Julie R

Hope someone can help with some info, I am trying to find a dog friendly caravan park that has cabins available and that is close by to Erskine park please. Thanks

Hope someone can help with some info, I am trying to find a dog friendly caravan park /Cabins close by to Erskine park please. Thanks

Hi I was wondering if anyone has bothered to do a bit of a survey as to what the dogs are being fed that are displaying this problems i.e. are they mainly on dry food or are they on a diet that carnivores animals require. If only mainly on dry food I can see why their metabolism could be upset when they exercise because dry food requires far more body fluid when being absorbed than “natural” food which would and does contain “natural” fluids.

PLEASE CROSS POST Hi Everyone, We are delighted to report that the ‘Dogs Victoria - Management Committee’ have approved their ‘Classic Dog Show Sub-Committee’ to waver from their ‘charter’ in this instance, to allow all monies raised from the 2011 Classic Championship Dog Show to be donated to the ‘CCC(Q) (Queensland) Members Flood Relief Appeal’. This show will be held on Saturday, 5th February The plight of so many dog people throughout Queensland is so tragic and we look forward to the support of all members of ‘Dogs Victoria’ to get behind the ‘Classic’ and support this very worthy cause. Let us now pay back our Dog World friends in Queensland for the enormous support they gave to us at the time of the ‘2009 Black Saturday Bush Fires’. To raise further money for the ‘CCC(Q) (Queensland) Members Flood Relief Appeal’, ‘Dogs Victoria - Management Committee’ has also approved their ‘Classic Dog Show Sub-Committee’ a special Championship in the month of May. Further information regarding this event will be provided in future issues of the Dogs Victoria Magazine as well as on the web-site. Sincerely, BOB BELL ========================================== Robert S Bell Chairman - Classic Dog Show

If any member of DOGS Victoria has been affected by the recent floods I would suggest either they or a friend contact the office of DOGS Victoria so they know what their hardship currently is and inquire if DOGS Victoria is able to assist them.

Good I thought the fund raiser was only for QLD flood victims, and don't they need it poor devils. Do you have any idea of how many dog breeders have been affected in Vic?

Does anyone know if any DOGS Victoria/ VCA members have or are being affected by the floods. Just wondering if a fund raiser would be required to help them out. If it is not fires it’s floods, what is happening to our world.

Seeing the weather is just so unpredictable I was wondering if there was many scratchings today.

Yes I agree, it is a real achievement on their behalf. I think all ANKC breeders and owners should be very grateful that DOGS QLD have been so diligent in their fight for justice for pure bred dogs.

