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RSPCA
Separation anxiety
Photo: Lydia Torrey
AS COVID-19 restrictions ease in Victoria, bringing a gradual return to work and school, dogs will again be asked to adapt to their owners’ new schedules.
After months of quality time at home, this type of sudden change may be stressful for dogs. To help ease the transition, RSPCA Victoria is facilitating an educational webinar all about separation anxiety in our pets and how to manage it.
The webinar will be hosted by RSPCA Victoria’s Veterinary Behaviourist Dr Gabrielle Carter on Tuesday, December 15 at 12pm. Dr Carter is one of three Veterinary Behaviorists in Australia. The course aims to explain why separation anxiety develops, how to read the warning signs and address the related issues.
When stay at home restrictions initially commenced, dogs around the state enjoyed a new level of companionship and, for many, additional exercise and social interaction. Quality time with owners meant Victorian pets experienced a new way of life and a new level of connection to the humans in their world.
Significant changes to a dog’s routine can create a myriad of behavioural changes that may require management and treatment. This might include teaching the dog how to be calm and relaxed when the owner is absent.
Separation anxiety is characterised by signs of distress when affected animals are separated from an owner or family group to which the animal is attached. Behavioural responses can include toileting in the house, destructiveness, excessive barking, digging or pacing and attempting to escape, among other signs of distress.
Dr Carter believes it’s important to be equipped with information to recognise when our dogs are anxious and understand how to manage it.
“Dogs are highly social animals that prefer to live in groups and many can become anxious when separated from their owners,” said Dr Carter.
“Anxiety in pets can be stressful for both pets and their owners so it’s important that we can recognise changes in our dogs’ normal behaviour and understand how to help them when they are anxious."
The webinar will address questions such as whether a second dog for company can help ease anxiety and how to manage separation anxiety without using medications. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the webinar.
As a trusted and collaborative organisation, providing proactive support for the community to care for their animals and improve animal welfare, RSPCA Victoria is offering the webinar as a useful tool that is sure to benefit many Victorians and their canine companions.
The RSPCA Separation Anxiety in Dogs webinar costs $25
After months of quality time at home, this type of sudden change may be stressful for dogs. To help ease the transition, RSPCA Victoria is facilitating an educational webinar all about separation anxiety in our pets and how to manage it.
The webinar will be hosted by RSPCA Victoria’s Veterinary Behaviourist Dr Gabrielle Carter on Tuesday, December 15 at 12pm. Dr Carter is one of three Veterinary Behaviorists in Australia. The course aims to explain why separation anxiety develops, how to read the warning signs and address the related issues.
When stay at home restrictions initially commenced, dogs around the state enjoyed a new level of companionship and, for many, additional exercise and social interaction. Quality time with owners meant Victorian pets experienced a new way of life and a new level of connection to the humans in their world.
Significant changes to a dog’s routine can create a myriad of behavioural changes that may require management and treatment. This might include teaching the dog how to be calm and relaxed when the owner is absent.
Separation anxiety is characterised by signs of distress when affected animals are separated from an owner or family group to which the animal is attached. Behavioural responses can include toileting in the house, destructiveness, excessive barking, digging or pacing and attempting to escape, among other signs of distress.
Dr Carter believes it’s important to be equipped with information to recognise when our dogs are anxious and understand how to manage it.
“Dogs are highly social animals that prefer to live in groups and many can become anxious when separated from their owners,” said Dr Carter.
“Anxiety in pets can be stressful for both pets and their owners so it’s important that we can recognise changes in our dogs’ normal behaviour and understand how to help them when they are anxious."
The webinar will address questions such as whether a second dog for company can help ease anxiety and how to manage separation anxiety without using medications. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the webinar.
As a trusted and collaborative organisation, providing proactive support for the community to care for their animals and improve animal welfare, RSPCA Victoria is offering the webinar as a useful tool that is sure to benefit many Victorians and their canine companions.
The RSPCA Separation Anxiety in Dogs webinar costs $25
Got some Pawsome stories?
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio
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BESTSELLING children’s authors, Sally Rippin and Cameron Macintosh, join RSPCA Victoria to launch Pawsome Stories, a competition for young writers to share stories and essays with animal welfare as the creative focus and inspiration behind their work.
