au
WAScamNet urges pet lovers to be suspicious about:
- Great ‘deals’ served to you via an Internet search or pop-ups
Scammers hope to catch you out when you impulse-buy after seeing a bargain.
- Unfamiliar or new websites
Look for a copyright year on the website home page; although this date can also be faked.
- No address or business details
Websites that do not list a full physical address, telephone number or ABN, or if these details cannot be verified.
- Insecure payment methods
This includes direct bank transfer or wire transfer.
- Dodgy-looking website content
Pixelated photos, spelling errors and other clues that you may be looking at a copycat site of a real online business.
WAScamNet warns consumers not to purchase puppies from the following fraudulent websites – see list here
About WAScamNet
Developed by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, WA ScamNet profiles the most prevalent scams targeting Western Australians and provides information on different types of scams, how to recognise scams, and what to do if you have received a scam. It also provides links to other useful websites.
Photo credit TR Photography
Our four-legged friends can also get lost or poisoned by chocolates and candy, says Trish Ennis, Chief Executive of Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA).
“Black cats are particularly at risk around Halloween, some falling victim to sadistic people who think it cool to harm, torture or even kill cats,” she said.
Here are some tips to keep your pets safe on Halloween:
- Keep your pets safely indoors on the days leading up to Halloween and especially on Halloween night! Pranksters love to tease dogs and can even be cruel to them. Also, cats roaming the street at this time is not only at risk of being abducted but also of being panicked by goblins and vampires on the hunt for candy.
- Keep your pets on a leash or in a safe area of the house, away from the front door area to prevent dashing out the door in fear. Be mindful that a dog’s behaviour, when confronted by children in masks, is unpredictable and can result in a bite.
- In case your dog or cat manages to escape, ensure they are wearing a collar with a proper identification tag and/or microchip, which can be a lifesaver and increase the chances that they will be returned to you.
- Keep your pets away from pumpkins with candles burning inside, as it’s easy for them to knock it over with fear or excitement.
- Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach. If chewed, your pet might suffer cuts or burns, or receive a possibly life-threatening electrical shock.
- If you intend to dress up your animals, please take care that the costumes don’t pose any dangers. Not only can costumes cause unnecessary stress and discomfort to pets, but ribbons and buttons can also be dangerous if swallowed or ingested.
- Keep lollies away from your dog. Chocolate is highly poisonous and even fatal for dogs. Also, remove tin foil, candy wrappers and artificial spider webs which can be hazardous if eaten.
For any concerns, call your nearest 24 hour veterinary clinic.
This year’s ScamWatch theme is Let’s talk scams, to encourage all Australians to talk about scams to increase awareness, educate and empower consumers to protect themselves.
“During Scams Awareness Week 2021, we encourage pet lovers to talk about puppy scams and learn how to avoid the heartbreak, loss of money and in some cases, potentially having to surrender their pet to the shelter,” said Trish Ennis, National Executive of CANA.
“It can be difficult to know what is real or a scam. Knowing the scammers’ tricks can help you avoid the heartbreak of not getting the puppy you wanted.”
According to ACCC Scamwatch, Australians have lost nearly $300K to puppy scams last year alone, particularly those seeking a furry companion online during the loneliness of social isolation. In fact, Scamwatch reported a spike in puppy scams almost five times higher than the average!
“Online scammers also prey on desperate and distressed people during the COVID-19 pandemic housing squeeze, also targeting families with pets desperately searching for pet friendly housing,” said Ms Ennis.
CANA is a registered charity representing the companion animal welfare work of member organisations across the country, including Animal Welfare League QLD, Animal Welfare League SA, Lort Smith (VIC), Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania and Saving Animals From Euthanasia Inc (WA).
CANA celebrates the human-animal bond and promotes responsible pet ownership through national campaigns, partnerships and initiatives, including the Rent with Pets program.
