Sterilisation and Ethical Breeding!

Behaviour & Learning Centre

082-890-0905 louthomp@mweb.co.za

www.animal-behaviour.org.za

pawsabilitiesbehaviourandlearning.blogspot.com

 

NEUTERING YOUR DOG

By Louise Thompson

Accredited Animal Behavioiur Consultant (ABC of SA©®™)

 

Not enough male dogs are neutered today!  There seems to be a big “hang up” about this simple medical procedure, myths and “old wives” stories abound, and usually given as reasons by owners, as why they don’t want to have their dogs “fixed”. I am also not ashamed to admit that I am actively trying to discourage people from adding to the unwanted dog over population! This simple procedure is performed under general anaesthetic by your veterinarian, from an early age (check with your veterinarian)

 

The most suitable family pet is either a neutered (castrated) male dog or a spayed (sterilised) bitch of the Gundog group / breeds. In dogs, it has been scientifically proved that there is a direct link between the production of testosterone and dominant aggressive behaviour, both inter-canine (dog to dog) and human-canine (dog to human).

 

The male dog’s level of testosterone “peaks” at about 30 months. Did you know that the profile of a typical dog who has attacked, and either mauled or killed a child is: - 

 

PROFILE OF A DANGEROUS DOG:

“A male dog between the ages of 24 and 30 months,

which has not been neutered/castrated of various working and fighting breeds.”

 

What is even more disturbing is that a good many of these attacks are by the family pet dog! In their own home! Most of these incidents could have been avoided and prevented and it could be said that most, was the owner’s fault!

 

The kind of relationship, or lack thereof, can also be added to the profile.

A profile of a dangerous dog!

·         Dogs that have had no learning or education. A dog’s education should begin at a reputable puppy learning and socialising group from about seven weeks of age and all learning should be reward based/positive reinforcement methods of learning. Abuse and punishment have no place in animal learning.

Education for a young pup and dog is vital to increase his levels of tolerance to all things, and people, as well as him learning basic manners and obedience to develop into a socially acceptable companion animal.

·         Owners who keep dogs living behind solid walls with no appropriate stimulation, (visual, mental or physical).

·         Yard dogs, kept as mobile security systems or defence mechanism.

·         Dogs that have little or no contact with their owners and who are kept just as “Yard Dogs”.

·         Dogs that have never been socialised and are kept in solitary confinement! 

·         Abused dogs.

·         Dogs that are kept chained up for long periods of time.

·         Dogs that have been extensively physically punished, and develop “defensive” fear aggression.

·         Dogs who have been teased and tormented by children and develop a negative association with children.

·         Untrained/partly untrained dogs that are taught “aggression” by ignorant trainers, and are triggered by an inappropriate situation. This would be considered as a “misread signal” by the dog.

·         Overtly indulged dogs that are given all the privileges of leadership in the human canine pack. These “spoiled brat” dogs often take it upon themselves to make a misguided critical decision in the home. No dog can cope with the responsibility of being the leader in the human – dog pack or group. Humans should be clear decision-makers and the dog should earn all privileges.

·         Dogs that are over protective, either of their environment (territory) or their owners.

·         Injured or sick dogs – defensive aggression or fear/pain biters.

All these kinds of dogs are all potential “attack” dogs.

 

NOTE: Unless the dog is a show animal, registered and a tip top breed champion dog with registered with the Kennel Union of Southern Africa or Federation papers, and is winning at breed and/or obedience dog shows: - NEUTER HIM!

 

NOTE: In this country even a pure bred dog, (without Kennel Union registration papers) is worthless. Even a pure bred registered dog that has not proved himself in the ring (either breed or obedience) is worth dramatically less than a winner! NEUTER HIM!

 

NOTE: One male dog can father hundreds of unwanted mongrel “randomly bred” puppies a year – of which a great number will be humanly killed by welfare agencies, as there are just too many dogs to place in homes! Many of these unwanted pups end up being abused and used for many horrendous purposes from dog fighting bait (for big money) to animal experimentation or just unloved and unwanted.  NEUTER HIM!

 

NOTE: If your dog is of a fighting breed and you are expecting a baby in the near future  Neuter him It makes for a better house pet – as explained above

 

NOTE: If you have any hint of aggressive or dominant behaviour – Neuter him

 

NOTE: If you have more than one male dog of different ages and want to avoid future aggression/fighting when the lower dog reaches maturity. Neuter the lower ranking (victim) dog at an early age to avoid status aggression.

 

NEUTERING YOUR MALE DOG IS THE ETHICAL THING TO DO!

In South Africa SPCA humanely kills thousands of dogs each year due to careless breeding. You do not need to add to the statistics!

 

       ADVANTAGES OF NEUTERING A MALE DOG

• Neutered dogs live longer – risks of prostate cancer are eliminated.
• Neutering lowers dominant aggressive behaviour towards owners by 65%.
• Neutering lowers inter-dog aggressive behaviour by some 65%
• There is a reduction of straying and wandering by some 80%
• There is a reduction of inappropriate urination/marking behaviour by 70%
• Neutering also lowers the male dog’s urge to mount, and simulate inappropriate copulation movements by some 70%
• Neutering focus’s attention and concentration.

 

IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE ADVANTAGES OF NEUTERING/CASTRATION

GREATLY OUTWEIGH THE DISADVANTAGES.

 

DISPELLING THE MYTHS:

The most common negative stories heard about neutering the male dog are;-

• Neutered dogs put on weight!

So will you if you eat too much and don’t exercise enough!

 

• Neutered dogs make poor watchdogs!

How can that be? as neutering focuses attention and improves concentration, therefore a neutered male dog is less easily distracted by things that a robber would be likely to use as a distraction -  like a bitch in season..

 

• Neutering my dog will make him a wimp.

Only if he was already a wimp to start with!

Neutering does not change, and can not change your dog’s basic character!

 

• Besides that – how sexually frustrated do you think a dog becomes? Dogs live in an artificial world of confinement – usually behind walls or fences.  A dogs sense of smell is so enhanced that he can scent a bitch in season many kilometres away. This obviously creates the urge to procreate – however – as he is confined there is nothing he can do about it – how cruel is that! Without humanising this – the only way one could compare it to the human equivalent would be for a wife to dress up in her sexiest clothing, tease her husband to a state of high arousal and then tell him he cant touch – only look! Would that be fair!

 

As an afterthought - in closing I might add, that unlike their human counterparts, the only time that a male dog thinks of sex, is when there is a bitch in season within range without a headache! The rest of the time, the male dog is more interested in his supper! Dogs do not have recreational sex; dogs only have sex for procreation!