Victorian children in grades 3-6 are invited to put their writing skills to the test, with entries to be reviewed by the renowned authors, who will sit on a judging panel alongside RSPCA Victoria CEO, Dr Liz Walker. The Pawsome Stories writing competition asks participants to write either a fictional story about rescuing an animal, or a persuasive essay to answer the question, ‘If you could change one thing in the world to improve animals’ lives, what would it be and why?’ Australia’s highest selling female author, Sally Rippin says, the best thing about writing is you can do it anywhere. “All you need is something to write with and a great, big, furry, scaly, feathery imagination! I can’t wait to read some of the stories you come up with. My furry friend has been the best writing buddy I could ever ask for. He basically just sleeps by my feet all day until it’s time to go for a walk. “Animals make people so happy, whether we share our homes with them or simply admire them in nature. The more we love and protect our animal friends, the better the world will be. That’s why I’m so proud to be a judge for this writing competition and a big supporter of the RSPCA.” The respected animal welfare organisation says it takes people of all ages to work together to improve animal welfare in the community. Pawsome Stories aims to educate children about what it means for an animal to live a happy and healthy life, as well as develop their writing skills and learn the value in sharing information through storytelling. RSPCA Victoria’s CEO, Dr Liz Walker, said that by engaging primary school students through writing, the organisation hopes younger generations will feel more connected to its vision and goals to end cruelty to all animals. |
Photo: Max Schwoelk
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“We know that writing helps children cultivate their creativity and critical thinking skills, which will serve them well throughout their schooling and professional futures.
“We hope that Pawsome Stories may spark an interest in animal welfare that will benefit both the child and the adult they grow to be, ultimately creating a kinder future for animals.”
By engaging with school aged children through entertaining interactive activities, RSPCA Victoria aims to educate Victoria’s young people about the community’s responsibility toward all creatures great and small, while working alongside the school curriculum to help develop written communication skills.
“We hope that Pawsome Stories may spark an interest in animal welfare that will benefit both the child and the adult they grow to be, ultimately creating a kinder future for animals.”
By engaging with school aged children through entertaining interactive activities, RSPCA Victoria aims to educate Victoria’s young people about the community’s responsibility toward all creatures great and small, while working alongside the school curriculum to help develop written communication skills.
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Cameron Macintosh, author of Max Booth Future Sleuth series said, “It’s a real thrill to be part of an initiative that advances awareness of animal welfare issues by encouraging compassionate creativity and critical thinking.
“I hope the competition will help young people experience the sense of empowerment that can come through this type of expression, and am very excited to see what the Pawsome young writers of Victoria come up with.” Entrants of Pawsome Stories will have the opportunity to learn more about animal welfare and the work of RSPCA Victoria. Judges will decide upon one winner and two runners up in each of the categories. While the winner will receive a Pawsome Stories trophy, other prizes include Dymock’s vouchers, plush toys and a virtual tour to meet RSPCA Victoria’s barn animals. Victorian schools are invited to get involved and encourage students to participate. Entries close on November 23, 2020 and winners will be announced on a live webinar on Thursday 10 December at 4.30pm. Visit the RSPCA for more information. |
Whip-free horse racing?
Photo: Jeff Griffith
A State-wide survey conducted in July-August 2020 shows that seven in ten (69%) Victorians feel that horses should not be hit with a whip in the normal course of a race, illustrating the majority of Victorians do not believe the use of whips in horse racing is necessary or reflective of community sentiment.
Concerns regarding the use of whips in horse racing have increased in recent years and this new research illustrates the community’s desire to see the end of whips in racing.
The research was conducted with a representative sample of the Victorian community by data insights and consulting firm, Kantar. Key findings include:
Two in five Victorians attend horse racing events at least once a year (41%) and three in five (59%) never attend. Among those who attend horse racing events, thoroughbred racing (73%) is the most common type of event, followed by jumps racing (20%) and harness racing (15%). Whips are used in all three forms of horse racing.
In thoroughbred racing, Racing Australia’s Rules of Racing allow unlimited whip use during the last 100 metres of a race. Research examining the effect of whip use on performance in racing has indicated that horses are whipped most during the last 100 metres of the race, in an attempt to make them increase speed towards the finish line. Yet how the horse ran prior to this stage was found to be the most critical factor in racing success indicating that whip use occurs at its highest frequency when horses are fatigued and have less capacity to respond.
RSPCA Victoria recently welcomed an announcement from Racing Victoria (RV) seeking national action on whip reform and calling for ultimate prohibition on use of the whips. RV is seeking a transition to this through a reduction in the use of the whip to between five and eight occasions per race. This would be a significant improvement on current practice where whip use is at the jockey’s discretion in the final 100m of a race.
Concerns regarding the use of whips in horse racing have increased in recent years and this new research illustrates the community’s desire to see the end of whips in racing.
