After Christmas and the New Year, the RSPCA always reports an increase in stray dogs.
There is the combined problem of dogs given as unwanted presents at Christmas are impulse and later regretted gifts, plus the dogs who take fright with the fireworks on New Year ’s Eve running away.
Darwin's RSPCA says the number of stray animals they've picked up after New Year’s Day increases by 40 per cent from other times of year.
Operations manager Gillian Priddy says the centre is has difficulty finding the owners because many dogs aren't microchipped.
"It's always a big problem after New Years with the fireworks.
"We seem to be inundated with quite a few animals over the following days after that, ones that have taken off from storms and the noise of the fireworks."
Ms Priddy says that number is likely to grow substantially when people return from their holidays.
"We tend to sort of get more in later on in the month.
"People seem to get new dogs and puppies for Christmas and then they suddenly grow up and they feel that they're too much for them to look after, and that's when we start to get a lot more in."
I am alarmed at how often I find out about pet food that is being recalled for food safety laws. Also the very fact that pt food is frequently sold as unfit for human consumption makes me ask WHY?
Our pets are valuable to us and we do not want them consuming unsafe chemicals, bacterial levels or foreign bodies like sawdust in the food. Frankly safe dog food should be fit fort human consumption.
Today's dogs have grown up eating the scraps from humans have fed them for centuries. A good dog's diet is the same as a healthy human's diet. Every meal should contain a mix of unrefined healthy carbohydrates like grains and vegetables and a small amount of healthy oils, wonderful for the dog's coat and a good protien source which ca be a mixture of egg, poultry fish or red meat, the same way health concise humans vary the diet.
Processed pet food is convenient and economical our Indigo has her favorite brand and we try to choose a brands with a good mix of ingredients, nonetheless we compliment with a mix of healthy table scraps making ourselves aware of those foods humans can eat but dogs should not, like milk (lactose intolerance) onions, and those that are poisonous to dogs like chocolate, not that we would feed our dog sweets.
A good dog food mix for an allergy prone dog is a mix of whole grain rice, carrot, cabbage and eggs. Add to that basic mix a variety of what ever is going, including dog kibble if you choose. While your dog may love to live of a pure red meat diet, just like I could easily live on prime grilled streaks, it isn't healthy for them long term. This was the mixture I was told to cook and feed the Labradors at the Lady Nell Seeing Eye Dog School when i was training the dogs there.
When I was veterinary Nursing the recipe was similar they added soaked kibble biscuit, oily fish and some red meat or poultry to the mixture and less rice and a wider range of mixed vegetables.
Has your dog eaten his vegetables and grains today?
Here are the latest Pet food recalls.
Kroger Recalls 10 Pet Food Varieties in 19 States
Cincinnati, Ohio The Kroger Co. is recalling multiple brands of pet foods sold across the United States because they may contain a toxin produced by fungi. The Kroger Co. said today it is recalling select packages of pet food sold in some of its retail stores because the products may contain aflatoxin, which poses a health risk to pets. Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins producted by many species of the Aspergillus family of fungus, and are considered as among the most carcinogenic substances known. Ingestion of aflatoxin can potentially lead to liver disease in dogs, but consumption of a small amount would need to be repeated for weeks or months for signs of liver dysfunction to appear. Some scientific studies have suggested that aflatoxin would need to be present at 100-300 parts-per-billion for a prolonged period for the substance to have toxic effects. Kroger has so far declined to release any information on the level of aflatoxin that may be present in the recalled pet food. Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia are affected. The recall also includes Dillons and Gerbes stores in Kansas and Missouri; Baker’s stores in Nebraska; Food 4 Less stores in Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana (Chicago area); and Jay C, Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less and Scott’s stores in Illinois and Indiana. The company is recalling selected packages of Pet Pride Cat Food, Pet Pride Cat Food, Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food, Pet Pride Kitten Formula Food, Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food, Kroger Value Cat Food and Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food. The best-by dates and UPC codes of the affected products are available from the company's website. The Kroger Co. has asked consumers of the affected products to monitor their pets for symptoms of illness, including sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, yellowish tint to the eyes and/or gums, and severe or bloody diarrhea. If any of these symptoms appear, they recommend consulting your veterinarian immediately. View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com. Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/kroger-recalls-10-pet-food-varieties-in-19-states.htm
Food health safety for animals is important in all countries.
Senate Approves Pet Food Safety Overhaul
Washington, D.C. Lawmakers have approved a food-safety overhaul bill which will have implications of the quality of pet food. The bill promises to overhaul America's food-safety laws for the first time since the Great Depression, and was the result of Senate Democrats being able to strike a deal with Republicans to overcome a technical mistake made three weeks earlier. The new food safety bill, which passed 73 to 25 votes in the Senate, will empower the Food and Drug Administration to place new responsibilities on farmers and food companies in order to prevent contamination as well as set safety standards for imported foods. The revised bill was passed by the House 215 to 144 on Tuesday and will now be passed to President Obama to sign into law. The new bill would emphasize prevention so the agency could try to stop outbreaks before they begin. In recent years, countless recalls in the pet industry have shaken consumer confidence. In spring of 2007, millions of packets of pet food were destroyed and more than 12,000 pets were reported to have suffered illness after contamination with the plastic compound melamine. And salmonella contamination has affected companies such as Mars Petcare US, Iams and Pro-Pet, leading to recalls of foods and supplements. The current system relies on government inspectors to catch contamination; however, this new legislation would require farmers and manufacturers to not only implement strategies to prevent contamination, but also test them continuously to be sure they are effective. Additionally, the measure would give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the authority to recall food, which is currently left up to companies on a voluntary basis. Importers would also be required to verify that products grown and processed overseas comply with US safety standards. While the bill would not apply to meat, poultry or processed eggs, which are regulated by the Agriculture Department, these foods have long been subject to much more rigorous inspections and oversight than FDA-regulated foods. The bill was originally apposed by many on the grounds that smaller businesses would suffer from increased bureaucracy and fees, but Senators eventually agreed to exempt some of those operations from costly food safety plans required of bigger companies. However, question marks exist over the funding of the legislation, which is expected to cost $1.4 billion over the next four years. View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com. Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/senate-approves-pet-food-safety-overhaul.htm
I just loved and wanted to share these photos. feel welcome to contact me if your dog would like to share his or her photos here.