Tips to keep in mind if you are looking to get a family pet:
- Scammers set up fake websites or ads on online classifieds and social media pretending to sell sought-after dog breeds. Email is the only way to contact them.
- Scammers take advantage of travel restrictions that prevent you from traveling to meet the puppy in person. They normally ask for up-front payments via money transfer to pay for the pet and transport it to you.
- Once you pay the deposit, a scammer will find new ways to ask for more money, such as claiming higher transportation costs to get across interstate borders. Unfortunately, once you make the payments, the seller will cease all contact.
- Scam websites can look quite convincing – try not to fall for the adorable puppy pictures they post. To avoid being scammed, only buy or adopt a pet you can meet in person.
- If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is!
- Research the seller online using the exact wording in the ad and do a reverse image search for pictures of the specific puppy to see if you can find matching images or text on multiple websites.
- If you are in doubt, seek advice from a reputable dog breeders association, veterinarian or local animal shelter.
- For a guaranteed pet to welcome into your family, contact a CANA member in your state (except NT and ACT).
If you think you are scammed, contact your financial institution right away. For more information, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au
The ongoing Phase 2 trial for the drug monepantel (MPL) is finalising dose optimisation and is a prelude to a multi-institutional canine cancer Phase 3 trial to start early next year.
The trial’s principal investigator Dr Kim Agnew is leading a team of highly qualified veterinary oncologists in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia who are evaluating MPL in dogs that have been newly diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma and have not started any treatment.
PharmAust is currently setting up Agreements for additional trial centres in New Zealand and the United States in preparation for the broadened reach required for the Phase 3 trial.
Cancer is the number one cause of death in dogs over the age of 2*. Lymphoma is one of the more common cancers in dogs and occurs in the white blood cells of the immune system. Symptoms can include tumours, lethargy, weight loss and loss of appetite.
National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Month is a reminder to pet owners to regularly inspect your pet for any lumps or bumps and pay attention to sudden changes in appearance and behaviour.
“The key to a good prognosis with canine lymphoma is early diagnosis and this particular form of cancer is very rapidly progressive, so it’s important to act quickly,” said Dr Agnew.
MPL shown to be a safe and effective cancer treatment
MPL is already approved for veterinary use for a different indication and species. PharmAust is aiming to repurpose MPL as a safe and effective cancer treatment.
“During the trials to date, over 25 pet dogs have been treated with MPL for lymphoma and the results are very promising,” said Dr Agnew.
“So far, we have shown that the new MPL tablet is very palatable and easy for pet owners to administer at home. Furthermore, at the recently identified optimal drug blood levels, side effects seem to be very minimal and all pet dogs that have maintained these levels over the course of treatment, have been assessed as at least stable disease by the administering veterinarians.
“Some pet dogs have continued after the trial on a combination of this optimum level of MPL and prednisolone, and all have exceeded the life expectancy of dogs that might be administered only prednisolone at diagnosis.”
Veterinary trial testimonies can be found here.
PharmAust inviting more dogs to help complete trial
PharmAust was pleased to successfully meet its predetermined interim goals demonstrating both significant objective clinical benefit and significant overall response rate. It is now inviting more dogs with treatment naïve lymphoma to help complete the final optimisation of the Phase 2 trial in a bridging program before moving into the Phase 3 trial.
“PharmAust’s long term strategy is to develop MPL to treat cancer in both dogs and humans,” said Dr Richard Mollard, CSO of PharmAust and CEO of PharmAust’s wholly owned subsidiary Pitney Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd.
“In pet dogs with treatment naïve B-cell lymphoma and in humans with treatment refractory cancer, Monepantel displays strong evidence of anti-cancer activity. However – and perhaps more interestingly following our retrospective analysis of trial data in combination with prednisolone – Monepantel could be capable of doubling the life expectancy of pet dogs with B-cell lymphoma compared to if treated with just prednisolone alone. We now plan to do some more analysis and formally test this hypothesis in the Phase 3 clinical trial.
