KatrinaM

Again I stand by my comment. A huge number of hunters run bailing dogs. I am yet to see the Game Council release a directive telling hunters that they must only use poorly trained holding dogs in this organised hunt. It is not a ruling, it is taken from a SOP, not from a Code of Practice or an Act. It is a recomendation, not law. I am not sure this was drafted with the imput of a broad range of interest groups. Curlybert, I cant provide evidence from the NSW Greens that they support baiting any more than you can provide evidence that they dont. Fundamentally no political party would support animal cruelty yet all over Australia poisoning and biological control methods funded by our Governement are being used that make me physically sick. Either the Greens are holding out on us and have an awesome way of controlling the feral pig population (without dogging, baiting, archers, trapping or heli shooting) hidden up their sleeve and they do not support the culling of feral pigs with current methods (save perfect and clean field shots) or dont support control of feral pig populations at all (which I doubt) or as their current capaign leads me to believe, support or are blind to all other methods except dogging. There is currently a large govt funded baiting campaign taking place for another pest species, yet no comment, heli shooting of another pest species, no public comment, archers hunting state forests in NSW, no public comment, trapping in National Parks, no public comment. Or maybe this is just politics and has nothing to do with what happens in the field. When done right dogging, even with holding dogs and even though it is politically incorrect is far more humane than most other methods of control. I only wish that those who do not support animal cruelty yet see the need for the feral pig population to be controlled would educate themselves and gain an understanding before they comment publicly or try to enact legislation. It feels like i am bashing the poor Greens which I guess I am, I think they get it right on other issues but on this one I feel they are dead wrong. Beatrice, pig hunting dogs do not bite the jaws off pigs or rip there guts out. They dont kill pigs or savage them either. Edited to fix spelling and hopefully make more sense.

Sorry Aidan2, it was the NSW Greens, not the DPI that raised concerns. The only reference to the DPI is an article that apparently speaks "It is unacceptable to set a dog on to a feral pig with the intention of bringing it down, holding or attacking it,'' say feral pig guidelines produced for the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Notice nobody from the DPI was interviewed, only a Game Coucil spokesperson, a representive from Animals Australia and Greens MP David Shoebridge. Funny nobody from any hunting orgainisations or hunters were interviewed, makes it a little bit of biased reporting. The Greens are currently waging a media campaign against hunters, shooters and fishers, this is just political pointscoring and has nothing to do with hunting pigs. What the Game Council is proposing may very well have not be against the DPI guidelines, it is only the NSW Greens who propose that it is. Again without experiance hunting with dogs they are jumping to conclusions. I agree Curlybert, the Greens are contradicting themselves. It is a shame they seem to refuse to become educated on a subject they feel so strongly about pushing legislation and making public comment about. If they truely understood and were exposed to ethical hunters they would not have such a problem. Honestly how can you compare a dog holding a pig to faccillitate humane dispatch to the up to three weeks of suffering that can be caused by baiting. If this party were truely interested in the suffering of a feral species they would be drawing the attention of the public to baiting and the prolonged suffering they endure when baited or the suffering that a pig, a social herd animal endures when it is trapped.

The Tasmanian Greens are certainly do not favour poisoning and are seeking to ban 1080 being used in their state. The NSW branch do not seem to feel the same and have no policy that I can find in this matter. If they are against hunting then there is no other real option to try and control feral pigs but baiting. You cant have it both ways. If they honestly did think that dogging was prefered they would have found out the facts about the Game Council hunts in state forests and this wouldnt have made the news and we wouldnt be discussing it here. The meat is just a byproduct of hunting. The primary focus is the control of numbers, erradication is probably an impossibility. The spread of disease and weed species, the potential as a vector for exotic disease, damage to land, native plant species, pasture, crops and infrastructure and the killing of native species and livestock are the primary reasons for the need to control numbers. Many hunters use the meat they catch - either to sell for human consumption or pet food, to eat themselves or to feed their pets. Kirty is right, it is much more humane to hunt animals like this than it is to have them commercially processed, its just that it it is far less confronting to see cows in a paddock miss out on all the middle bits and then see your rump steak in a cryvac pack at Woolworths.

Hunting pigs with dogs is perfectly legal in NSW, subject to certain requirements. There is a great difference between people who enjoy inflicting pain on other beings and those who conservation hunt. There is also a huge gap between feral pest management and the management of rare and endangered native species. Without good management of feral pests we cannot effectivly protect native species. The Greens seem to favour poisoning - a terribly cruel form of death in anybodies language and they seem to want to twist the facts and outright lie to persecute a group of people who give their time to help control a feral pest. Without control, especially after the run of good seasons we have recently had their numbers will skyrocket.

I know somebody who took a pup they found in poor condition beside the road many kilometers from the nearest town to the vet. The vet did not check for a chip, even worse they had been sent a photo and lost notice re the dog and still didnt make the connection. He had been stolen from his yard weeks earlier. Luckily his family got him back in the end.