The research was conducted with a representative sample of the Victorian community by data insights and consulting firm, Kantar. Key findings include:
- 69% of Victorians feel that horses should not be hit with a whip in the normal course of a race
- 61% of punters and racing attendees feel that horses should not be hit with a whip
- 71% of Victorians who attend or bet on horse races would be undeterred if whips were banned and would continue to participate in horse racing events and activities
- The majority feel that whipping horses causes pain, is inhumane and is unnecessary.
Two in five Victorians attend horse racing events at least once a year (41%) and three in five (59%) never attend. Among those who attend horse racing events, thoroughbred racing (73%) is the most common type of event, followed by jumps racing (20%) and harness racing (15%). Whips are used in all three forms of horse racing.
In thoroughbred racing, Racing Australia’s Rules of Racing allow unlimited whip use during the last 100 metres of a race. Research examining the effect of whip use on performance in racing has indicated that horses are whipped most during the last 100 metres of the race, in an attempt to make them increase speed towards the finish line. Yet how the horse ran prior to this stage was found to be the most critical factor in racing success indicating that whip use occurs at its highest frequency when horses are fatigued and have less capacity to respond.
RSPCA Victoria recently welcomed an announcement from Racing Victoria (RV) seeking national action on whip reform and calling for ultimate prohibition on use of the whips. RV is seeking a transition to this through a reduction in the use of the whip to between five and eight occasions per race. This would be a significant improvement on current practice where whip use is at the jockey’s discretion in the final 100m of a race.
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Racing Victoria’s request for national action is scheduled to be addressed at the upcoming Racing Australia Board meeting in November. RSPCA Victoria hopes to see the Racing Australia Board support the proposed changes to reflect community expectation.
In addition to Racing Victoria’s request for Racing Australia to address the use of whips nationally, in August this year, Harness Racing Australia announced amendments to the Australian Harness Racing Rules (AHRR) outlining the whip cannot be applied with overt force. RSPCA Victoria’s CEO, Dr Liz Walker said, “Reforming whip rules would be a positive change, however our position remains firm that the ultimate outcome should be that whips are not used for the purpose of enhancing performance due to the pain and distress inflicted on horses. This would ensure that racing performance is not determined by inflicting pain through whipping but rather by sound breeding, quality training and outstanding horsemanship. |
Dr Walker went on to say “RSPCA Victoria supports the introduction of racing where horses are not whipped to improve performance. Other countries have already introduced whip-free racing and we encourage the Australian racing industry to do the same.”
Help your pet in need
RSPCA virtual pet first aid course
MANY pet owners would panic if their pet was involved in an accident. However, learning basic first aid skills for pets can mean the difference between life and death.
To help pet owners learn vital first aid skills that could save a furry friend’s life in an emergency, RSPCA Victoria is launching its first ever virtual animal first aid course, Focused First Aid for Pets. The second course will be held on Tuesday, November 24 at 7pm.
Focused First Aid for Pets is a 1 hour 30-minute webinar focused on providing participants with the best information available to be better placed to help a pet in the case of an emergency situation.
The course will be led by Belinda Marchbank, Education & Learning Officer, at RSPCA Victoria, also a veterinary nurse with many years’ experience. Ms Marchbank said the course provides necessary tools for all pet owners.
“The course will teach pet owners the basics of pet first aid, providing important knowledge that will support them to act without panic and do the best they can for their pets in the case of an emergency,” said Ms Marchbank.
As pet owners prepare for the spring and summer seasons ahead, the course also provides advice about a range of scenarios which are common in the warmer months. This includes how to pick up on the warning signs of heat stress and how to avoid it, what to do if a pet is bitten by a snake and how to manage insect bites.
To help pet owners learn vital first aid skills that could save a furry friend’s life in an emergency, RSPCA Victoria is launching its first ever virtual animal first aid course, Focused First Aid for Pets. The second course will be held on Tuesday, November 24 at 7pm.
Focused First Aid for Pets is a 1 hour 30-minute webinar focused on providing participants with the best information available to be better placed to help a pet in the case of an emergency situation.
The course will be led by Belinda Marchbank, Education & Learning Officer, at RSPCA Victoria, also a veterinary nurse with many years’ experience. Ms Marchbank said the course provides necessary tools for all pet owners.
“The course will teach pet owners the basics of pet first aid, providing important knowledge that will support them to act without panic and do the best they can for their pets in the case of an emergency,” said Ms Marchbank.