“Most importantly, all dogs also appear to enjoy a high quality of life while taking Monepantel, with reports of trial participants enjoying camping and playing at the park and at the beach with their owners.”
Program entry criteria
The canine entry criteria for MPL Clinical Trials can be found here and include:
- Any stage lymphoma (based upon physical exam, abdominal ultrasound and thoracic Xray)
- Substage a (feeling well)
- Immunophenotype can be pending, but needs to be B-cell based on clinical characteristics
- No previous treatment, including corticosteroids (prednisolone)
- No other significant concurrent medical problems
- Good quality of life.
The MPL program currently involves three consultations at the clinical trial sites (admission, at two weeks and at four weeks). These clinical trial sites are also listed here.
Owners need to transport their dogs to and from the trial sites for these three consultations. PharmAust will cover all trial costs, including for pet owners located at some distance to the trial sites, travel expenses as well as overnight hotel stay if needed.
For more information or to enrol, please contact Dr Richard Mollard on rmollard@pharmaust.com
Source: Press Release
Photo: Freepik
Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch said the new laws would end ‘without grounds’ evictions and make it easier for Queensland renters to keep a pet.
The new laws will also ensure all Queensland rental properties meet minimum quality standards and extend protections for renters who have experienced domestic and family violence.
“Queenslanders rely on safe, secure and affordable housing and we’re delivering on our election commitments to modernise Queensland’s rental laws and improve confidence in the rental market,” Ms Enoch said.
“About 34 per cent of Queensland households rent and these new laws provide a strong, balanced approach that protects the rights of renters and rental property owners, while improving stability in the rental market.”
What the new renting laws will do for pet owners:
- If a renter requests to keep a pet, a rental property owner must have reasonable grounds to refuse and respond in writing to this request within 14 days.
- Reasonable grounds include if the property is unsuitable, and if keeping the pet would breach laws or by-laws.
- Rental property owners can also place reasonable conditions on pet ownership, including that the pet is to be kept outside or that carpets are cleaned, and the property is fumigated at the end of a lease.
- Rent increase is not a reasonable condition. The laws also clarify that fair wear and tear does not include pet damage.
CANA response to new QLD rental laws
Companion Animal Network CEO Trish Ennis has welcomed Queensland's new legislation making renting fairer for pet owners, however raised concerns about conditions placed on the lease for pet owners, such as pets needing to be kept outdoors.
“I worry that people that are making the laws have never rented,” she said. “We believe in the human-animal bond. It is unreasonable to add these requirements to the law. People should be able to keep a dog and cat inside provided they do so responsibly to prevent damage.”
For instance, cats should be kept inside for many reasons - especially in curfew areas – to prevent injuries and catching diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and protecting wildlife.
“Also, instead of allowing landlords to have a condition of fumigation at end of tenancy if the pet is capable of carrying parasites (i.e. that means all cats and dogs), it would be fairer to allow the condition that if there was flea infestation at the end of the tenancy, fumigation could be required, as many tenants will use effective flea protection or may have 100% indoor cats,” said Ms Ennis.
“Queensland’s new law should reflect those set in Victoria, ACT and NT. In Victoria for example, the landlord has the right to submit their objections to VCAT should they wish to reject an application including pets.”
For more information on the rental reform process, visit https://www.chde.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/rental-law-reform
To ensure pets of all ages, from young puppies to elderly cats, are receiving proper training that is required to support good behaviour, PETstock dog trainer Tina Button has compiled some helpful tips.
Uncover motivation
Test their skills with common verbal cues and hand signals to see if or what they respond to. Find out what motivates them most and use it as their reward, such as food, a toy, pats or praises.
Teaching basic commands
There has never been a better time to train your pet or teach them a new trick such as to roll over, fetch, shake a paw, find an object or person, or any basic exercises such as sit, drop, stay. Food and clickers or marker words can be used to train your dog.