Congratulations DOGS QLD. Well done. Incredible what can be achieved when you have people who know how to achieve. http://www.dogsqueensland.org.au/News.aspx?id=253 AmStaff Update - Amended Law Explained 8 October 2010 Justice for American Staffordshire Terriers In Queensland Amendment 63a receives Royal Assent Members would no doubt be aware of the strong defence which Dogs Queensland mounted on behalf of pedigreed, registered Amstaffs and their owners in our State. Much has been written explaining the background to this issue but for the record, a brief summary of the events leading up to and since would be valuable. The Honourable Justice Martin, when considering the evidence presented in the Supreme Court of Queensland in the application brought by Ms Kylie Chivers in respect to her dog “Tango” against the Gold Coast City Council, decided that her American Staffordshire Terrier (commonly called an AmStaff) was in fact an American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). This decision was not surprising at all given that Justice Martin could only ever be expected to base his findings upon the evidence presented to the court. What is most interesting is that a review of court transcripts reveals that the very evidence upon which the Judge relied was actually submitted by the appellant, Ms Kylie Chivers. Whilst it must seem to many members that this issue has been on the Dogs Queensland radar for quite some time (since March 2010), the speed with which the Queensland Government reached a responsible decision was actually quite rapid and followed a predetermined process. Dogs Queensland is therefore delighted to report that on Monday 20th September 2010, amendment 63a to the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 received Royal Assent and became law in Queensland. After two Parliamentary readings and lengthy debate, the proposed amendment was passed in what must now be considered a significant landmark decision, not only for pedigreed registered Amstaffs but for all Pedigreed Registered dogs both here in Queensland and Australia wide. In its entirety, 63a reads as follows: 63A Provisions for deciding what is a breed of dog: (1) Each of the following certificates, for a dog, is evidence the dog is of the breed stated in the certificate: (a) a pedigree certificate from the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC); (b) a pedigree certificate from a member body of the ANKC; © a pedigree certificate from a national breed council registered with the ANKC; (d) a certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon stating, or to the effect that the dog is of a particular breed. (2) However, if a dog is of the breed American Staffordshire terrier, it is not of the breed American Pit Bull Terrier. (3) Also, the breed American Pit Bull Terrier does not include a dog of the breed American Staffordshire Terrier. The wording of 63a does warrant some explanation – it contains certain terminology which may appear “foreign or different ” to most of our members. First and foremost is the fact that the Queensland Government have only accepted into law those breeds recognised by the ANKC. By virtue of the very mention of ANKC pedigrees, the State Government have acknowledged that we actually “own and manage” those breeds – we own the standards, we issue the pedigree paperwork, we determine if a breed is included on our registers and as such we determine the breeds that can be issued with an official ANKC pedigree. The legislation, by inference does not recognise cross bred dogs or designed dogs as “true dog breeds”. It is also worth mentioning that to the best of our knowledge, 63a is the first time that our National Body or our affiliated State Controlling Bodies have been specifically mentioned in legislation. The 63a legislative amendment follows directly after clause 63 of the Act, which defines “What is a Restricted Dog” and it explains that “A restricted dog is a dog of a breed prohibited from importation into Australia under the Customs Act 1901 (Commonwealth)”. Note – there are currently 5 restricted breeds which are prohibited from importation into Australia – Presa Canario, filo Brasileiro, dogo Argentino, Tosa Inu and American Pit Bull Terrier. Section (1) of 63a provides clear definitions of the acceptable methods to be used for positive identification of a breed of dog. It is very important for members to note here that points (a) to (d) are not actually specific to AmStaffs – they apply to all breeds of dog. So, if in the future any of our other recognised breeds should come under threat, then the approved method of identification is explained in legislation – and that method is written into law. (a) A pedigree certificate from the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) Note – all of our registered pedigreed dogs have these documents and pedigrees are immediately identifiable and can be validated by the gold ANKC logo in the bottom right hand corner of the document. (b) A pedigree issued by a member body of ANKC Note – for a pedigreed registered dog that has been transferred onto the Queensland register from an Interstate ANKC affiliated Controlling body or a dog that has been imported into Australia from overseas and placed on the ANKC register and then reregistered by an ANKC affiliated State Controlling body. © A pedigree from an ANKC National Breed Council Note – members may see this as a curious inclusion because at present, no ANKC recognised National Breed Council has the ability to issue a pedigree certificate. However, this covers situations where at some point in the future a breed may be under development, as was the case with Stumpy Tail Cattle Dogs. And having the provision in place does not detract or weaken the intent of the legislation. (d) A certificate signed by a Veterinary Surgeon stating, or to the effect, that the dog is of a particular breed Note – this provision was included by Government to cover the situation where recognised paperwork (a pedigree) had been lost or not transferred from Interstate or Overseas. The onus then rests completely with a Veterinary Surgeon to determine the breed of dog if methods covered in (a), (b) and © above can not be supplied or complied with. It would also cover a situation where a particular dog has been purchased from a pet Shop and no paperwork has been provided. Section (2) of 63a states that: “However, if a dog is of the breed American Staffordshire Terrier, it is not of the breed American Pit Bull Terrier”. Note – in other words, an AmStaff is not the same breed of dog as the restricted Pit Bull. Section (3) of 63a goes on to state that: “Also, the breed American Pit Bull Terrier does not include a dog of the breed American Staffordshire Terrier”. Note – if a dog is identified as a restricted Pit Bull, then it is not a recognised AmStaff. We are absolutely certain that all members (both here and Australia wide) will understand exactly what has been achieved via the 63a amendment. It sets a precedent for all other State Governments to follow if ever the question of “how to identify a breed of dog” becomes an issue in the future. This successful outcome has helped Dogs Queensland to establish what we now consider to be a template for our future dealings with Government in Queensland – be it at State or Local level. The winning formula which Dogs Queensland employed was simple when reviewed afterwards. It was not dissimilar in many ways to what could be described as a Business Strategy and the key elements of that plan could be summarised as follows: 1. Identify the issue quickly and accurately, 2. Manoeuvre that issue urgently to “top of mind” status with Government, 3. Identify and only deal with the right people within Government – the key decision makers, 4. Explain the implications and ramifications to all levels of Government, 5. Offer reliable expert advice and be available 24/7, 6. Provide workable solutions – use recognised Government language, 7. Respect Government confidentiality and expect the same in return, 8. Communicate with members regularly and share information where appropriate, 9. Follow up often – don’t assume that the wheels of Government are turning, 10. Don’t be afraid to tell Government that they may be heading down the less desirable path – if that does happen, then go back to point 1. above and start again. Further useful information regarding the "Legislative Process – The Making of an Act of Parliament" can be found in the following document. Please CLICK HERE to Download or View that document.