 

 

SPAYING YOUR BITCH PUPPY

By Louise Thompson Accredited ABC

 

                  There are numerous advantages to spaying a bitch puppy.

·         The procedure is done under general anaesthetic by your veterinarian, generally at about six months of age. Bitches adopted from the SPCA have to be sterilised prior to being homed out of the society’s area. Therefore, the spaying of female puppies adopted from an SPCA society is sometimes performed at an earlier age.

·         Spayed bitches and neutered dogs make the best family pets.

·         Unless you have a really good registered breed specimen, and are prepared to go to the length of attending and winning breed shows which takes tons of time energy, preparation and training it is definitely worth having your bitch puppy spayed:

 

 

Advantages of spaying a bitch

·         The bitch will not come into season and not be able to conceive puppies.

·         You will not have to worry about hormonal changes before, during, and after a season (heat). Hormonal changes in bitches often alter normal/usual behaviour.

·         You will save on kennel fees, for if a bitch is in season she should be kennelled to avoid any mating accidents. In some municipal areas – kennelling a bitch in season is compulsory!

·         You will not have to worry about the mess, time and effort it takes to clean up after a bitch is in season, (mess in the form of discharge, bleeding, etc.)

·         The bitch not being able to have a season makes your life a whole lot easier, you will not have the whole neighbourhood dogs camping on your doorstep, trying to mate her. It must be noted that one bitch can conceive several puppies from different males during the same season (heat).

·         Sterilised bitches live longer and have fewer health risks.

·         If your bitch is sterilised you will not have to worry about one of the neighbourhood dogs mating your bitch and creating more unwanted puppies in a world that is already over-populated with randomly bred strays, thus saving dogs lives!

 

Unless you have a really good registered breed specimen, and are prepared to go to the length of attending and winning breed shows, (which takes total dedication, tons of time energy, preparation and training) spay your bitch puppy. IT IS THE ETHICAL THING TO DO!

 

 

OFTEN PARENTS OF CHILDREN ASK

Why not let her have a litter of puppies for the children to experience the miracle of life?

In a world of canine over population, to use the excuse that you want your own children to see the “miracle of birth” forget it –

YOU HAVE LOST THE PLOT!

 

Thousands of dogs and puppies are killed each year at various welfare organisations due to there being more supply than demand.  Do not kid yourself that they are all street mongrels – they are not. Take a drive to your local animal welfare centre – look into the eyes of the dogs in kennels on death row, and then perhaps you might re-think your ideas and values.

 

Rather leave the breeding of dogs to the professionals who breed genetically sound animals and who breed expressly for the betterment of the breed. If you want the kids to experience the “miracle of birth” then rather buy them a good book or a video

 

Do you have any idea of the time money and effort it can take to bring a “Good” litter of puppies to the age where they can be homed!

 

 

CONSIDER the following:

         Cost of a suitable stud (male) dog to cover the bitch (can be thousands of rands!)

 

         Feed costs – pregnant and lactating bitches need to be on a special diet: Special feed is very expensive!

 

         Construction and expense of a suitable whelping area and the time involved in supervising and being on call waiting to deliver pups

 

         Birth costs – whelping can go horribly wrong and the bitch could need medical intervention – this really costs! She could need a caesarean section and intensive care for some time afterwards –very costly indeed, and not counting the time effort and energy spent nursing the bitch back to health when she gets back home!

 

         The bitch could die during the birth, which could leave you with lots of hungry little mouths to bottle feed, clean and stimulate toilet functions every two hours for the next six weeks or so!  It should be noted that some (larger) breeds can produce up to sixteen pups in one litter!!!

 

         Cleaning up (continually) after a group of energetic little souls! When weaned they will toilet after each meal and a couple of times in-between. With large breeds (who can have a litter of up to and over a dozen - giant breeds into the      teens) that means 4  meals a day x the amount of pups (average litter in medium breeds is 6) x another two bowel movements at the least! A quick sum gets me      to 48 stools to be cleared up a day! AND the area washed and disinfected after each toileting! Puppy’s are VERY labour intensive!!!!  AND that is not counting the destructive behaviour that will occur as soon as they are able to start exploring!!!!!

 

         If the dam dies during labour it must be pointed out that behaviourally orphan pups never develop normally, due to a lack of canine maternal imprinting. These orphaned pups often end up with severe behavioural problems later on.

 

         The pups could be sickly and need costly medication and veterinary fees

 

         The cost of the inoculation of the litter of puppies – expensive!

 

         The cost of regular de-worming of the litter of puppies – expensive!

 

         The cost of special feed for puppies – expensive!

 

         If the pups are “purebred” they will need to be registered with the registration authority such as the Kennel Union of SA or the various Federations of certain breeds. A fee is applicable for each pup that is registered. Certain breeds also required tattooing before being homed – also expensive! Litters born to bitches under the age of 24 months are NOT eligible for registration with the Kennel Union of SA.

 

         Time energy and effort involved in feeding, cleaning and training puppies. Puppies cry a lot, eat and drink and lot and they pee and pooh a lot – tons of time, effort, energy and money involved cleaning up after them – expensive!

 

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL!

For medium and large breeds, at the end of the seventh week is the best time to place the puppies in their new homes.

THAT IS IF THERE ARE ANY HOMES AVAILABLE! 

 

Whom would you be able to find whom you can trust,  to take on one of these puppies, bearing in mind that taking on a puppy

is a twelve to fifteen year commitment?

 

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN YOUR REALISE:

That you are not going to be able to get rid of all the puppies and that you might be saddled with the lot! And now the puppies are suddenly not so cute any more, and are fast becoming a nuisance, destructive and messy and costing you a lot of money, time, effort and energy. 

 

ARE YOU GOING TO KEEP THE ENTIRE LITTER?

Bear in mind some breeds can produce up to A DOZEN or more puppies! Or are you just going to dump them at the local SPCA when you realise that you are unable to get rid of them? ………..

 

Breeding should be left to the ethical reputable professionals who breed solely for the improvement and betterment of the breed In fact my personal belief is that people should have to be licensed, in order to be permitted the privilege of breeding a litter of puppies.

 

A breeder should have to prove himself “Worthy” before being allowed to add to the canine population.

 

The breeder should be considered the “Genetic Factory” of the end product – which should be a socially acceptable dog!

 

 

WHAT IS A REPUTABLE DOG BREEDER?

By Louise Thompson Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant:

 

How would you find an ethical breeder? This is a very tough question, and the most logical answer is to find a “reputable breeder”. On paper, this seems easy enough – a quick phone call to the Kennel Union of Southern Africa, in Cape Town, will provide you a list of individuals who breed pure bred, registered dogs – but, as “breeders” are they all likely to be “reputable”? 