A short session is a good session
Keep training sessions short and sharp to maintain engagement and improve results, any longer than five minutes and your pet may lose interest. It’s important to have a regular training schedule to promote good behaviour as well as provide bonding and enrichment for your pet. Many short sessions and finishing on a win. Always be clear, consistent and concise with your commands to avoid confusing them.
Use enrichment toys
When you’re not actively training your pet, an easy and effective way of keeping them active and mentally stimulated is through enrichment toys. Lick mats, Kong wobblers, puzzle toys and cat wands, are a great way to keep your pet mentally stimulated and entertained for hours.
Create an agility course
Whether your pet is a dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig, a home-made agility course is a fun way to challenge their mind and body. This could include using an ottoman as a step, shoes as hurdles or socks to create a maze for smaller pets. Use basics commands such as “jump”, “stay” or “go” during the course to reinforce commands needed out of the home. Before doing intense physical exercise, ensure your pet is fit and healthy. Have your vet check them out if you are unsure.
Be patient
When training your pet, try not to lose your temper, raise your voice or punish your pet for bad behaviour as this can exacerbate the problem even more or cause fear and anxiety, which could lead to further issues. If you are having a bad day, give your pet enrichment toys to entertain themselves and train them when you are relaxed.
Socialisation
For puppies currently unable to attend puppy school, it’s critical that they receive exposure to the environment. Socialisation with other animals is only a small part of the process. It’s important that your pet is exposed to different sounds, smells and sights. Take some treats with you when you have your pet with you, if they exhibit calm behaviour reinforce this with yummy soft treats that are high in value
Source: Press release from PETstock
Photo credit: PETstock
The Victorian Government introduced legislation in Parliament on October 6th to allow Victorians to take a lost dog or cat to a participating vet clinic or registered animal shelter to be reunited with its owner, rather than relying on councils.
At present, lost cats and dogs must be handed in to an authorised officer in the council area where the animal is found, or to vets and shelters that have an agreement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
Surveys show just 23 per cent of vets have a contract with council to accept lost pets and as a result many animals are spending longer in pound and shelter facilities. The proposed reforms will:
- Allow shelters and participating vets to accept and reunite lost pets directly with their owners, with simple record keeping and reporting requirements
- Improve animal welfare by ensuring lost pets get home as quickly as possible
- Reduce burden on local councils, by allowing vets and shelters to assist with direct reunification services
- Improve operations for regulatory authorities, including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Victoria and Greyhound Racing Victoria.
The Domestic Animals Amendment (Reuniting Pets and Other Matters) Bill 2021 includes a robust verification process to ensure pets are returned to the correct owner.
It also identifies circumstances where pets should go to the council to protect public safety and animal welfare. This includes situations where an animal is declared dangerous or ownership cannot be verified.
These reforms are important as Victoria has high pet ownership rates, with an average of 665,000 dogs and 215,000 cats registered with councils each year.
Extensive consultation with community and stakeholders including veterinarians, councils, shelters, animal registry (microchip) services, rescue groups and community foster care networks was an important part of the process that led to the final form of the legislation.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said, “When a pet goes missing, it is stressful for the animal and its owners. This reform will make the reuniting of pets with their owners much easier and quicker, improving the welfare of all involved.”
“We will ensure that lost pets are reunited with their owners sooner and reduce the pressures placed on councils by allowing vet clinics and registered animal shelters to play a bigger part in the reunification process.”
The new arrangements will be in effect by 1 October 2022. For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.
And they’re taking you with them in the book Around Australia At 80ks, written and photographed by Meredith Schofield (Mez).
Mez and Sean adopted Bandit from CANA member Sydney Dogs and Cats Home. You can watch this short video about how Mez and Sean found their rescue pup Bandit. It’s such a beautiful story!
The Story Of ... Bandit from Foraggio Photographic on Vimeo.