I believe if we alter the consitution as allowed for under 1.7 then Management Committee would have no option than to follow those instructions/intent, afterall it is the Consititution that gives the Management Committee their powers now. We just have to arrange our wording to be very specific as to what we want of members of Management Committee in order to ensure that the right intent is obtained, ie instructions from the members, is followed. 1.7 ALTERATION OF CONSTITUTION (As amended 14.1.93) No alteration to this Constitution shall be made except by a Special Resolution passed by a majority of not less than seventy five per cent of the number of members of the VCA who, being entitled to do so, attend and vote personally on the resolution at an Annual General Meeting of the VCA or at a Special General Meeting of the VCA convened for the purpose of such resolution and notice of which meeting, specifying the terms of the resolution and the intention to propose and move the resolution as a Special Resolution, was given to all members of the VCA at least twenty one days prior to the holding of such meeting. Any alteration to, or recision of, a Rule or implementation of a new Rule shall be of no effect until notice of such alteration to, or recision of, the Rule or implementation of the new Rule has been: 1.7.1 (Approved 13.4.99) approved by the Registrar of Incorporated Associations pursuant the Act; and 1.7.2 served on members by publication of the text of such alteration or recision, or of the new Rule in the next available issue of the VCA Gazette when the provisions of Rule 2.127, as to service of notice, shall apply. 1.8 In this Constitution no heading to a Clause or series of Sub-Clauses, nor any marginal notes or footnotes in this Alterations/Changes would also have to be made to Rule 2.97.3, 2.103 which relate to AGM as well as 2.107.5 and 2.112 which relates to SGMs to ensure that the Chief Executive as well as the Management Committee follow the outcome of the meeting, as long as the outcome is lawful. 2.97.3 At all Annual General Meetings of the VCA no business shall be considered or discussed other than that of which notice has been given on the notice convening the Meeting or any business which, in the opinion of the Chairperson, shall arise out of such business. 2.103 Special Resolution A resolution of members is a Special Resolution if it is passed by a majority which comprises not less than seventy five per cent in number of such members of the VCA present in person and entitled to vote and voting on the resolution at a meeting of which not less than 21 days written notice specifying the intentions to propose and move the resolution as a Special Resolution was given in accordance with these Rules. 2.107.5 (As amended 1.6.98) A member desiring to bring any business before a Special General Meeting shall give notice in writing of that business to the Chief Executive who shall include the business in the next notice calling a Special General Meeting given after receipt of the notice from the member. 2.112 Special Resolution A resolution of members is a Special Resolution if it is passed by a majority which comprises not less than seventy five per cent in number of such members of the VCA present in person entitled to vote and voting on the resolution at a meeting of which not less than 21 days written notice specifying the intentions to propose and move the resolution as a Special Resolution was given in accordance with these Rules. I believe Management Committee have a duty to follow the instructions/intent of the membership. We the membership give the Management Committee the direction where we see the organisation should be heading, the Management Committee have the responsibility to ensure that this occurs within the means of the Constitution, Rules and Regulations. The membership have the right to ask of Management Committee as to why actions have been undertaken and objectives have been met or not met.

Could someone please enlighten me re the removal of titles, does it protect an imported dog coming into Victoria if the titles are removed, I have heard that dogs that have done Schutz training would be classed as a dangerous dog in Victoria and would have to be desexed. is this correct? Pam

I was wondering if the owner or partners ( if any) relating to this P/F are mentioned.. be interesting to see if they name owners and any connections and give an actual address, or maybe they can’t be named until they have been charged with an offence.