 

      THE “REPUTABLE” DOG BREEDER:

·         A reputable dog breeder, breeds dogs for the betterment of the breed, not to make a fast buck! He does NOT, breed a litter, and then look for homes for his puppies.

 

·         After high stud, pregnancy care, whelping and medical costs and then the costs involved in premium feed, labour and love ethical breeders USUALLY DON’T EVEN MAKE A PROFIT – in fact they are lucky if they break even!

 

·         A reputable breeder will have a waiting list of prospective (screened) owners BEFORE he even considers breeding a litter.

 

·         Most reputable breeders concentrate on one breed of dog only.

 

·         A reputable breeder will not rush you into making a choice nor will he pressure you to buy a puppy, nor would he ever permit you to take two puppies at the same time! It is a virtually impossible task to bring up two puppies from the same litter (or two pups of the same age from different litters) in one household.  When you have two puppies of similar ages in the same household, the future inter-canine relationship always ends up with one puppy being a “bully” and the other puppy being a “victim”! 

    

·         A reputable breeder would take responsibility for the puppy FOR THE REST OF THE PUPPY’S ENTIRE LIFE which simply means that if for some reason the new owner – even years down the line – could not keep the pup/dog, the BREEDER WOULD TAKE IT BACK – UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, which also means that the breeder must be in a financial and time management position to be able to do this!   

 

·         When choosing a puppy a reputable breeder will let you view and interact with both the dam (mother) and sire (father) of the puppies, at their own establishment. He does not meet you at the garage on the highway and tell you that the parents are just lovely!

 

·         If the breeder says you can’t have contact with either the dam or the sire.  BEWARE! If he says that either the sire, or the dam, is vicious, shy, or nervous – leave!

 

·         At least 65% of a puppy’s character and general nature is inherited from his parents!!! This means that if the “Cute” puppy that you are viewing has a “Nasty”, “Vicious”, or “Nervous” Mom or Dad, you could well end up with a whole heap of trouble as the “Cute” puppy grows to fill his parent’s shoes!

 

·         A reputable breeder does not advertise in “Junk Mail” type publications, nor does he have any need to advertise in the local newspaper.

 

·         He will already have a good reputation and people like your local vet, dog trainer, or dog-grooming parlour, will be able to refer you to him.

 

·         A reputable breeder should be able to give you valuable insight and information regarding his breed’s history and actual genetics/breeding. In other words he should be knowledgeable about his breed, its background, characteristics and specific behaviour traits. He should also have knowledge about his breeds specific genetic faults and needs.

 

·         A reputable breeder will give you contact addresses of pups that he has bred in the past and encourage you to interact with their owners. A reputable breeder will also have lifetime contact with the animals that he has bred in the past.

 

·         When looking for an ideal family dog, you should preferably look for a breeder who has the litter born and brought up, at least partly inside the house. This is so that you know that from an early age, the puppies are used to the various sounds and “goings on” in the home. This will produce a more confident, well-adjusted, socialised puppy. If you have young children, then look for a breeder who also has youngish children. Look at the behaviour of the breeder’s children!  If they are obnoxious brats – leave and do not purchase a puppy!

 

·         If the breeders can’t control their kids, the odds are that the kids will have teased the puppies and the dogs, and they could well end up highly-strung or nervous individuals due to these early poor interactions. Due to negative experiences these pups could also end up hating all children!

 

·         A good breeder keeps the dog’s environment, garden and whelping area, clean and free from any flies or other health hazards. All the dogs on the premises should be in good physical condition, with clean coats, and free of parasites both visual, such as fleas and ticks, and internal parasites such as worms. Often dogs with worms have rough coats in poor condition. When looking for a puppy, if the premises of the breeder do not meet with your standards – leave!

 

WHERE NOT TO PURCHASE A PUPPY

 

·         From any kind of Junk Mail type publication – no reputable breeder would ever consider letting their precious babies go through such a publication – reputable breeders have an approved list of prospective owners BEFORE they undertake a mating – breeding is expensive and not profit motivated

·         From a flea market or pet shop.  Many of these puppies are bred by unscrupulous “Puppy Farmers” who sell them to dealers who, in turn, unload onto the unsuspecting, gullible public!

·         From the side of the road. These dealers often buy from “Mills” or puppy farms. Unscrupulous “Puppy Farmers” often keep random bred dogs and purebred dogs. They often allow the dogs to inter-breed producing “mongrels”.   

·         The Puppy Farmers’ breeding stock is often kept in appalling conditions. Filthy cages with little or no shelter, and little food. Many deny even basic veterinary care and most of these pups are sickly, small and unhealthy.

·         Most of the bitches kept by “Puppy Farmers” are bred with every time they come into “season”, thus producing as many puppies as possible in order for the puppy farmer to make the most amount of money with the least input!

·         Many pet shops and flea markets are getting bad reputations as many of the puppies sold by them come from dubious sources.

 

 

WHY NOT GIVE THE “POOR” PUPPY A HOME?

It is natural to want to give a puppy a home because you feel sorry for it, especially if you know it has had a “bad” beginning. Our human maternal and paternal instincts want to nurture and protect.

 

However, by purchasing a puppy that has originated from a puppy farmer, you as an individual would be actively encouraging and supporting these unscrupulous parasites of society and helping them to make money.

 

I personally consider it “DIRTY MONEY” and believe that stricter regulations should be implemented to protect both the animals and the public. Until then, it is the public who, through education and common sense, should actively be encouraged to put them out of business!

 

THERE IS ONLY ONE SURE WAY TO DO THIS, DO NOT buy puppies from dubious sources!

 

When purchasing a puppy from dubious sources, there is no way of knowing the puppy’s’ background or early influences. Therefore, behaviourally, they might not be “sound”. You could be looking at serious future behavioural problems, from fear and anxiety to aggression.

 

As most of the puppies are not inoculated, they often spread disease. Some of these pups are reported to be sold drugged! Many of them are sickly and there have been numerous reports of puppies dying after being with a new family for only a few days. This is heartbreaking for both the children and Mom and Dad. Some dealers will actually give you another puppy (rarely cash) if the one dies within a certain period of time - and this is stated in a purchase agreement! 

 

How confident are they of their stock??????

 

Many of these puppies are bred from behaviourally “unsound” parents.  As the pup will inherit at least 65% of his parents’ character, what you see is not necessarily what you get! 

A large percentage of pups from these dealers end up as unsuitable pets suffering from various behavioural problems.

 

Most are breed rejects - dogs that would not be accepted by the respectable dog breeding fraternity and do not conform to registered breed standards. They are at risk of having inherited genetic health problems such as hip displacia, eye and ear problems and various other genetic based diseases.

