grumpette

More about how the Standard has been developed: Mr BARBER (Northern Metropolitan) — I thank the minister for the background. Are there any other groups with an interest in this matter that were consulted or needed to be consulted both in relation to the preparation of the standard for American pit bulls and also in terms of the mechanics of preparing, implementing and running this legislation — for example, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or any dog breeder groups and so forth? Hon. P. R. HALL (Minister for Higher Education and Skills) — In respect of consultation with other groups, I can advise Mr Barber that the persons involved in the consultation on the development of the standard — I do not know the actual names of the people — included an all-breeds judge, a veterinarian and an authorised officer of council. They represented their groups on the development of the standard. In terms of consultation groups, I have mentioned the Municipal Association of Victoria. That is the knowledge I possess at the moment as to the groups that have been consulted on aspects of this legislation. The advantage of having an approved standard means that that can be implemented once gazettal is planned. I just wanted to explain the difference in process there. The next point I want to make is in respect of the question of the development of the standard. When the Domestic Animals Amendment (Dangerous Dogs) Act 2010 was passed by the Parliament my understanding is that a working party was put in place at that time by the previous government with the aim of developing a standard that could be used by authorised officers of council to assess matters associated with these restricted breed-type dogs. Since that act came into being in 2010 a working party has been formed that has gone about the task of developing these standards. Following the 2010 legislative amendment the working party consisted of a veterinarian who previously participated in the then minister’s restricted dog breed panel and was on the executive of the Australian Veterinary Association. There was also a world-recognised all-breeds judge and there was an experienced authorised officer from a local council, so pretty much the same composition that the previous government had in place has been carried over to the finalisation of the standard that we now have applying to this piece of legislation.

From the Hansard The standard or description that was identified in the previous contribution was developed with the consultation of an all-breeds judge, a veterinarian and an authorised officer of a local council. It provides a tool for the public and for council officers to use in assessing what type of dog can be declared as a pit bull. A working group developed the standard for assessing whether or not a dog might be of the pit bull type. The standard has been written in such a way that it will be the legal tool to assist the authorised officers of councils who can declare a dog to be of a restricted breed. There is no nationally recognised breed standard for American pit bull terriers, and they are the type of dog that council officers have had most difficulty in identifying. The working group therefore concentrated on written and pictorial standards for that breed. In relation to the right of review, if an officer declares a dog to be of a restricted breed, the owner has the right to appeal through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The Department of Primary Industries has produced a toolkit to assist local government in the implementation of this legislation, and it has established a hotline.

The other changes regarding introducing dog attack laws similar to the culpible driving laws will be submitted to parliment in a fortnight for passing.

Yes RSG my first thought was Kelpie cross

Yes there are pictures RSG, Go to the nine msn site and the video clearly shows that it is a cross breed Opps typo

Oh bugger. I was hoping to get some information from you guys after the talk

What was brilliant to see was that there was a bull terrier there last night as well :D

That is great news! You mean your dogs are now in the Dogs Vic therapy team? I heard a breeder represented them talking on radio national some time back, about the dog therapy work. When she said her dog was a rottie, the interviewer was very surprised. It was obvious he had the wrong idea that rottie = person killer. She then summarised all that went into the breeding, raising & management of her rotties, which meant they were beautifully socialised dogs. She was brilliant! I wish a lot more of the public could hear someone like her. This breeder also made the point that the dogs were still showdogs. She said the residents they visited looked forward to their coming in, after a show, with the prize ribbons. They loved to see 'their' dogs doing so well in the showring, as well as in the pet stakes. Yes, Tank and Zephyr are now members of the Dogs Vic team along side a few other very well bred, trained and socialized Rotties. Both Zeph and Tank do herding and obedience, as well as conformation showing. But most importantly they are well-adjusted family members. My old girl Baylee and I used to encounter the same sort of negative reactions and prejudices when we did the Responsible Pet Ownership program. However, by the end of the school visits not only had the adults and children been educated about how to behave around dogs and to always ask the owner, but also that not all Rotties are bad. These things really do prove that it is the other end of the leash that is the problem with dog attacks, not the breeds of dog.