Hate to be the bearer of terribly sad news. Sorry I haven't copied the whole article, there is also a video. http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/blog-with-derr...0920-15j8c.html Pam

Steve, I know what you're saying. The registered breeders that I've adopted my adult tibbies from stay in touch & always ask 'How is my girl going?' And I love them for it. Just shows with how much love, care & personal attention those dogs were raised. OK, they're my dogs now, paid for (with money the breeders didn't care much about), microchipped and registered in my name. But there's a lovely bond that will always exist between their breeder & them. So, of course, they still say, 'My dog'. That's the precious, secret ingredient in the best produced purebred dogs. Pet-owners should know that's what to look for! It's the key thing that puppy-farming (whoever does it) does not do...& hasn't a clue even exists. Hi Mita And there is no better feeling in the world than when a person who brought a puppy from you either brings it back to see you when it has matured or you catch up somewhere and the puppy/dog remembers exactly who you are and gets so excited to see you again, to me it is quite an emotional experience and shows that the puppy loved you and trusted you. I am sure puppy farmers who produce huge amounts of puppies would never have that sort of experience, how could they possibly form any sort of a bond with the amount of puppies they breed. Pam

The Labour has already given the "COUNCIL" officers power to come into your property and seize dogs. The Labour Gov, has already brought in Hereditary disease legislation, that only affects pure bred dogs. . The Labour Gov brought in a code of practice that only affects “pure breed dogs The Labour Gov. slipped in not being able to show or exhibit illegally debarked dog- which only affects Pure bred dogs. So you tell me where has the Labour Gov. done any favours to the pure bred dog world!!! So if the Liberals can bring in or enforce the laws already in place for Puppy Factories and stamp out these people who are cruel, and churning out puppies like there is no tomorrow then so be it. Banksia Park was also interviewed and they stated they have bred over 2000 puppies this year… !! also on their website it states the following, http://www.banksiaparkpuppies.com/new/life...k/daily-routine 6.00am – New Puppies The day starts at Banksia Park at 6.00am with an overall inspection of the newborn nursery to see if there have been any new arrivals during the night. Any new litters are tended to first; this involves bathing the new mum, replacing the bedding and ensuring all of the new puppies are cleaned up and drinking. so tell me where they are looking after and helping any of their bitches if they get into trouble whelping. Poor bitches could be straining ALL night with NO help being offered. And that is only ONE of the Puppy Farms. So if you think that this practice is OK, then I totally disagree. At the Rally the only topic that was spoken about was the people who are breeding huge amounts of dogs and the poor bitches being bred time and time again, sorry I can’t condone that practice. No dog was put on earth to support humans by being used as breeding machines.

What a fantastic effort. Well done! I was glad to be able to come along and support such a worthy cause. I too was very proud to be at the Rally today. To Debra and her helpers WELL DONE. what an achievement. After today’s press release and hearing the opposition speak at the Rally I will definitely be voting for the Liberals this coming election. Did anyone hear what Joe Helper said on the news tonight!!!!. there are not many Puppy farms!!!!!!!! maybe he should get out of his office and where ever else it is that he has been hiding in or under over the past years and see what is happening in the real world. Once again WELL DONE to all involved in Oscars Law. Pam

Maybe they are viewing it as a protest, and because they are already "close" with the government, they don't want to look like they are protesting against them. That is just a guess at a reason. If that is the case and the reason then let’s hope that the Labour government get elected in Nov, BUT in saying that the Labour Gov, has already” brought so many "new" and some hidden dog laws into Vic over a very short period of time do we REALLY WANT or NEED them in power again. DO we really need anyone having dialogue with a Govn. that keeps bringing into legislation against ANKC breeders…… I think not??? So maybe it is just a change of Govn that we all really need in Victoria??