 

Most of these pups are unregistered with the Kennel Union of SA, so that the genetics, both positive and negative, are completely unknown.

 

Now I am not advocating that everyone should rush out and only get purebred registered puppies. Many mixed-breed pups make wonderful companion animals and working dogs. But you must realise that it is a “pot luck” purchase. You will not even be able to judge what the pup will look like when it is a “grown-up” or accurately judge its future size! The advantages of buying a registered pup, from registered stock, from a registered “ethical” breeder, is that you, as the consumer, will know exactly what you are getting in size, shape conformation and character.

 

If you do not necessarily want a purebred dog with papers, then support your local SPCA or Rescue Organisation, and give one of their “Poor Stray’s” A Good Home!

In this way, you would be doing Dogdom a service, and saving a life!

 

Louise Thompson

Accredited Animal Behaviour Consultant & Professional Dog Trainer:   Accredited with the Animal Behaviour Consultants of SA (©®™).

Certificate of Companion Animal Behaviour (Faculty of Veterinary Science, Department of Ethology, University of Pretoria)

Certificate of Advanced Companion Animal Behaviour (Pretoria Technikon)

Member of (SAADOI) the SA Association of Dog Obedience Instructors

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSPCA newsletter

E-NEWSLETTER

10 MARCH 2010

YOU DID IT - FOR THE ANIMALS!

We are delighted to report that R10 000 has been raised THANKS TO YOU! In a previous newsletter we asked you to look out for the MY SCHOOL initiative whereby people could vote for their favourite charity. The N SPCA qualified by being in the MY SCHOOL top 20 charities. We asked you to vote - and vote you obviously did as we heard on 08 March that the N SPCA had been "voted as the most favoured charity." A tremendous initiative and a result that will benefit animals. It made our week.

 

FARM ANIMAL UNIT

Bundu Pet and Bird Farm.

We report an outcome to the case against the Bundu Pet and Bird Farm near Standerton in Mpumalanga against whom criminal charges were laid in March and June 2009 after we found a half-eaten hamster in a cage, inadequate shelter for the pigs, filthy dirty conditions, no water supplied for anybody: - and this was supposedly an educational farm!

The owners entered a guilty plea. The N SPCA requested that no plea bargain be entered into due to the seriousness of the matter and this was accepted by the Court. The owners will be sentenced on 15 April. Let's hope the punishment metered out will fit the crime.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DE DEUR SALEYARD

The cow pictured was found at the saleyard in De Deur and was being sold to a new owner. N SPCA personnel were disgusted at the obvious pain and discomfort that the animal was in. She had given birth the previous day. The farmer had waited for her to "produce" before getting rid of her. We emphasise the distress to both calf and mother plus the welfare implications of separating them so early. The owner of the cow called the Daleside veterinarian out who stated that she was not suffering but had a calcium deficiency and was fit enough to be transported but needed to be milked. Or if she wasn't going to be milked she needed to be humanely destroyed.

Where is compassion?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE OSCARS

The N SPCA is in touch with the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) regarding the horrific slaughter of dolphins in the Faroe Islands. We have reported on this issue in a previous newsletter. The winner of the Oscar for best documentary "The Cove" focussed on this matter and so now there is world-wide publicity on an issue that the director pledged (as he received the Oscar) to put an end to. This is tremendous news as now the eyes of the entire world are on the horrific practice.

We'll keep you updated but in the interim, www.wwspa-international.org.uk is the best place to check for updates. We note that another finalist for the Oscar in this category focussed on the production methods of food: - factory-farming of animals. Isn't it heartening that these issues are coming to the fore internationally and receiving such recognition?

 

UPDATE ON RECENT INTERNATIONAL PIGEON RACES

The SUN CITY MILLION DOLLAR PIGEON RACE was held on 30 January 2010 and we monitored it from basketing to liberation at Hopetown, a distance of 568 km. Of concern is that of the 3 150 birds released to date only 1 650 have returned (52.38%). By contrast, the ALLFLIGHT CARNIVAL CITY RACE released 510 racing pigeons at Gariep Dam and 419 birds have returned (82.15%).

 

INVITATION TO ADDRESS NATIONAL AGM

We are very pleased that we have been invited to address the delegates at the South African National Pigeon Organisation (SANPO) annual general meeting with regards to our concerns for the welfare of racing pigeons as well as to motivate for the development of a Code of Practice for Pigeon Racing. The Code would be developed in conjunction with SANPO and would assist in ensuring welfare standards of the sport.

EDUCATION

 

CHARITY CHAMPION

We recently introduced the Charity Champion fundraising challenge, whereby you can be a fundraiser legally for the N SPCA. The challenge was sent to all 1 900 e-newsletter subscribers and we are very pleased to let you know that the first person to take up the challenge is Nichola van Niekerk on the doit4charity website ( www.doit4charity.co.za) - Nichola has set her target at R40 000. Well done and thank you Nichola.

 

FACEBOOK

Are you on Facebook? You can support our Facebook Page which has almost 600 fans at www.facebook.com/nspca and be kept up to date with our activities on a daily basis.

With kind regards

Chris Kuch

NSPCA NEWS MARCH 2010

NSPCA NEWSLETTER 03 MARCH 2010

FARM ANIMAL UNIT
Much time has been spent at the De Deur saleyard yet we still continue to receive complaints regarding handling of the animals as well as issues relating to water. The sellers, producers and buyers of the animals need to have a mindshift on how the animals should be treated. The utilisation of these animals sustains them and their families.

On Saturday 27 February the Farm Animal Unit organised a mass inspection of the De Deur saleyard with assistance from the SPCAs Alberton, Vereeniging, Parys and Westonaria. One inspector from the SPCA Cape of Good Hope assisted even though on leave. Appreciation is expressed to them all. Our inspectors showed the public and auction staff the easy "no stress" way of moving pigs. Decent and proper methods of transportation of animals were demonstrated. Inspections are opportunities to educate and put matters right or at least to improve them.

EQUINE
A week-long trip was undertaken in the eastern part of Limpopo, the priority being to assist working equines in the area. Some of the trainee inspectors and the liaison officer for the province accompanied our specialised equine staff. This is a great way to help animals and is also a learning opportunity for the trainees because hands-on training is effective. In total 721 equine were checked, 7 harnesses were replaced, 2 breast plates swapped, 3 bridles and 6 bits were exchanged. Assisting working equine is a continuous and nationwide project.

EDUCATION/ANIMALS IN EXHIBITION, ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORT (AEES)
PIGEON RACING
The South African National Pigeon Association (SANPO) invited the NSPCA to address their Management meeting on 24th February 2010 where the NSPCA clarified our policy regarding animals in sport, recreation and exhibition Concerns were expressed relating to the practice of disposing of live cull pigeons to falconers, field trialists, crocodile farms and other predator facilities. We ask if our readers knew that this happened.