We passed The start of a new adventure :D

Oh he is gorgeous and as photogenic as the rest of the clan :D

That makes a lot of sense. Dogs Vic also used to have a photo on their website of their pet therapy team. And bigger dogs stood out. There were a couple of gorgeous Rotties. And with any luck tonight two more will be added. ;)

They prefer the bigger dogs for therapy work as they are more able to cope with the rougher treatment from unsteady older hands patting them. Also older people can reach the dogs whilst in their chairs/wheel chairs thus preventing them from having to bend down.

Borzoi - first with 17 Lappies and Rotties - second with 16 Rescue Bitsa - third with 15

Airedale Terrier: Abbey Akita: Kyojin, Kuma American Staffordshire Terrier: Tua, Max, Juno Australian Shepherd: Banjo, Archie, Lottie Australian terrier: Bailey, Brandy, Jasper Australian Kelpie: Revan, Abby, Bluey, Cahill, Franky, Izzy, Spfyre, Milky, Kinta, Banjo Australian Kelpie X:Toby Bearded Collie: Charlie, Bonnie, Bailie Belgian Shepherd (Groenendael): Fleming, Ivy Border Collie: Roy, Molly, Kirra, Rory, Rumor, Diesel Borzoi: Oberon Boxer: Bruno, Nelsson Brittany: Zora Bull Terrier: Bonnerville, Atlas Cane Corso: Ali Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Bree, Ingrid, Jersey, Lacey, Fern, Floyd, Indy, Arnie, Joey, Renae, Bailey, Murphy Chihuahua: Chelsea and Pansy, Heidi, Bertie, Moose, Archi,Pepe, Squirt, Limpet Cocker Spaniel : Maggie,Jesie, Bonnie, Chelsea Dalmatian: Appollo, Cleo Dogue De Bordeaux: Moose & Chevy English Cocker Spaniels: Jesie,Bonnie, Chelsea English Setter: Spartan, James English Springer Spaniel: Buddy Finnish Lapphund:Halo, Vienna, Jaana,Magnus,Aurora-Rose,Niina,Paddington,Maximus, Ahsoka, Fable, Demi,Varda, Asha, Boots, Echo, Alera French Bulldog: Lola, FeeBee German Coolie: FlashBazil, Latte German Shepherd: Java, Odin, Tlaloc, Rebus, Indi, UnoBuffy, Bronx, Sabre German Shorthaired Pointer: Pip, Coco, Polo Golden Retriever: Onslow, Matilda-Rose, Chester, Genie, Ella, Rosie, Bruce, Chloe, Chaos, Ruby Great Dane: Sparkles, Whitney Greyhound: Harry, Kiff, Sally Griffon Bruxellois: Mocha Hungarian Vizsla: Flynn, Rogan Jack Russell Terrier: Ringo, Nandi Japanese Spitz: Emmy Keeshond: Jedi Labrador Retriever: Lestat, Bailey, Tia, Mieka, James, Harry, Lily Rose, Miniature Long Haired Dachshund: Mini, Rover Newfoundland dogs: Annabelle, Katy, Lukey Norwegian Elkhound: Odin Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriver: Nova, Darcy, Jovi Papillon: Blaze, Minka, Portia, Tyson, Coco, Tonka Pointer : Kite Audrey Poppin konrad, Badger Poodle (Toy): Chilli Poodle (Standard) Merry & Pippin, Poppy & babies. Pug: LotusFlynn, Elyse, Ted, Misty, Elly, Poppy, Sally landers,Archie, Beau, Haidee, Millies, Ivee, Jack Rhodesian Ridgeback: Meisha, Bakari, Boss Rottweiler: Roxy, Feonix, Radar, Neo, Abby, Dyzney, Fame, Jag, Nellie Rose, Baylee, Dee, Zephyr, Mini, Diesel, Fire, Flint Saluki: Bella Samoyed: Mistral, Alchemy, Yngvie, Dante, Bundy, Kamikaze, Fergus, Kato Schnauzer (minature): Maximus, Coconut,Betty,Jigga Shar Pei: Askari, Acheron, Asante sana, Sirius, Chippy, Christina, Diezel, Shih Tzu : Gizmo Siberian Husky: Akira, Tikaani,Romeo,Baby.Riddick,Indie, Esky Staffordshire Bull Terrier: Kiara, Zola, Diesel, Kaos SWF: Zoe Rescue Bitsa: Keely, Fred & Ginger, Ozzie, Tess, Maverick, Bosco, Kyah, Charlie, Astrid, Mala, Bella, Tiny Tim, Jen Jen White German Shepherd: Casper White Swiss Shepherd: Rakim, Whippet: Herbie, Buzz Weimaraner: Ariane, Lulu, Louie West Highland White Terrier: Penny, Mac, Daisy There I think they are all there now :D

