Are You Serious Jo

I think there'll be a bigger fighting force to try to prevent this than has happened with show people. Sheep will be next (if they haven't already done a sheep guideline) and then now trials with cattle or sheep as well as not being able to use dogs at all. The whole point of using dogs is that they are trained to work the stock quietly and gently!

Right now they are guidelines but if they get their way they'll eventually end up mandatory code. It's a gradual chipping away.

http://www.rspca.org.au/what-we-do/working-with-farming-industry/beef-cattle-welfare.html then http://www.rspca.org.au/assets/files/RSPCA_Beef_Cattle_Guidelines_Nov2012.pdf

When I get back on my other computer I'll post the link.

Perhaps they think all stock should be lead trained so the farmers can just walk them everywhere individually.

They'll probably decide that dogs have a limit of how far they should walk so it isn't as far fetched as you think.

Sounds to me like the RSPCA are getting ready to phase out dog ownership, just like PETA has been advocating :p So far I am only kidding but if people who do not even own, not to mention have ever worked these animals or even seen one up close before get to make up the rules then I am sure they can find reasons that sound good on paper. Are any of the RSPCA head honchos in any way associated with PETA? :p One effective way to make change is to get into positions of power so I wouldn't be surprised to find PETA supporters in there.

It's really begun now, showing, working, sport. Get ready for the generic dog that you are only allowed to walk.

People already use muzzles on dogs that grab. They also say no prodders but they'll get used anyway because you don't just ask cattle to move and they do. Dogs are classified under harmful implements, their words!

I had a look at the original article but there doesn't seem to be a source, any idea where this originated within the rspca? Think I've found it. Yep, no dogs in yards, much better to get people in there with prodders

If a judge takes the rspca's word then she is screwed, they are held as the authority. There is no independent assessment.

Look at the fatso in the second pic, wonder what the "reason" was for seizing him The first doesn't look to be too bad.

Did they get that thing through they wanted where they could charge the owners some outrageous amount each day upfront? Let's face it, if they want to they'll just euth the horses and say they were suffering and there's nothing anyone can do about it.

I hope Kim serves their arses to them on a plate because it sounds like a vendetta. They might have taken on the wrong person this time. I just hope they don't PTS her horses out of spite.

Do you have any proof it's bad or just your emotional response?

Yes, there are studies that show that dogs don't have theory of mind, which is a prerequisite.

You hit the nail on the head, you are anthropomorphising, dogs don't think like people. They don't have any concept of how they sound to others.

It doesn't stop the act of barking though, the dog still can do this behaviour and they don't understand that they aren't as loud. It's not like binding the mouth closed!

I wish I could have the energy to apply for that position

I think I'll point out the logical progression of over regulating registered breeders and how they aren't the source of the problem. Probably the same things I've been saying on here. They like solutions so I'll try to include some in case they actually listen.

That didn't take long, I thought SA would be one of the last to fall. They haven't left much time for submissions but I'll put one in.

Maybe they had their dogs whelp in the house.

You just know that once they get that dog in your home you won't be getting it out any time soon!

This is awesome news Please posts some photos when you can. DD I think an apology might be in order.

Hopefully if first on the list were not suitable they gave up waiting and picked another dog.