The RSPCA is backing a draft bill that would make the ACT's animal welfare laws the toughest in the nation.
The draft bill was introduced to the Assembly yesterday by the Greens and would enforce all dogs and cats to be desexed at the point of sale.
Other measures include tighter restrictions for pet shops and higher fines for animal cruelty.
The Chief Executive of the ACT RSPCA Michael Linke says desexing animals at the point of sale would make a significant impact.
"The law in the ACT is to have a cat desexed at 12 weeks of age or a dog desexed at 6 months of age, the problem is that pet shops, newspaper sales, the internet sales are selling these animals younger than that," he said.
"So there's a loophole...this type of legislation will guarantee that we have legislation in Canberra with teeth that will stop the influx of animals here at the RSPCA."
Another proposal is to ban pet shops from displaying kittens and puppies in the front window, and prohibiting children from buying pets.
Mr Linke says he's been advocating for many of the measures outlined in the draft bill for years , and he's urging all sides of politics to support it.
"We'll be lobbying strenuously with the Chief Minister and his cabinet as well as the Liberal Party to see that smart legislation like this does get carriage and gets passed by the ACT Legislative Assembly," he said.
"It's laws that we need in Canberra, it's not going to negatively affect anybody. It's positive, good sense legislation and I'm hoping it gets tripartisan support."
'Indigo thinks sleep time is the most important part of a dog's life.'
Schnitzel Von Krumm, Dogs Never Climb TreesBy Lynley DoddThis is a new paperback edition of the story about everyone's favourite dog, Schnitzel von Krumm, from everyone's favourite author, Lynley Dodd. This time, Schnitzel von Krumm - with the very low tum - is up to mischief, chasing, digging, hiding and hustling. He should remember that dogs never climb trees - but that's not going to stop him scampering right to the very top of the tree! About the AuthorLynley Dodd is an award-winning author/illustrator enormously popular for her rhyming stories of the memorable Hairy Maclary, Schnitzel Von Krumm - and enemies! She worked as a teacher before beginning to write her own books in 1974. Lynley lives in New Zealand. Order DVD's and Books at DISCOUNTED prices. Click on Fishpond Image link below to browse. 
I am constantly amazed and impressed by hard working handlers and their skilled sniffer dogs.
Police say these bags of cannabis and ecstasy were found on a bus at Alice Springs.
A bus passenger allegedly caught with $130,000 worth of cannabis had tried to mask the drug with pepper, Northern Territory Police say.
They allege the 22-year-old was caught with marijuana and ecstasy after arriving in Alice Springs on a bus from Adelaide.
The man is charged with possessing and supplying commercial quantities of both drugs.
He is set to appear in the Alice Springs Magistrates Court today.
Detective Acting Superintendent Lauren Hill says the drugs were found by a police dog.
"People try to conceal drugs in many forms and in many ways," she said.
"The drug dogs pick up the scent quite easily.
"It is difficult for people to conceal the scent [of marijuana].
"It's too easy for the dog to pick it up."
Queensland police say they will use dog squads over the holiday period to minimise damage and prevent people breaking into schools.
Mount Isa Sergeant Glenn Arrold says the state-wide program will also involve foot patrols through schools and people are being urged to report any suspicious activity.
He says there are around 50 dog teams working in Queensland including two in Mount Isa.
"During the school holiday season, our dog squad works almost around the clock," he said.
"The great thing about the dog squad is they are on foot when they are through the schools so it's nice and quiet and it's not as if you'll see them drive in in their cars all the time.
"Obviously with the talents and abilities of the dog, they are able to identify people in the area a lot sooner than humans can
It's Quilting Cats and Dogs: 15 Heart-Warming Projects Combining Patchwork, Applique and StitcheryBy Lynette AndersonThis is a collection of delightful characterful quilted projects from world-renowned designer, Lynette Anderson, perfect for cat and dog lovers. Several large quilts are featured in this book, along with bags, pincushions, pillows and needlecases. These smaller projects make ideal gifts. Lynette uses a great deal of stunning stitchery and applique to create her beautifully distinctive designs. Other techniques featured include piecing and punch-needle. Beautiful fabrics, warm colours and a homely feel is enhanced by a book design that captures the heart-warming, quirky style of Lynette's designs. Table of ContentsIntroduction; Puppy Dog Sewing Collection sewing bag, needle case and scissors keeper; Kitty Kat in the Garden quilt and journal cover; Woof! bed quilt and pillow; I Love My Cat wall hanging and pincushions; Punchneedle Puss and Pooch sewing box and picture; Summer Holiday quilt and holiday album cover; Best of Friends bag and wallet; Techniques: applique, foundation piecing, patchwork, punchneedle, quilting, stitchery, yo-yos; Templates; Suppliers; Index. About the AuthorLynette Anderson was born in Dorset, England and moved to Australia in 1990 where she founded The Patchwork Angel retail outlet in 1997. She is now focussed full time on designing her extensive pattern range (www.patchworkangel.com.au). She lives in Pacific Paradise, Queensland. Order DVD's and Books at DISCOUNTED prices. Click on Fishpond Image link below to browse.
|
RSS Feed