There was not a dry eye on the room when Gary told his, Banjo and Chris's story but we all went away that night determined to make that extra effort because we saw the huge impact helping others in their time of need had. RIP Banjo. Watch over Gary during this time of great sorrow and give him strength until another special soul comes into his life. That is better :D

I hate that! I had the corner of my crate just sticking past the edge of my gazebo one time and a lady let her dog cocked his leg on it. All she said was "Sorry, it's a boy thing" No it's not! It's a stupid owner thing! We have a rule in our house that when out for a walk NONE OF THE DOGS, Dog or Bitch, are allowed to pee in the main street ie on bins, poles, fences, especially where people are likely to eat. We have vacant blocks and grassed areas for that. And always pick up your dogs poo. So many times we have had tourists walking their dogs past our place and they have let their dogs toilet without picking it up. I go out and hand them a poo bag (nappy bags are best as they are scented) and get them to pick it up and tell them there are bins/skips in the main street. Common decency and respect are sadly lacking these days.

The worst injury was a broken toe on New Years Eve from stepping over a sleeping dog. He put his head up just as I was stepping over him with no shoes on and I connected with his head. It was payback for having him desexed at Christmas time :rolleyes:

Regardless of how many smilies you put in this post I think it is pretty short sighted and perhaps even points to why some people feel the way that they do about pedigree dogs and their owners. I understand the purpose of the controlling bodies and understand the rules (Which BTW are VERY easy to flout if you really want to). BUT surely it is better to have dogs of unknown lineage competing in performance rings if it is going to lead to more people developing an interest in pedigree dogs. If I didn't have a way to get involved in dog sports I would never have become involved with pedigree dogs. I have to agree it is extremely short sighted and elitist to exclude mixed breed dogs or dogs of unknown parentage from dog sports. These activites are a brilliant way to introduce people to pure breed dogs and to start the education process in a non threatening, non preaching environment. My first Rotty was a BYB dog from a friend to replace my childhood 13 year old GSD x Lab. If I had not joined an all breeds obedience club to train him, I would not have met pure breed Rotty owners, I would not have learnt about the breed and experienced the joy of owning the 3 pure bred Rotties that I currently share my life with. I would also not have been introduced to dog activities like tracking, herding, conformation showing and agility. There are so many possible benefits for controlling bodies by being inclusive instead of exclusive. Being exclusive has only resulted in a drop in membership numbers which is why DogsVIC have started the Companion Dog Club.

Like this

OMG that is an absolute classic The mental pictures it conjures up are hysterical and horrific at the same time. I so needed that laugh

Stans Mum They are BFFs and will play with each other for hours when the family gets together and in the process will ignore the boys. :D

We have bookends in this house no matter what couches are being occupied

Oh that is absolutely brilliant news, and so very much deserved. Your customer service, your product range and knowledge are the very best and the reason that you have so many satisfied and loyal customers. A fantastic effort by your both and your staff. :D

Absolutely Steve. :D

Very happy campers indeed :D