Chris the Rebel Wolf

it was a case of neglect rather than deliberate cruelty, and the breeding and sale of the puppies was engaged in more out of need than greed It IS cruel to neglect animals who depend on us for anything. As usual, the punishments handed out to this couple seem woefully inadequate to my eye. Their finances were examined and it was determined NOT to fine them any more? Let them go into debt to pay off the charges. Then perhaps they will learn form it. What is going to happen in three years time? They'll be straight back into it and this whole process will be repeated, more dogs left suffering. But at least they were caught, for now.

Thanks for the link! I think I'll make a suggestion or three... hopefully shift the focus onto the human owners and off of the BSL.

Big okay from me! I see a lot of people come through the pet store where I work - some have lots of money to spend, some have some money, some have little, that's the reality. With vet bulls like most things only going up, projects like this will be very beneficial I think. Well done Jan Cameron!

Well another update today and not such good news. After several walks with no hassle, today we got charged again. Decided enough was enough. Went to talk to the owner, without taking Zeke along. Dog btw was quite friendly once I came into the yard and chatted to the owner. Sniff, lick, sure - I'm fine without my dog, which only confirmed my suspicion Zeke was the one the aggression I'm seeing is aimed at. Explained my situation. Got lots and lots of excuses. New dog, still working on training, usually really good, just wants to play with other dogs. I very firmly stated the behaviour I was seeing was not friendly behaviour - it was very aggressive behaviour and I was concerned my dog or myself was going to get bitten. She asked which days I walked - I said I walked anyday, I don't have set days. Seems to be nice enough, but also said she wasn't going to put fences up the front. Confused me - she has fences. The two gates on them are just left wide open. It's not my concern how she keeps her dog inside. I'm still really worried. She seems to me like she's not going to be able to keep her dog from charging, and we're going to just be in this situation again someday soon.

I somehow doubt that - I am one of the only people in this neighbourhood who walks their dog, which is part of the 'should I report' problem. They would automatically know it was me. It's a small enough place there is only the one block to walk around which is in fact why I haven't chosen a different route - I could go along the highway, but if you saw the way some people drive around here you'd rather risk an aggressive dog than walk beside idiots hooning along at 140ks an hour.

Been walking by the place every day since posting this, and the dog is contained So I haven't said anything... but I lean towards wanting to mention it still, if I see one of the owners. I'd rather have the air cleared because I get the feeling this will keep reoccurring in the future, weather or not it's happening right now.

I need a little advice... Zeke and I have been walking around out block lots, perfect exercise for an old arthritis guy since it doesn't stress his legs while letting him get out and about. Several times now, we have been charged by a distant neighbour's dog. It's a little smaller than Zeke, a medium crossbreed - some ridgeback, kelpie, but that's only a guess. Not the part I'm worried about. It's charging through the gates which are always open, barking, hackles up, direct line of sight on Zeke. We are always on the opposite side of the road but it crosses. Zeke and I stop, I place myself slightly in front of him, and the dog usually stops in front of us when I roar at it to get away. I am lucky Zeke has such a calm disposition - while I can tell he is uncomfortable with the situation, he takes his cues from me, he just stands his ground until I cue him to keep going. As I don't want to simply continue walking, turning our backs on this dog, I feel it's asking for trouble. By this point the female owner has usually heard her dog barking and me yelling and comes out and grabs it, saying 'sorry' as she drags it back inside. A few days ago the charge didn't stop - it barged right into me. I feel it is getting more aggressive and I definitely don't want to see this behaviour continue. My wonder is weather to approach the owners first and speak about the problem (obviously without Zeke along) or just to report to council. Obviously I would usually report because that's what they're there for and this is a dog attacking us outside its property. However... this is a small neighborhood... I am one of the few who walks their dog... an it would be obvious, who made the complaint. My close neighbours are all wonderful, but I don't know much about these ones. I don't particularly want to be making enemies if I can help it so I tend to think I ought to speak to them first - at least I have given them fair warning BEFORE I report to council. I'm now weighing up living peacefully in the neighbourhood vs my dog getting hurt. Not something I am willing to stand for... but I am sure some of you have read horror stories about vengeful neighbours and pets and would know why I want to keep things as polite as possible. I don't want my attempt to protect Zeke lead to anything worse, even if I am just being mainly paranoid.

Here's the article Click

Oh yes! Thankyou Ben & Jerry! I was so afraid that the woman who threw him out the window would be allowed to get him back, I'm so happy to hear he has his second chance now! So so good.

Unfortunately this big lump of a bully is not crate trained... not at all trained in any shape way or form, he needs some serious work. He is willing enough to learn, but nobody has taught him yet. *winces* He's only barking every half hour or so now, for a few minutes. Hopefully he will settle, I hate for a negative experience to influence my hubby, since I often bring strays/rescues/temp fosters home, though they aren't always the canine variety. And of course for his own sake, too, I don't want him to turn off a perspective new owner.