As pet owners prepare for the spring and summer seasons ahead, the course also provides advice about a range of scenarios which are common in the warmer months. This includes how to pick up on the warning signs of heat stress and how to avoid it, what to do if a pet is bitten by a snake and how to manage insect bites.
Photo: Juan Gomez
Participants will hear about CPR, bandaging, how to monitor a pet’s vital signs and react appropriately along with the importance of pet first aid kits and how to improvise with common household items.
RSPCA Victoria’s Focused First Aid for Pets course also provides basic knowledge about how to care for a pet that has been injured by a car and the steps to take when travelling to seek veterinary care.
The course is comprised of a one-hour presentation plus a question and answer session to ensure participants understand the information provided. Designed to ensure attendees finish the course equipped to better manage in the case of an emergency, everyone will have the opportunity to seek clarification and expert advice.
Participants will also receive relevant and easy to understand information in a handy booklet for future reference.
The Focused First Aid for Pets virtual course is $49.00 per participant. Online bookings are available now.
Visit RSPCA Victoria’s website for more information on pet first aid.
RSPCA Victoria’s Focused First Aid for Pets course also provides basic knowledge about how to care for a pet that has been injured by a car and the steps to take when travelling to seek veterinary care.
The course is comprised of a one-hour presentation plus a question and answer session to ensure participants understand the information provided. Designed to ensure attendees finish the course equipped to better manage in the case of an emergency, everyone will have the opportunity to seek clarification and expert advice.
Participants will also receive relevant and easy to understand information in a handy booklet for future reference.
The Focused First Aid for Pets virtual course is $49.00 per participant. Online bookings are available now.
Visit RSPCA Victoria’s website for more information on pet first aid.
Mac the Life
A true love story from the RSPCA
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MAC came into RSPCA as a timid stray after he was hit by a car. Unfortunately, his injuries were so severe that his right hind leg had to be amputated. After his surgery, Mac needed time to recover and help build his confidence with the outside world as he was very anxious after all he’d been through in his life.
After treating his injuries, we sent him to the home of some lovely foster carers Tom and Beth for recovery and rehabilitation so we could get him ready for a forever home. “From the moment we met Mac his kind Kelpie temperament was apparent”, shares Tom. Foster care helped Mac recover and adjust to life in a family environment. While he was very timid at first, he quickly adjusted to home life and learnt to trust people. He was initially too scared to go for walks, but with lots of encouragement, love and some tasty treats he slowly built his confidence and learnt to love his outings to the park and the beach. After a few weeks, Mac’s wounds had healed, he had built his confidence and his time at foster care was at an end - he was ready to come back to the shelter so we could find him a forever home! |
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But as their time together was nearing an end, his foster carers, Tom and Beth, realised that they just couldn’t let him go. They had been through so much together in a few weeks and Mac had left a permanent mark on both of their hearts - so they decided to officially adopt him!
“We just couldn’t let him go! Tom shares. “I think the three of us were happier together then apart so it was a very easy decision”.
Mac had to come back to RSPCA for a few days to get his final vet checks and treatment. Even just these few days apart was hard for all three of them. While Tom and Beth went away for the weekend, Mac was at the forefront of their mind and they couldn’t wait to come back and take him back home. “We’ll always remember the feeling of joy and the look in Mac's eyes when we met again and he realised we’d come back to take him home. He was so stoked! Ever since then it’s been a wonderful journey of bonding and rehabilitation”, shares Tom.
These days, Mac has come such a long way from his anxieties and loves playing ball, going for big walks and spending time with his dog friends in the park. In a recent update, Tom shared, “He’s such a huge part of our lives now, we can’t imagine life without him”. We live for happily ever afters like Mac’s, it’s why we do what we do!
“We just couldn’t let him go! Tom shares. “I think the three of us were happier together then apart so it was a very easy decision”.
Mac had to come back to RSPCA for a few days to get his final vet checks and treatment. Even just these few days apart was hard for all three of them. While Tom and Beth went away for the weekend, Mac was at the forefront of their mind and they couldn’t wait to come back and take him back home. “We’ll always remember the feeling of joy and the look in Mac's eyes when we met again and he realised we’d come back to take him home. He was so stoked! Ever since then it’s been a wonderful journey of bonding and rehabilitation”, shares Tom.
These days, Mac has come such a long way from his anxieties and loves playing ball, going for big walks and spending time with his dog friends in the park. In a recent update, Tom shared, “He’s such a huge part of our lives now, we can’t imagine life without him”. We live for happily ever afters like Mac’s, it’s why we do what we do!