Great work by all the mushers. It's nice to see John win, I hope he and his team enjoy some well earned rest.

They are Alaskan Huskies, just working bred dogs, not the Siberian Huskies we are used to seeing.

Your local RSPCA has done some pretty horrible things to dogs and their owners in the past - I guess you have to work out if you feel you cant approach her owners is if she is better off there or better off in the hands of the RSPCA. Its a pretty hard call without knowing all the facts.

They are Shortstep. For the life of me I dont know why, maybe because the breed and its health flies a lot lower on the radar than the more popular breeds. In a breed with a history of a tiny gene pool I think its a travesty.

Like in the Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog where long tail pups are only put on limited register?????

Good luck everyone! I hate the cold but every Iditarod I spend a month dreaming of living in Alsaka.

Kaffy, I love Bull Mastiffs so please dont be offended but when I read a "Bullmastiff type came from out of the water and attacked her dog" I could not help but think she has a Bull Mastiff confused with a Dugong. Wouldnt be the first time somebody was WAY off the mark with breed ID! Dog control can only work when people concentrate on the problem and the human behaviour associated with it ie dogs attacking other animals bacause their owners do not properly control them, rather than trying to "profile attackers" that may or may not become offenders in the future.

http://www.frasercoa...on-dog-control/ Residents weigh-in on dog control Mat Nott | 19th February 2011 A child’s pet dog was killed by vicious dogs from next door. Alistair Brightman%3Cbody%3E%3Cdiv%20id%3D%22node%22%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http%3A//data.apn.com.au/apnau/adclick/FCID%3D-4/SIZE%3DZ325X200/random%3D85727969464/viewid%3D85727969464/site%3DZAUREGFRASERCOASTCHRONICLE/area%3DZAUREGFRASERCOASTCHRONICLE.NEWS.COUNCILNEWS.STORY.HME/keyword%3Dfraser-coast-chronicle%22%20target%3D%22_top%22%3E%3Cimg%20src%3D%22http%3A//content.aimatch.com/default.gif%22%20alt%3D%22%22%20border%3D%220%22%20%3E%3C/a%3E%20%20%3C/div%3E FRASER Coast mayor Mick Kruger has weighed into the current controversy over dog control by calling on residents worried by dog attacks to propose new dog control measures for council. Mr Kruger said public submissions for changes to local laws governing animals could be made until January 25 as part of the council's review process. He also suggested that as little as 12 submissions could have enough weight in light of recent events to provoke a change of local laws concerning dog ownership. “Now that people are aware that we are reviewing the local laws, and one of them relates to animals, if people are concerned they should have a look at what the local law says,” Mr Kruger said. “If they believe that it is not strong enough based on these sorts of attacks, they should put a submission in suggesting to council that it needs to be strengthened.” . Given recent events in which hunting dogs leapt a fence in Urangan and killed a small dog and reports of dog attacks emerging from Dundowran Beach, Mr Kruger said council was already looking closely at the issue of dog ownership and control. One current issue is the type of dog permitted to be kennelled in urban areas, with public opinion moving towards a ban on dogs that are bred to hunt and kill. “The council would be prepared to review the breed of dogs that should be allowed in urban areas,” Mr Kruger said. “If we get a dozen submissions and they give a strong indication that heavier penalties are needed then we can consider taking action.” Submissions can be made via the council website at frasercoast.qld.gov.au or at the council chambers. Is it public opinion or the opinion of somebody in council that there needs to be a ban on dogs that are bred to "hunt and kill"? As far as I know terriers are usually bred to hunt and kill, cats are bred to hunt and kill but pig hunting dogs are certainly not bred to kill anything. Hopefully this doesnt see the introduction of any silly knee jerk laws or a revist to the unworkable world of BSL.

The only true pure strain of dingo exist either in captivity or Fraser Island. And you know this how? From capturing large numbers of a huge range of specific populations and testing for purity? or is it just a guess?

http://www.goldcoastmail.com.au/story/2011...open-in-cairns/ SIX evacuation centres will open in and around Cairns early tomorrow to take in people ahead of Cyclone Yasi's arrival. Authorities want people who are forced to leave their homes to stay with family and friends, but say not everyone has that option. Cairns Regional Council says those who have no alternative can go to evacuation centres to open from 6am (AEST) at: - Redlynch High School - James Cook University - Smithfield State High School - Babinda RSL - Mossman Community Indoor Sports Centre - Woree State High School Conditions at the centres will be spartan, with evacuees urged to bring their own bedding, food and medications. No pets will be allowed at the centres, the council said. Yasi is expected to hit as a severe category four storm around Cairns about 1am (AEST) on Thursday, bringing very destructive winds, torrential rain and causing storm surges.