That is scary. I wonder if there are other precautions being taken; if the vaccine for Rabies can be stored and will be available in Australia quickly, should the disease reach our shores. I don't think you can, truly, 'push back' rabies out of an area. Any warm-blooded animal including humans can be infected and pass it on, although there are certainly species who are more prone than others to passing it along. Hopefully it can be contained though.

Just in case anyone has any good tips I've overlooked... Short story: I have a rescue Bull Terrier for at least one night. He's barky. VERY barky. Attention-based as far as I can see, but he was even doing some barking in the car on the way home, when I was right there talking to him. Any tips? Have left with with a treat-laden Kong and a rawhide chew, and am ignoring all barking and only going out to him while he is quiet. He seems better when my old guy Zeke chooses to lie with him. Basically I'm just hoping to keep him quiet enough not to drive my husband nuts tonight! Long story: First owner just wanted him for a status symbol, never trained or walked him, he was adopted by owner two. He had been trying to train him but finding him too noisy and difficult to work with plus have family commitments has had to rehome him also. Enter me as the gobetween. I have somebody looking at him tomorrow and hopefully it'll all work out, but if not the search will be on for his forever home. Still, this thread is hopefully just for any advice you experienced rescue people or anyone who has advice for us

Thanks for posting, haven't been able to find any recent news stories. Liz did you find a story saying this abuser had been prevented from owning animals?

No chance for the second dog - it'll be put down for sure. I wonder if the out of town owner made any accommodations, like leaving them with a friend. Either that and they broke out of inadequate housing, but I think it's also possible for them to have just been left at home, and broke out because they were hungry/bored. Nothing people do to abuse animals surprises me anymore. Speculation aside, the owner has failed here in a big way. A pity they're not in Vic, they might face jail time then.

I heard this on the news at work on my radio and nearly threw up. Seriously, the disgusting things people will do. What sort of slap on the wrist do you guys think she'll get? A month of community service? A $1000 fine? The pup won't even be taken off her, I bet. It's amazing the poor little guy lived through this, and he'll probably be sent straight back to a crazy bitch who is capable of throwing an animal out the window.

Thanks all. I did try a search for worming/flea products this month, but it didn't pop up, probably because those things are mentioned so often. Cheers! *dives into research*

I once asked a rep who did dog specific probiotic if it was any different from the human probiotic and they ummed and ahed and said it was virtually the same.

A customer today told me about it and one of my coworkers had heard as well, that there's a new product out for 'everything' - fleas, wormer, heartworm. The couple I spoke to weren't sure of the name - the guy thought it was something new, the girl though it was just sentinel - and my coworker said he thought it might be 'pana' something, although his memory isn't stellar so I take that with a grain of salt. Can anybody shed any light? I'd imagine if it's brand new it's started out vet only, but I was just curious about what the product might be, what is covers, and what it uses. Any info is appreciated!

No great surprise there. Disgusting though that he didn't even have to pay the RSPCA the care bills. The latest one up my way, after breaching care and orders not to own and sell animals four times, and was fined and sentenced to three months in prison, having to serve only one month before she's out on parole. Banned from owning animals for five years, which is better than nothing, but I gaurentee in five years the exact same thing will happen all over again.

At last, an article that makes some sense, what a relief to read that. At least the word that some of the public is unhappy with the current laws is getting out. What we need is a better, more targeted way to approach the responsibility of dog ownership. I agree with the stronger penalties for dangerous dog owners actually, but the issue needs to be tackled from the before, not just the after effect.

http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/12/05/3383867.htm We've debated it for years, but the death of Ayen Chol in August this year changed everything. When the four year-old was killed in an horrific dog attack, the State Government sped up restrictions on notorious dog breeds. Now, restricted dogs may be destroyed if they're found unregistered or wandering the streets. But look closer, and it's a lot more complicated. What makes a dog 'dangerous'? It's not just about breed... Jon Faine is taking closer look at our dog laws in a special Conversation Hour, Tuesday December 6, 2011 at 11am AEDT. Joining Jon Faine in the studio: Colin Muir is President of the American Pit Bull Terrier Association Dr Robert Holmes is a vet and animal behaviouralist Tammie King is conducting a PhD on 'canine amicability assessment' at Monash University What are your opinions on what to do about dangerous dogs in our community?

To mention the bark control 'shock' collars, they aren't actually an electric shock, it is a static correction, like when you touch your car in the sunlight. It's not a zap zap, hair standing on end electric shock. With that said, I can fully understand the option to go for citronella collars instead for those who aren't fans

For Zeke and me, I'd have a pool built in the backyard (and somebody to come around and clean it every week to remove all the dog hair!) For Zeke to play with when not luxuriating in his pool, a heap of Aussie Dog Toys, the entire Tuffie range, and pretty much whatever toy caught my eye :D

Oh, she is the most stunning Saluki I've seen in a long while! amazing photos! What colour is she, is that called sable?