www.dogsvictoria.org.au/assets/pdf/puppy-farm-rally.pdf Notice to Members Victorian Canine Association Inc trading as DOGS Victoria DOGS Victoria (03) 9788 2500 [email protected] 16 September 2010 Re: Puppy Farm Rally A “Puppy Farm Awareness” rally has been scheduled on the steps of Parliament house for Sunday, 19 September at noon. Much discussion has occurred amongst DOGS Victoria members - Do we join this rally or not? One thing that all members agree on is that they are against puppy farming, irresponsible dog breeding and any situation that compromises the welfare of dogs. DOGS Victoria has worked over the years to develop a positive working relationship with the state government. An example of this communication can be seen in the email from the Minister‟s office to DOGS Victoria CE Elizabeth White. This email outlines very clearly that DOGS Victoria members have and will continue to enjoy exemption as the government tightens up legislation in an effort to put an end to puppy farming. Members will be pleased to note that within the state regulations DOGS Victoria is currently the ONLY canine-associated body granted the status of „approved organisation‟ which currently includes exemption from council desexing regulations as well as exemption from the proposed breeding requirements. Additionally DOGS Victoria was recently invited to make a presentation at an RSPCA seminar on the topic of puppy farming. DOGS Victoria has decided not to have an official presence at this rally. Rather we will continue to communicate with the government and other relevant organisations through the channels we already have in place. And we will continue our efforts to educate consumers on how to responsibly source their next family pet. Individual members and clubs will make their own decision about attending this rally. The upcoming state elections will give DOGS Victoria and its members the opportunity to lobby strongly on this issue. Members are encouraged to question their local candidates on dog-related topics. To assist with this, DOGS Victoria has set up a section of the website and a Facebook page. Additionally, each copy of the October DOGS Victoria magazine will include a car sticker stating: I own a dog and I vote. All members will have the opportunity to further address the issue of limiting puppy farming activities at the Members Forum scheduled for Sunday, 24 October at 2:00pm at Bulla. We hope to see you there!

All stud registries as far as I know have codes of ethics. the mini foxie club for example has a very tough code and they even travel to the end of the earth to look at dogs before they give the nod for them to be able to be used for breeding. Some of the MDBA members are not ANKC breeders and they work under our codes which are much tougher than any for the ANKC! And its not usually and likely its sometimes and why should some be tarred by these labels because they are not usually or likely ? You cant interpret what they mean - its what they say and based on what they say I dont want to go over to rally against myself or those who I believe are doing a great job of breeding dogs. they havent said if you get nice photos of a clean whelping environment then thats O.K. and Im not even any where near sure that it is - on its own. Hi Steve But if you don't attend how can you know for sure what the intention is. I firmly believe that the people who are organising this rally do not have any prejudice against pure bred dogs or cross bred dogs. They only want to see that dogs, ALL breeds of dogs x breeds included are treated humanely. I do not think for one minute that there is anything that will used be against ANKC registered breeders. I have gone to their website and read the FAQ page of Oscars Law and they actually support ANKC registered dogs and breeders. To my knowledge and belief they are just against animal cruelty and puppy mills/farms that are abusing these poor dogs that are committed to a life of producing litter after litter until they can no longer reproduce. I honestly cannot see the harm in bringing to the Governments attention that the legislations that are already in place to STOP this, and the government/ RSPCA are not using these laws to put an end to this cruelty . Time and time again people are being allowed to treat dogs/animals with contempt and for pure profit. You wouldn’t allow or consider doing this or allowing this to happen to one of your own dogs that you had bred and sold, so why should anyone be allowed to get away with this?? The scary part of it all is that how do anyone of us know for sure that one of our dogs that that we have bred have not ended up in one of these horrific puppy farms. The only way anyone can be sure this doesn’t happen it to de-sex every puppy before they are sold... DO we all want this to happen, and are we all prepare to put our puppies through this, and are we are prepared for a legislation to enforce this.??? ? Pam

Hi Steve Thanks for the update. Does the survey still indicate that most of the replies are from ANKC registered breeders? if so I think the graph showing breeding for the pet market and money is a bit of a worry. Pam

Hi Steve Just wondering if there are any more graphs/ info that you can publish. Just interested to see how this survey is moving along. Pam Just thought I should give this topic another gentle nudge.:0)) Are there any further replies, or updates. please ... OR is this /survey topic just going to die a natarul death??????? Pam

Hi Steve Just wondering if there are any more graphs/ info that you can publish. Just interested to see how this survey is moving along. Pam

Hi Jed Are you a member of Dogs Vic? the way I understand it is that Dogs Vic members are exempt because they belong to an applicable organization, and they have been for quite some years, so unless that agreement with the Govern. is revoked I don't think this "new" law will have any impact on Vic Dog members. Pam.