We were very pleased that after the discussion the President of SANPO issued an instruction that all cull pigeons had to be humanely destroyed prior to sale, to avoid using them as live prey and to avoid any unnecessary suffering. This will be relayed to all Union and Federation members plus each organisation will be required to agree to the undertaking in writing.

RESEARCH ETHICS
To animal welfarists the 3Rs stand for Reduction, Refinement and Replacement of the use of animals in research. Asthma has been chosen as the first priority area using the 3Rs as a framework for improving models of health research.

Asthma is a major and increasing global health problem. Although there have been advances in the therapeutics available, many patients' symptoms fail to be controlled. Only two new classes of asthma drug have made it to the clinic in the last 50 years; and a disease modifying therapy remains elusive. Preclinical models of asthma currently used are not sufficiently predictive of the human disease, and this has contributed to the paucity of novel drugs.

In November 2009 a workshop was held in the UK: 'Animal models of asthma: value, limitations and opportunities for alternative approaches' - to consider (i) the strengths and limitations of current models used in asthma research; and (ii) opportunities for the design and development of alternative approaches.

Following on from the workshop, the NC3Rs is working with Asthma UK in seeking high quality applications to develop new experimental models of asthma with improved scientific and clinical relevance plus reduced reliance on the use of animals and/or improved animal welfare

For more information visit http://www.nc3rs.org.uk/

RACKET ZAPPER
The NSPCA expresses consternation at the Racket Zapper product and we ask our readers that if they feel the same way, to make their views known at any outlet or to any individual selling them. They are supposedly for zapping insects. The packaging states that anyone touching the strings will be "making a nice spark" and there is a warning "If you touch the grill you will be shocked" plus "Don't zap people with pacemakers." At least they recognise that the gadget is open to misuse. These items are made in China.

The NSPCA will contact importers.

REMINDERS
Years-old "chain-mails" are circulating again with various headings and all posing as petitions. Lists of unverified names are not petitions and carry no weight. In some instances (the "3^rd Degree needs 2000 names") the issue is long resolved. In other cases ("The SPCA is closing down") the information is bogus or a deliberate time-wasting hoax.

If anyone knows of abuse or cruelty to animals, it is imperative to report the matter and quickly. Please go to http://alturl.com/z8b5 for contact details of all SPCAs in South Africa.

A reminder please to donate directly. E-mails and web sites have been drawn to our attention that imply they assist the SPCA. Our name and logo are registered and may not be used without our written authority. This prevents fraud and protects your own money. Our official Facebook Group warns about imitations.

Please be assured that Identipet is endorsed by the NSPCA and carries the SPCA logo on its products and materials with our knowledge and approval. Certain SPCAs benefit from the Mondi kerbside paper pick-up scheme and the SPCA logo is used on their Ronnie bags.

Until next time

With best regards

Chris Kuch

10 Peeves that dogs have about humans lol!

TEN PEEVES THAT DOGS HAVE ABOUT HUMANS '1' Blaming your farts on me..... not funny... not funny at all !!! ------------ --------- --------- --------- ------- '2' Yelling at me for barking. I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- '3' Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway? ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- '4' Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose.  Stop it! ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- '5' Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home. ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- '6' The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw.   You fooled a dog!  Whoooo Hoooooooo what a proud moment for the top of the food chain.   ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- '7' Taking me to the vet for 'the big snip', then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back! ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- '8' Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests.   Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet. ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- '9' Dog sweaters.  Hello ??? Haven't you noticed the fur? ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- '10' How you act disgusted when I lick myself.   Look, we both know the truth..  You're just jealous. ------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -- Now lay off me on some of these things. We both know who's boss here!  You don't see me picking up your poop, do you?   ++++++++++   A DOG ALWAYS OFFERS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. CATS HAVE TO THINK ABOUT IT!

 

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SPCA'S NEWSLETTER

24 FEBRUARY 2010

NEW NATIONAL ABUSE IS ABUSE CAMPAIGN

This to tweak your curiosity:- Be on the lookout for a joint national campaign between Childline Sappi's Ideas That Matter initiative and ourselves as part of the 10^th anniversary of Sappi Ideas That Matter, a US$1 million per year global initiative which encourages graphic designers to create powerful print campaigns for worthy organisations. The three parties were brought together by Sappi's Marketing Consultants, Trinitas. The campaign, conceptualised and to be driven by Trinitas, is at an advanced planning stage and is a logical and exciting follow-on from the joint 2009 Vuka Awards submission, Abuse is Abuse, which was produced by Freetheorange.

 

PIGEON RACING

Pro-active work is ongoing. Inspections of facilities routinely take place and the latest was an unannounced visit to the South African National Pigeon Organisation national loft at Noupoort in the Northern Cape. It was found to be adequate. Although the lofts are the old wooden European style they are in good condition with the pigeons appearing to be in good condition with no visible signs of stress.

We report good news in that Allflight Carnival City has agreed to pay the transport and accommodation costs for the N SPCA to monitor their two international races.

WILDLIFE

 

The Wildlife Unit was invited to present a lecture on the subject "animals for education - ethically speaking" at the Zoo Keeper and Zoo Educator Symposium last week presented by Animal Keepers Association of Africa and the African Association of Zoos and Aquaria. The message delivered was simple. Education within any animal institution must start with enclosure design. Animals as living exhibits must be held in the best conditions, displayed in enclosures that enable them to live as naturally as possible and exhibit natural behaviour.

 

Sending a visitor home with the message: "This is an animal in a cage", serves no educational purpose to the visitor, even less of a purpose to the animal, the species, wildlife or biodiversity. Unfortunately this is still happening far too often in institutions operating under the "zoo" name. The educational message any visitor receives from visiting a zoo or any animal collection must aim at developing appreciation, wonder, respect, understanding, care and concern about nature and animals. The opportunity is there to promote moral responsibilities and values and influence people's attitudes and behaviour towards animals and the environment.

 

ALTERNATIVE TO VIOLENCE PROJECT - FREE STATE

A meeting was attended in Kroonstad with the local co-ordinator of the Alternative to Violence Project. Their organisation does sterling work and our education programme will certainly complement their existing programme.

 

INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION

The N SPCA has written to the South African Commissioner, Mr Hermann Oosthuizen, asking him to reject any compromise proposals at the forthcoming meeting of a small working group. That is, we asked for rejection of any proposals that might undermine the international moratorium on commercial whaling and/or endorse commercial whaling in any form.