Poor dog owners, poor possums.

Tell your friend to be careful of those who have "Presas" for sale here. There is always somebody willing to charge a whole lot of money for a dog that looks like what it is claimed to be as a pup but grows into something different. In recent times I have met three people who think they bought banned breeds, all paid a fortune, all were ripped off. One man has fake paperwork claiming his dog is from dogs imported from a well known overseas kennel. The dogs in question have never left the breeders yard. Another was told he had to pay to have a dog delivered by yacht to a remote costal location so it could be secretly smuggled in. The other only paid $5000 to buy and have a dog imported, including all his shipping and quarentine. I wish I could get a dog that big over that cheap! Its funny how the dogs now look much like cross breds that can be legally obtained and owned in Australia.

Feral or domestic you did the right thing Bigdogg. I understand you would have acted differently and with more compassion had you realised they were somebodies pets but reguardless you were well within your rights, legally and morally.

Dova, I do understand where your coming from believe me but emergency services would be in strife with your family, community and friends. Not to mention the pounding they would cop in the media. Why should these hard working people who volenteer to risk their lives to help others have to suffer? There is also the people who have to find your body, investigate your death and so on. All these people will suffer too. Like I said I understand how you feel but rather than create problems for an already fatigued ERT pet owners need to have a plan, especially if you have time. The poor buggers that didnt get any warning or couldnt escape are the ones I feel the most for.

All these people that wont leave there pets behind - i understand where you are coming from but emergency services now have the power to forcibly remove you without your pets. People need to plan ahead or fact the facts.

Doubt there will be much capacity for big dogs though. Emerald had facilities but friends were told to take their big dogs home to their inundated house as large dogs werent welcome. They have raised floored kennels, unlike many others their dogs have survived.

Large dogs seem to be the most in need, especially after what has transpired in other towns. If you can foster and live nearby or North please consider it. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/flood-v...6-1225979879229 Flood victims' pets need refuge after Rockhampyon City Council relocates animals from pound THE RSPCA has set-up an emergency housing facility for the pets of evacuated residents in Rockhampton, but are warning space is limited. It has called for more foster carers to come forward and for people faced with evacuation to find refuge for their pets early, with room for just 40 animals at the temporary shelter, which has been set-up on the grounds of the Central Queensland University. RSPCA spokesman Michael Beatty said the shelter was established overnight, but was focused on catering for evacuees arriving at the evacuation centre with their pets. He said there was still plenty of room, but the shelter was expected to quickly fill-up as the number of evacuations rose. Authorities late last week were grappling to accommodate the many pets that would need shelter after having to relocate animals from its waterlogged pound. Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar. .End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar. One elderly Rockhampton woman on Friday was refusing to leave her riverside Quay St home until she could find refuge for her two cats and dog. The RSPCA repeated advice yesterday for residents expected to be hit by worsening flooding early this week to arrange housing for pets as early as possible, saying there was no provision for the evacuation of pets by helicopter. Condamine resident Brett Pile yesterday told of his anguish at having to put down his elderly dog, blaming the short notice given by authorities to evacuate. The RSPCA is appealing for foster carers in flooded regional centres to temporarily take in animals, as well as cash donations. Mr Beatty said residents preparing to evacuate should keep photographs of pets and vaccination papers with them to help reunite them after the water recedes. The RSPCA has started a database of abandoned or relocated pets, with pet owners encouraged to register animals by phoning 3426 9999. Some residents of the beef capital have already opened their paddocks to retreating herds of cattle and other livestock. In Theodore and surrounding towns south-west of Rockhampton, it is estimated at least 1000 head of cattle have been washed down the mighty Dawson River. Banana Shire Mayor John Hooper has called for State Government funded fodder drops, but says providing aide to humans must come first. "People's livelihoods are being swept down the river in front of their eyes," he said

I'm sorry but it wasnt that fast. The media might say so to make a good story but the CHRC has been ringing, texting and having messages on the website for days now. BOM has had warnings plus plenty of gossip on the street. We have been packed up ready to evacuate for weeks, even the guinea pigs have transport cages and food at the ready and I am only really effected by local flooding. I have purchased enough feed for people and animals to see us through (hopefully) the coming weeks to be prepared for shop closures and lack of stock, after all animal food isnt high priority for transport. Council told people in town to make plans to evacuate, flood prep etc days ago - they refused to listen and refused to think it could happen to them. I dont know about other towns but if you arent prepared to heed warnings and be prepared then you shouldnt be whinging if things go wrong as predicted.

