BarbedWire

I posted on her page again yesterday asking for an update, no response yet. I think she might be busy. I found this on the Internet. https://www.change.org/p/act-government-have-an-inquiry-into-domestic-animal-services-and-it-s-administration-find-out-why-so-many-mistakes-are-made-improve-the-processes-change-the-culture-and-reprimand-staff-accor

An update on what happened to these dogs. http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/calls-for-greater-transparency-from-das-after-victims-not-informed-of-animals-release-20160113-gm4tad.html

Thank you. I have read up about petitions and it's important to say what you want done. I am not sure exactly what I want but maybe keetamouse's comments much earlier on #13 "DAS have a birthing area now and the mum would be away from the normal pens, I doubt she had the pup in one of the regular pens also I doubt they would have her and the pup in the 1st kennel" which proved not to be accurate but it does seem like a positive outcome. I am still trying to get more information and am waiting for a reply from a local minister's office. I don't really see how I can be part of the solution though and yes it would cost money which is always a problem. Maybe some fundraising is called for. I am still just muddling my way through it all. :) ETA I just found this on the Internet. https://www.change.org/p/act-government-have-an-inquiry-into-domestic-animal-services-and-it-s-administration-find-out-why-so-many-mistakes-are-made-improve-the-processes-change-the-culture-and-reprimand-staff-accor They have got over 900 signatures.

What do you want the petition to accomplish? how are you proposing to change the situation? Unless you have a viable solution to remedy the situation an online petition is only going to inflame the situation and encourage pounds to keep these dogs out of the spotlight and away from FB where they are much more likely to get PTS due to lack of exposure. If you want things to change then look at the list I posted earlier about how you can encourage rescues to get involved with individual cases or better yet maybe volunteer at a pound and get some hands on experience with ALL the issues pounds face everyday. It's easy to be a keyboard warrior, if only everyone that wanted things to change were actually prepared to do something about it (and by this I don't mean create an inflammatory petition) Your post is not at all helpful. I am asking about the wording of a petition not whether or not I should write one at all. My petition would go to the government. It would not be an online petition via Facebook because I don't have the IT skills for that, but maybe that is a good suggestion. Perhaps I could find someone who could set up one on Facebook. Your post is helpful after all. I asked you what you wanted the petition to accomplish and how you were proposing to make that happen. How is anyone supposed to help you write a petition without knowing those key things. Who is the target of your petition? One specific pound? All the pounds in NSW? What about the ones that are already fostering out pregnant dogs? Which government are you planning to sent it to? Local, state or federal? Which government employee will you be addressing it to? Thank you for your interest. I don't read your posts as friendly which makes me wary (hypervigilance possibly) so I will not be answering your questions. the rescue I work with has established relationships with lots of pounds in NSW and there are many individuals that through their attempts to better the system have threatened to derail these relationships. You're not the only one with cause to be wary. Point taken. Seemed to me like Leah was being a lot more gentle with you than you probably deserved. Believe it or not, rescues aren't in some conspiracy with the government to shut down concerned citizens/keyboard warriors. Shocking, I know. I have absolutely no idea what you are referring to. ETA I am concerned about the welfare of dogs. What is your problem with that? I have not referred to rescues in this thread. As far as I am concerned they are irrelevant. They do not have a monopoly on pounds. Other people are allowed to care about the dogs there too.

I believe that the big interest in designer dogs is based on a fear that purebred dogs are not healthy and crossbreeds are - hybrid vigour. Some TV programs which showed that some breeds have significant health issues - CKCS with skulls too small for their brains comes to mind - have made a big impact on the general public and most importantly people want to think they are buying a healthy pup and they are prepared to pay big dollars for it and they will scream if they don't get it. IMO Sorry if my post is off topic

What do you want the petition to accomplish? how are you proposing to change the situation? Unless you have a viable solution to remedy the situation an online petition is only going to inflame the situation and encourage pounds to keep these dogs out of the spotlight and away from FB where they are much more likely to get PTS due to lack of exposure. If you want things to change then look at the list I posted earlier about how you can encourage rescues to get involved with individual cases or better yet maybe volunteer at a pound and get some hands on experience with ALL the issues pounds face everyday. It's easy to be a keyboard warrior, if only everyone that wanted things to change were actually prepared to do something about it (and by this I don't mean create an inflammatory petition) Your post is not at all helpful. I am asking about the wording of a petition not whether or not I should write one at all. My petition would go to the government. It would not be an online petition via Facebook because I don't have the IT skills for that, but maybe that is a good suggestion. Perhaps I could find someone who could set up one on Facebook. Your post is helpful after all. I asked you what you wanted the petition to accomplish and how you were proposing to make that happen. How is anyone supposed to help you write a petition without knowing those key things. Who is the target of your petition? One specific pound? All the pounds in NSW? What about the ones that are already fostering out pregnant dogs? Which government are you planning to sent it to? Local, state or federal? Which government employee will you be addressing it to? Thank you for your interest. I don't read your posts as friendly which makes me wary (hypervigilance possibly) so I will not be answering your questions. the rescue I work with has established relationships with lots of pounds in NSW and there are many individuals that through their attempts to better the system have threatened to derail these relationships. You're not the only one with cause to be wary. Point taken.