 

The International Whaling Commission may only meet in its entirety once a year but these issues are ongoing, the N SPCA keeps abreast of developments and liaises with South Africa's appointed commissioner.

 

NOUPOORT - DOGS

With a staff member in the area, the opportunity was taken to address five complaints and as a result three warnings in terms of the Animals Protection Act were issued. The general community in this area is impoverished and in need of education on animal welfare concepts on issues including the chaining of dogs and sterilisation. The closest veterinarian is in Middelburg but the people lack the means to get there.

 

The South African Police Services are keen to organise an outreach project to help the animals and empower the people as it will certainly help the dogs since mange, malnutrition and pyometra seem to be the order of the day. Sadly, funding at present is insufficient to permit this.

 

The Noupoort Christian Care Centre (drug and alcohol rehabilitation) was inspected because they utilise pitbulls as part of their recovery programme. There was no responsible person who could confirm if the dogs were also used for guarding purposes. If so, the Centre would have to meet the requirements of the Performing Animals Protection Act for licences with conditions attached thereto by the N SPCA.

 

The Noupoort Drug Educational Centre was also checked. They have a neutered German shepherd and a spayed Chow cross used as "therapy" dogs to teach the female addicts about empathy.

 

EDENBURG HORSES AND DOGS

A complaint relating to the condition of some horses was received but no horses were found, although the area is full of free-roaming livestock and small packs of dogs. A lot of mange and malnutrition was observed. Here again, there is no veterinarian in the town although some of the residents are more concerned about the cows eating their gardens than the starving, diseased dogs scavenging for food.

 

THE FARM ANIMAL UNIT

A workshop organised by GDARD (Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) was attended and the N SPCA's Farm Animal Unit also presented. It was intended for all the stakeholders involved with land transformation and was well attended including by representatives of Landbank, Standard Bank, Karan Beef and Rainbow. The purpose of the meeting was to sensitise the officials of the department and other roleplayers on their function and responsibilities in the land transformation and to enlighten all as to the goals regarding the transformation of farm land. Interesting as this was, the N SPCA expressed our objectives and goals: - to ensure the welfare of these farmed animals regardless who is farming them.

 

EQUINE UNIT

Last week was spent in the eastern and central parts of the Limpopo province checking, educating and assisting working-equine owners. This was very successful. Trainee inspectors from the local SPCAs also benefitted by assisting in the programme. A full report, photographs and statistics will be in next week's newsletter.

 

DEVON SALEYARD

This is another sale that refuses to conform to the minimum standard of providing water for the animals on sale! An inspection involving 4 inspectors was carried out on Monday 22 February when no improvements were seen. A warning in terms of the Animals Protection Act had been issued at the last inspection. Criminal charges will now be laid with a docket being prepared and a case to be registered against the organisers.

 

MXit

Good news for all of us who like to support ethical operations is that MXit has pledged its commitment to supporting the N SPCA cause by not allowing people to advertise or promote the sale or exchange of the following through its mobile classified portal, MXit Xchange:

Primates, snakes, parrots, * "pinkies" and *"fuzzies". MXit is also committed to stopping adverts from people offering to give their household pets away. * Pinkies and Fuzzies are unweaned rodents.

The N SPCA welcomes this move as being ethical and responsible. It is a definite move in the right direction and a setting of standards for others to follow.

 

STINK-AWAY

The label of a product called Stink-Away as sold through outlets called Pets and Plants was drawn to our attention as it stated "Recommended by the S.P.C.A.". This statement was made without our knowledge or approval. The outlets have been instructed to remove this fraudulent claim by re-labelling products or removing the items from sale, failing which action will be taken against them. The SPCAs in the area have been asked to check that this has been carried out by the stipulated date of 01 March.

 

Until next time

With kind regards

Chris Kuch

Science based dog training

SCIENCE-BASED DOG TRAINING (WITH FEELING)

February 16th, 2010 by Dr. Ian Dunbar

The development of off-leash, puppy/adolescent, socialization and training classes caused a paradigm shift in dog training away from the on-leash, physical restraint/prompt/punish methods of competition/working training to whelp an entirely new field of Pet Dog Training. However, after nearly 30 years, pet dog training is in dire need of re-invention. Off-leash, science based techniques were unparalleled for 20 years or so but over the past decade, pet dog training has gone downhill.

Certainly, the fun factor and dog-friendliness of pet dog training has increased over the years, but criteria and standards have dropped dramatically. Many owners become frustrated with lack of success and so, seek help elsewhere — often adopting aversive techniques, thinking (erroneously) that physical domination and pain will be more effective. In reality, science-based training is effective regardless of the choice of training tool. However, few owners are being taught reliable verbal off-leash control without the continued need of training tools. Whereas it is easy for dog owners to find beginning lure/reward and beginning clicker training classes, seldom are they taught how to completely phase out training tools, such as lures, clickers, food rewards, collars and leashes. Hence, lures become bribes and compliance often becomes contingent on the owner having food lures and rewards, or the ability to physically restrain or punish.

Initial training appears to go well but then surprisingly quickly, without reliable off-leash control, everything falls apart during adolescence. Seemingly insignificant behaviour problems of puppyhood become major reasons for surrender or abandonment.

Adolescent dogs become inattentive, distracted, anxious, fearful and maybe aggressive to other dogs and people, causing on-leash manners and off-leash reliability take a precipitous nosedive. Consequently, walks and romps in the park become less frequent, which impacts enormously on the dog’s quality of life.

All of these developmental problems are utterly predictable and quite easily preventable. Successful pet dog training is all about extremely early socialization and training, ongoing socialization and training and establishing off-leash reliability in order to adequately prepare puppies to successfully navigate adolescence. It’s all about adolescence,  I see it there are four huge areas of concern that need to be addressed and resolved before science-based dog training reaches “tipping point” and is universally and permanently acknowledged, accepted and practiced by dog owners and trainers. These issues will be the focus of my seminar series this year and next.

The incredible opportunities of puppyhood are still largely wasted. Prevention is easier (and much quicker) than cure but we are still not preventing the major reasons for surrendering dogs to shelters, namely, house-soiling problems, destructive chewing, excessive barking and separation anxiety. Moreover, socialization is pitifully and scarily inadequate. We are not even coming close to preparing puppies for adolescence and successfully preventing fearfulness and aggression.

Temporary training tools have become permanent management tools. Few owners progress beyond the initial stages of science-based training and fail to phase out lures and prompts, or clicks and food rewards. Few owners achieve reliable off-leash verbal control without the continued need of training aids and especially for times when the dog is at a distance of distracted. Thus few owners learn how to control their dog when off-leash at home, on walks or in the park.