I live near Emerald, danger should all be past for us and our stuff, cant get to check on horses and cattle though but there shouldnt be any worries. I have taken in more pets than I should, some people have dumped them with me days ago without a care in the world or even a phone call. I am 8 months pregnant and have plenty of my own animals to look after so am feeling a little bit used at the moment. Other people have been told no big dogs at evacuation ceters so have left them at home with extra food and water. Others have foolishly turned their dogs loose to fend for themselves, bet most of them are not found again. There are facilities for pets at the Ag college etc. Friends in Rocky are shifting horses and pets now, there was a whole lot of warning for most people in Emerald, it was a shame they didnt bother to prepare themselves. My biggest worry is not being able to get a water tanker in, I havent been able to for at least six weeks so am carting water to the kennels by hand now. Lucky it will soon be over!

People with pets need have an evacuation plan and leave early if able. Once emergency evacuation has been called you will be arrested and forced to evacuate regardless. Dogs in Theodore look safe at least, hope this is the case for pets all over central qld. http://www.news.com.au/national/disease-fe...r-1225978700048 Disease fears grow as flooding hits towns' water supplies and rivers rise in Queensland RECORD flood levels in Queensland towns will take weeks to recede, sparking fears the disaster could lead to a disease outbreak with hundreds of homes inundated with contaminated water. Dozens of communities remain isolated with flooding at unprecedented levels in Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Emerald and a string of smaller towns as more than 1000 people were forced out of their homes, The Courier-Mail reported. Emergency alerts were issued to residents in flood-affected towns to boil drinking water. Up to 500 homes are at risk of flooding in Rockhampton, where the mayor fears a repeat of the devastating 1991 floods. And Bundaberg residents were out in force this morning to see the raging Burnett River which peaked at 7.9m overnight. Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar. Related CoverageLatest pictures: Flood damage End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar. Bundaberg's main street was spared, while low-lying businesses and caravan parks weren't as lucky. Parts of the town are cut off and bridges are closed, but residents are relieved to see patches of blue sky. There have been rooftop rescues in Bundaberg overnight. North Bundaberg was hardest hit and residents were evacuated to emergency shelter at North Bundaberg High School. Rescue helicopters plucked two residents to safety this morning from the top of a shed. The SES said major flooding of the Burnett River is easing but river levels will remain high until tomorrow. It reached 7.9m at 5am, but its flow was so fierce it damaged flood gauges. Hydrologists are struggling to get an accurate reading but predict it will rise slightly further to its peak. The river is expected to start receding tomorrow. The record peak for the Burnett River at Bundaberg is 9m, set in 1890. Today's peak is expected to be the sixth highest in history. The SES has received more than 800 calls for help since 5am yesterday. Evacuation centres have been set up at the Bundaberg showgrounds, Civic Centre and Agro Trend Ground. Almost 200 houses in southeast Bundaberg and Bundaberg North have been evacuated since yesterday, as well as about 70 houses in Bundaberg East. In Emerald, the town's last remaining bridge is about to be shut. The railway bridge, which links one side of town to the other, will be closed this morning. Authorities have made the decision as the Nogoa River continues to climb to dangerous levels. It was at 15.3m at 4.30am. Bureau of Meteorology senior hydrologist Paul Birch said the river is expected to smash its record of 15.7m, set in 1950. The raging Nogoa is predicted to reach 15.8m tomorrow and to remain around that height for about five days. The Red Cross are preparing to evacuate 1000 people from Emerald today. Many have already fled to the homes of friends and family. Further north, the swollen Fitzroy River continues to make life tough in Rockhampton. It reached 8m overnight and is expected to peak at 8.5m on Sunday. "It will probably stay around that level for at least a week," Mr Birch said. The record peak is 10.1m, set in 1918. In 1991, the Fitzroy climbed to 9.3m. About 20 pets stranded in Theodore after their owners were forced to evacuate were in the care of a council officer, who stayed overnight in the abandoned township. A police spokesman said the pets, mainly dogs, were airlifted out today with the final two and their carer due to leave Theodore about 11.30am.The spokesman said it could be a week before residents were allowed to return. "We're going to reassess the situation over the coming week to see what happens with the water level," he said. "There's water further upstream so we need to reassess it as it comes through and see what impact it has on the town. "Our officers in the town are keeping a watchful eye and reporting back on a regular basis." Water contamination threat Meanwhile, health authorities said water supplies may be contaminated with sewage, fuel and animal carcasses. There are also concerns minor cuts or abrasions could turn into major infections if people enter turbid flood waters. Mosquito-borne disease might also prove to be a problem when the water recedes. Deputy Premier Paul Lucas said minimising health risks was critical over coming weeks. Banana Shire Acting Mayor Maureen Clancy said the health of the Theodore community, west of Bundaberg, was paramount in deciding to evacuate the entire town. "One of the main reasons everyone had to evacuate was the water, sewage and the health risks," Cr Clancy said. The health warnings came as authorities battled to ensure there was enough safe food and water in affected communities. With Anna Caldwell, Sarah Vogler, Koren Helbig, Kristin Shorten and James O'Loan For in-depth coverage of the floods go to The Courier-Mail.