Bandit arrived at SDCH in 2017 with major injuries that limited his ability to walk or jump. He had a broken back, pelvis and leg that appeared to have healed without veterinary intervention. He was adopted by Mez and Sean, who committed to strengthening his muscles with frequent walks and exercises on the soft sand at the beach. Today he’s a healthy, beloved pet – living life jumping, running and playing – and is more well-traveled than many Australians!
Around Australia At 80ks follows this motley quartet’s adventures and misadventures as they make their way around our great southern land. Bursting with inspiration, insider tips, dog-friendly travel advice and stunning photography, this book is the holiday we all need. Watch the book trailer.
This great Aussie road trip took Mez, Sean and Bandit across four states, one territory and over 22,400 kilometres. They drove over dirt roads, down four-wheel drive tracks, onto ferries and boats, to the edges of cliffs, across beaches and up mountains. They ventured through dust storms and croc-infested waters, over red dirt, into some of the most ancient lands on Earth, and along some of the most isolated roads in the world. All in their trusty vintage 1975 kombi, Meredith’s camera at the ready and with a true sense of wanderlust to fuel their journey.
As a photographer, Mez knew this once-in-a-lifetime adventure would offer her the opportunity to capture Australia in her own unique way, particularly after the dramatic changes to our landscape since the devastating bushfires.
When it comes to travel, Meredith is full of encouragement and enthusiasm.
“It took guts to head out across this great big country in an old yellow kombi. I hope every page gives you a little more of the confidence and comfort you need to set out on your own adventure. If we can do it in a 1975 kombi you can do it too!”
Along with awe-inspiring images, Around Australia At 80ks is jam-packed with hints and tips for keen travellers, from dog-friendly highlights and best camping spots, to locating the tastiest cheap eats and the finest coffee. Around Australia At 80ks provides all the inspiration you need to get out on the road!
Paperback: 256 pages
RRP: $35.00
ISBN: 9781922419545
Available for purchase here
Source: Book Press Release and Sydney Dogs and Cats Home
1080 baits are used extensively by farmers and pastoralists throughout the State on both private and government lands to control feral pests, including wild dogs, foxes, pigs and rabbits, which threaten livestock and biodiversity.
Tourists travelling with pet dogs are urged to consider putting them on a lead, muzzling when off lead, or avoid bringing them on holiday to prevent them being poisoned.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) regional biosecurity coordinator Lindsay Strange said while the use of 1080 baits was strictly regulated, pet owners needed to take responsibility for the safety of their animals.
Mr Strange said there were some simple steps pet owners should follow to protect their animals from the risk of poisoning from 1080, for which there is no antidote.
- It is advisable to check with the landholder to see if baiting has been undertaken on the property before letting dogs roam free.
- While landholders are required to erect signs to warn of baiting as part of a 1080 baiting permit, WA’s landscape is vast and travellers may not always see them.
- It is prudent to avoid areas suitable for baiting like watercourses, tracks, fence lines, rock piles and posts and to keep pets on a lead or use a muzzle to prevent them eating a bait.
- The safest strategy of all is for travellers to leave their pets in the care of others or in a kennel when baits are on the ground.
1080 is a naturally occurring toxin (sodium fluoroacetate) found in many Australian plants. Most native animals have a high degree of tolerance to 1080, while most domestic animals are very sensitive.
Mr Strange said baiting was typically undertaken in spring, which elevated the risk to domestic animals, although it could occur year round – particularly as baits can be viable for months.
“1080 is an important tool used by landholders as part of an integrated pest management strategy to protect their livestock, as well as to help preserve our State’s unique flora and fauna from death and injury from pest animals, such as wild dogs,” he said.
The control measure is also used by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ Parks and Wildlife Service to protect native species on the land it manages, which is why the department does not permit dogs in national parks and other conservation areas.
DPIRD will distribute a ‘1080 baiting: a must for pest control but a risk to domestic pets’ flyer to tourist hotspots as a further reminder for dog owners to keep their pets close.
If poisoning is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or veterinary assistance or contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Press Release from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