Computer-generated learning theory has many severe constraints when applied in dog training. Schedules of reinforcement and punishment need to be completely re-evaluated in terms of effectiveness and expediency in pet dog training. Consequences are binary — from the dog’s perspective, either things get better, or they get worse, yet far too many owners and trainers focus on how things got better or worse in terms of choice of training tool (praise, food, toys, reprimands, jerks, shocks, etc.), or psychological principle (positive/negative reinforcement/punishment). Additionally, far too many trainers practice only half of binary feedback (reward-only or punishment-only). Teaching owners how to stop undesired behaviour is essential, otherwise they will resort to aversive techniques. Undesired behaviour may be effectively inhibited and eliminated without the use of aversive punishment.

Dog training is in danger of losing its soul. Far too many trainers have adopted impersonal, quantum consequences (clicks, treats, jerks and shocks) in lieu of verbal feedback. Trainers have become technicians, which although beneficial for refining timing or learning how to set criteria, lacks feeling when teaching people to develop relationships with their dogs. Just because computers had to dispense quantum kibble and shocks as consequential feedback does not mean that we need follow suit. Also, just because we need to adhere to scientific criteria does not mean that we cannot talk to our dogs. Moreover, by using instructive and analogue verbal feedback, people may transcend the training abilities of any computer. Well-timed quantum feedback only provides information vis a vis the desirability of specific behaviours, whereas a single word may provide the dog with several pieces of information: whether the behaviour is desirable or not, the degree of desirability or potential danger of the behaviour, plus specific instruction for how the dog may immediately correct undesirable behaviour.

 

Oh Soooooo True

A dear friend sent this to me and after I had dried my eyes – just had to share it with you all!

 

The Old Man and the Dog
By Catherine Moore

'Watch out!  You nearly broad sided that car!' My father yelled at me. 'Can't you do anything right?' Those words hurt far worse, than any physical blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to,
as it were, to challenge him.

A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes, I wasn't prepared for another battle. 'I saw the car, Dad. Please don't yell at me when I'm driving.' My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt. Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back.

At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my thoughts. Dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of rain, and the rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about  him?

Dad had been a lumberjack in the North Western States of Washington and Oregon. He had enjoyed being outdoors and had revelled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered gruelling lumberjack competitions, and was often highly placed. The shelves in his house were filled with the trophies that attested to his
prowess. The years marched on relentlessly.

The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him outside alone, straining to lift it. He became irritable whenever anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man. Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack.

An ambulance sped him to the hospital, whilst a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing. At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room, he was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died, his zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether, and Dad was
left alone.

My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust. Within a week after he moved in, I regretted having offered the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory, and he criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody, soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue. Alarmed, Dick sought out our Pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counselling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind. But the months wore on and God was apparently silent.

Something had to be done, and it was up to me to do it. The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called every mental health clinic listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered, but in vain. Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, 'I've just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article.' I listened as she
read.

The article described a remarkable study, done at a particular nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had improved dramatically, when given responsibility for
a dog. So I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon. After I had filled out the questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odour of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens. Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs, trying  to
reach me. I studied each one, rejecting one after the other for various reasons, too
much hair, too big, too small.

As I neared the last pen, a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, he walked to the front of the pen and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed. The years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray, his hipbones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.

I pointed to the dog. 'Can you tell me something about him?' The officer  looked, then shook his head in puzzlement. 'He's a funny one, appeared out of nowhere two weeks ago and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. To date we've heard nothing, so his time is up tomorrow.' He  gestured
helplessly.

As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror. 'You mean you're going to kill him?' 'Ma'am,' he said gently, 'that's our policy, we don't have room for every unclaimed dog.' I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my decision, 'I'll take him,' I said. I drove home with the dog on the front seat beside me. When I reached the house, I honked the horn twice.

I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch. 'Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad!' I said excitedly. Dad looked, wrinkled his face in disgust. 'If I wanted a dog I would have gotten one'. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones, you Keep it! I don't want it'! Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.

Anger rose inside me. my throat became dry and with a pounding into my temples I said; 'You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!', but he ignored me. 'Did you hear me, Dad?' I screamed. Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes blazing with anger, and we stood glaring at each other like duellists, when suddenly the pointer broke free of my grip. He ambled toward my dad, sat down in front of him, then slowly, carefully,
raised his paw. Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw. Confusion replaced the anger in his eyes.

The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal. It was the beginning of an intimate friendship, and Dad named the pointer, Cheyenne. Together he and Cheyenne explored the community, hours spent walking down dusty lanes. They spent many reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet. Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years.

Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled as I felt Cheyenne's cold nose under our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.

Two days later my shock and grief deepened, when I found Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favourite fishing hole, I silently thanked
the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind. The morning of Dad's funeral dawned, overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to
the pews reserved for  family.

I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made, filling the church. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life. And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. 'Be not forgetful to entertain strangers.'

'I've often thanked God for sending that angel,' he said. For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: through the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article... Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter ....... his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father....... and the proximity of their deaths.

And suddenly, I understood, I knew now that God had answered my prayer after all.

Life is too short for drama and petty things, so laugh hard, love truly and forgive quickly. Live while you are still alive.
Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. Forgive now, those who made you cry, you might not get a second chance.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SPCA'S NEWSLETTER