What do you want the petition to accomplish? how are you proposing to change the situation? Unless you have a viable solution to remedy the situation an online petition is only going to inflame the situation and encourage pounds to keep these dogs out of the spotlight and away from FB where they are much more likely to get PTS due to lack of exposure. If you want things to change then look at the list I posted earlier about how you can encourage rescues to get involved with individual cases or better yet maybe volunteer at a pound and get some hands on experience with ALL the issues pounds face everyday. It's easy to be a keyboard warrior, if only everyone that wanted things to change were actually prepared to do something about it (and by this I don't mean create an inflammatory petition) Your post is not at all helpful. I am asking about the wording of a petition not whether or not I should write one at all. My petition would go to the government. It would not be an online petition via Facebook because I don't have the IT skills for that, but maybe that is a good suggestion. Perhaps I could find someone who could set up one on Facebook. Your post is helpful after all. I asked you what you wanted the petition to accomplish and how you were proposing to make that happen. How is anyone supposed to help you write a petition without knowing those key things. Who is the target of your petition? One specific pound? All the pounds in NSW? What about the ones that are already fostering out pregnant dogs? Which government are you planning to sent it to? Local, state or federal? Which government employee will you be addressing it to? Thank you for your interest. I don't read your posts as friendly which makes me wary (hypervigilance possibly) so I will not be answering your questions.

So many ACT laws are being ignored by allowing this dog to roam. Does anyone know if this dog is desexed? How can the government justify this? Has Meegan Fitzharris ever responded to the posts on her Facebook page? Perhaps an email to Andrew Barr's office might be in order or how about the opposition?

What do you want the petition to accomplish? how are you proposing to change the situation? Unless you have a viable solution to remedy the situation an online petition is only going to inflame the situation and encourage pounds to keep these dogs out of the spotlight and away from FB where they are much more likely to get PTS due to lack of exposure. If you want things to change then look at the list I posted earlier about how you can encourage rescues to get involved with individual cases or better yet maybe volunteer at a pound and get some hands on experience with ALL the issues pounds face everyday. It's easy to be a keyboard warrior, if only everyone that wanted things to change were actually prepared to do something about it (and by this I don't mean create an inflammatory petition) Your post is not at all helpful. I am asking about the wording of a petition not whether or not I should write one at all. My petition would go to the government. It would not be an online petition via Facebook because I don't have the IT skills for that, but maybe that is a good suggestion. Perhaps I could find someone who could set up one on Facebook. Your post is helpful after all.

It depends on what the grading is. I had a boxer who at 2 was diagnosed with a grade 2 mast cell tumour. He lived for another 7 years. Good luck with your dog.

Gungahlin has a population of over 46,000 people. That's a lot of families.

That is a really healthy way to look at it. Perhaps I should try it.

Ronja you are so tactful and patient. Me: So Mark or "Franklin the Gungaghlin Maremma" when DAS come out and pole this dog and he is pts it will be you alone who has let the dog down.

Thank you for the replies. I tend to be like JulesP, and I have not trialled for a few years even though my last dog would have got her CDX if I had persisted. My club has four levels before trialling. At our comp day before the Christmas break my new dog (Trixie) was promoted to level 3 and today my first day back the instructor in the level 3 class decided Trixie should skip that level and go up to level 4 which is the pre-trialling class. She is an amazing dog and is already working at a CCD standard in her heeling, recalls and stays. I just need to work a little more on her stand for exam. I know she is good but I get so nervous even before class and I don't enjoy it. Does this mean I am letting her down? Should I let my anxiety rule my life? It's interesting to read that some people actually enjoy competition and, while they don't like losing, fear of it does not hold them back.

Can anyone suggest how I might word a petition on this subject?

I know you have said that is not what you mean and thus covered yourself but I am not 'savaging' anyone and I find the suggestion offensive. The newborn pups who died from the cold were at a pound in Sydney, not a country pound. I don't remember which one (perhaps somebody else can) but it has always haunted me. For god's sake settle down. I stated this thread is mild and it is, so if you're going to dish out criticism and concerns in one direction, put a hold on the dramatic. I took the time to reply gently to your post - because taking drastic offence where there was none seemed a common theme with your previous forum profile- and have been dismissed without acknowledgement that you are holding newly networked rural pounds to city standards. And that you need to exercise judgement and discretion. I suggest you do something tangible for all the whelping bitches rather than decide that everyone else needs to find an answer. Take a step back and think about what pound staff and rescuers find 'offensive' as well once you've given it a red hot go at something constructive. We're all haunted, it's what pushes forward change. So who is wearing their cranky pants today? I have no more to say to you. Have a nice day.