E-NEWSLETTER 18 FEBRUARY 2010 EDUCATION It is heartening that the N SPCA is receiving requests from outside the SPCA movement for copies of our worksheets. This is a pleasing development as other organisations working in schools can also promote the welfare of animals. One example is the AVPFS (Alternatives to Violence Project Free State) with whom we have just met. They have access to all Free State high schools and would like to utilise our materials. We were also very gratified to receive a very generous donation of R9 000 recently from the Interact Club of Roedean School, representing an enormous amount of effort and commitment bearing in mind that three other Non Governmental Organisations received the same. Well done Roedean Interact.   TWITTER Are you following us on Twitter yet? If not, please consider linking up with us. We won't overload you with irrelevant information and you will know what we are doing every day - go to http://twitter.com/NSPCA_SA.   RESEARCH ETHICS UNIT According to the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, it is: - Inspired by the work of ethicists and philosophers who have pioneered new perspectives on animals; Informed by scientific work indicating that animals are sentient and possess complex systems of awareness; Seeking to relate these insights to how we treat animals today; Questioning the 'old view' of animals as simply things, machines, tools, commodities, or resources, put here for our use, and Holding that all sentient beings have intrinsic value and should be treated with respect. "Ask the experimenters why they experiment on animals, and the answer is: "Because the animals are like us." Ask the experimenters why it is morally okay to experiment on animals, and the answer is: "Because the animals are not like us." Animal experimentation rests on a logical contradiction. ~ Charles R. Magel   WILDLIFE UNIT Every year millions of Rands are spent on curios, décor and fashion items made of wild animal products. It is not only the overseas tourist who buys these products but also the local market. The market even extends to cultural and traditional supplies with bits and pieces of animals being sold in places from exclusive boutiques to street-side vendors. It is amazing how many people don't consider that they or their homes are adorned with parts of dead animals and accept that these pieces are just decoration, almost factory made. Little thought is given to the previous life of the animal. With the advent of the FIFA World Cup and a dramatic increase in the number of tourists about to visit our country one wonders how many more animals will have to lose their feathers and quills. The Wildlife Unit appeals to readers to act thoughtfully and ensure that you are not responsible for the suffering of animals because you purchased the trinkets or added porcupine quills for your African themed table setting. "The earth has music for those who will listen."   FARM ANIMAL UNIT Personnel from the NSPCA's Farm Animal Unit had a positive meeting with GDARD (Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development) regarding the lack of welfare taught to the officials in teaching and mentorship positions. This will hopefully lead to the development and subsequent inclusion of "welfare" as a specific subject in their training programme. An additional significant item covered in this meeting was the inclusion of the SPCA at grass roots level for the emerging farming projects.   PRO-ACTIVE AND REACTIVE WORK It may appear to be a case of being in the right place at the right time but we see the moral as being "out there" to help animals - including in remote areas. An inspector responding to a call in the Amersfoort area regarding a horse with an injury to its leg came upon another case: - a stray horse with such severe injuries that we had to put her to sleep to end her suffering. Sometimes we are sent to areas for good reason.   SALEYARDS Readers will share our frustration on the issue of saleyards where animals are traded. In terms of basic welfare standards and minimum legal requirements, backward steps seem to be the norm. To give an example, we are currently finding that fundamentals such as provision of water and using loading ramps (that are there for use) have become things of the past. We are quite aghast and taken aback by this. Apart from the legal requirements, is it really so much to ask from a moral standpoint to provide these animals with water? After all it is these same animals that are providing these auctioneers and farmers with their income! The Farm Animal Unit advises that we have exhausted all avenues trying to resolve this issue in an amicable manner. We shall now issue one warning to give them an opportunity to conform to legal standards, failing which we will prosecute. NEWS FROM THE ADVERTISING STANDARDS AUTHORITY The N SPCA keeps abreast of trends and developments in advertising. We note an interesting case at the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) relating to a print advertisement featured in SAA's (South African Airways) in-flight magazine. Promoting hunting trips, it showed photographs of killed animals including elephant and buffalo plus an image of two dead lions with pictures of their hunters standing next to them. The wording, "Pride in the quality of our game" appeared below. It is pertinent that the ASA took the publication itself to task not only the advertiser. Attorneys acted on behalf of SAA stating that no advertising regulation had been contravened. Yet the SAA requested its client to use a different advertisement and confirmed that the advertisement complained of will not be used again. The Advertising Standards Authority stated that " The undertaking is therefore accepted on condition that the advertising is withdrawn in its current format and is not used again in future." The moral of the story is not to be afraid of raising concerns with the appropriate authority. The N SPCA experience over the years has been that the Advertising Standards Authority is fair, thorough and respected. Interesting too that in this instance the publication itself was taken to task which may create greater caution and more responsibility in future when advertisements are accepted.   "REALITY" TELEVISION SERIES Late last week a media statement was placed on www.nspca.co.za headed "Reality TV - Precedent Set" which related to ITV being fined in an Australian Court for the killing of a rat in the "reality" series I'M A CELEBRITY . GET ME OUT OF HERE.   SPONSORSHIP MADE EASY Individuals often take part in sporting events or fun challenges and at the same time benefit charity. We are pleased to announce that the N SPCA is registered with www.backabuddy.co.za and www.doit4charity.co.za which makes the whole process easy. The individual can direct potential donors to either of these web sites and money can be paid in: - including by credit card. Please pass on the message. Even if events are small, it all adds up and helps animals. Until next time With kind regards Chris Kuch

 

THE AGING DOG

Hi Everyone

Came across this interesting article the other day and thought I would share it with you all.

Enjoy!

 

Your dog's body takes a beating throughout his life. Muscles are pulled, joints stressed, and organs scarred by infection. Cell structure breaks down, decreasing the efficacy of organs and tissues. All of these traumas cause abnormal cell development, which in turn create tumors and arthritic conditions. On the outside, he can appear as healthy and active as any younger dog, but inside his organs are not functioning as efficiently as when he was younger.

For example, if the kidneys begin to deteriorate, they can continue to function with only 40 percent of the tubules (the part of the kidney that breaks down nutrients from urea) working. Your aging dog will continue feeling fine and behaving normally. However, this can take a quick turn for the worse if a kidney disease continues to deteriorate. This can happen slowly or what seems like overnight. Until this happens, the only difference in your dog will be his need to urinate more often. Otherwise, there is no sign of a problem. As he ages, you need to ensure his complete health by adjusting his diet, exercise, and by keeping a close watch on his behaviour. In fact, you'll notice many problems first through behavioural changes before his body shows the outward signs.

Changes in appetite, a lack of desire to move about, or overall grouchiness are usually symptoms of a deeper problem. Your dog's muscles will remain strong, provided he exercises. The more he does as a youngster, the more he can do as an oldster. You must keep in mind, however, that he cannot tell you he doesn't want to go those extra miles with you. All he wants is to be with you and please you, regardless of how he feels. His muscles may still be strong at this point, but his internal workings are no longer operating in prime condition.

Your dog can still remain physically healthy with a little less exercise - maybe two or three miles instead of five or maybe you can do the run on softer ground instead of hard concrete. The musculoskeletal system will usually exhibit arthritic changes as he turns into a senior dog. Arthritis is formed through changes in the joint bones, a reduction of cartilage, and a thickening of the synovial fluid between the joints. Often, inflammation can cause more irritation and lameness. Not only will the arthritic changes cause pain in the joints, but they will also cause atrophy in the muscles because your dog will not want to move around. The muscles begin to get loose and hang off the bones. This is most obvious along the spine, chest, and hind legs.

As the muscles atrophy, the skin will appear looser or baggy. Overall, your dog becomes a different dog as his senior years take over. He moves more slowly, picks at his meals, and may bump into things that he can't see. However, the biggest change will be in his behavior. As he ages, he may not only slow down, he will also become less excitable in general. He will still greet you with a wagging tail, but not jump on you or perform aerial leaps when you come home. When going out, he'll walk to the door and wait patiently as you search for his leash - no more racing in circles, barking excitedly, and jumping about.