When judging, one also looks for consistency, if the disability is obvious, I would not stress over crooked sits if the dog sits roughly the same every halt, stand, drop, etc.........The Rules do allow for a judge to declare a dog unfit to compete so I would advise that the handler has a veterinary certificate stating the dog is OK to work, this can be produced if there are any questions asked. Many three legged dogs have successfully trialled across the disciplines, there used to be a tripod poodle in NSW years ago? Victoria has guidelines for disabled handlers for judges, handlers and clubs.......I think the same common sense approach would apply to dogs. If the dog is happy and handling the wo0rk, I would love to judge him, but he has to look like he really wants to be there!!! Sorry to go off topic but dragonwoman do you have a link to the bolded part?

I have a young dog here who is almost ready to compete for her CCD and I am not sure if that is what I want to do. I have trialled successfully before with several dogs and it made me anxious. I have better control of my anxiety these days but I am not sure that it is what I want to do. Should I be doing it for her because I know she will do well - she is a beautiful heeler - or even should I be doing it because I know she will do well and I keep telling myself that it's important to be the best you can be in life (me not her). Is trialling the be-all and end-all of dog training? Don't suggest agility etc because I am too old and it is not safe and she may have patella problems. So the question is: Why do you trial? What motivates you?

Not referring to a particular pound. Rural/Country pounds are so different to what we get used to. The 'Pound Staff' aren't actually there all day as their job. They are out doing dozens of different ranger type jobs like inspections and fines, and everything else the LGA has them employed to do that isn't animal related. It has to be remembered that even getting reliable volunteers who go in a couple of times a week to do photos and temp tests can be impossible. Leaving it to the rangers who are pretty much allotted enough time to clean, feed and do a few inquiries/reclaims/surrenders/stray processing then take off again. I'm not being derogatory, it's just that when trifecta says ratepayers couldn't give a toss; that is reflected in what we know as fact. And what takes years to turn around. * Adoption and reclaim rates can be abysmal. * Council funding ... may extend as far as putting a sign up. * Community motivation; nil. Related to the next point maybe? * Socio-economic situation; grim. Put petrol in the car and feed the kids or reclaim the undesexed, unchipped, unregistered dog when you can always get another freebie later anyway after the neighbour's bull arab has another 12 pups. Sounds bad but that's the way it is. And that's why out-of-area rescues are sourced through public listing like DOL. And yes, dogs will still be euthanised which seems to astound people watching from their laptop. The one positive is that with stats and awareness gradually leaving some pounds in need of less rescue assistance, other pounds can be helped. :) But they are new, and wary. And aren't paid to put up with getting savaged on the internet. (Acknowledging that this thread is very mild in comparison to what I've seen before) I know you have said that is not what you mean and thus covered yourself but I am not 'savaging' anyone and I find the suggestion offensive. The newborn pups who died from the cold were at a pound in Sydney, not a country pound. I don't remember which one (perhaps somebody else can) but it has always haunted me.

Because it can take many months, even years, of negotiation to get councils to agree to work with rescue organisations and to allow their rangers to put dogs up for rescue on sites such as DOL and Facebook. I have seen it happen so often on DOL where the efforts of dedicated and caring volunteers working their butts off in the background to persuade councils to come on board with better welfare practices, all come to nothing due to posts criticising council practices. Unfortunately it's all about money. The majority of ratepayers in a rural LGA couldn't give a toss about what happens to stray and unwanted dogs, or at least they care more about having their bridge repaired or the potholes filled in on their roads far more than a pregnant bitch. You and I are not of this opinion, which is why we are on this forum, but councils just aren't being squeezed, they are in the vice like grip of the State Government which is trying to do away with a lot of them (in NSW). I totally agree the topic warrants discussion, but it should be done without referring to specific cases and finger pointing at individual pounds. Thank you, message taken on board. :)

Trifecta I know nothing about Gilgandra pound other than what was on DOL and I saw later that the bitch was safe which is fantastic and it's great that she went to a foster carer once the pup was born. I am not attacking this pound especially, and neither is DDD. Why are some posters so defensive about this topic and so quick to label other posters' posts as inflammatory. Why so sensitive? DDD is right that many pound staff are not chosen because of their knowledge of dogs. They should receive basic training in dog management and know if a bitch is about to give birth. Pound staff are public servants and they just follow the rules and they are answerable if they don't. The rules need to change. I am not attacking pound staff in this thread. It is their bosses that need to do some rethinking. Governments (both local and state) need to show more compassion and we the voters (who are their bosses) need to tell them that is what we expect. Trifecta as an advanced western society bitches in advanced whelp should not be euthanised. They are carrying another life. I also don't want bitches giving birth in pounds to be thought acceptable any more. I have read some time ago on DOL about bitches giving birth in pounds and all the pups died because of the cold. I think that is callous and cruel and that is what I want to stop. I want pregnant bitches to be cared for sensitively and for a pup's first experience of life to be positive. Maybe I am an idealist or a crazy dog lover but I hope fellow DOLers at least understand the latter.

DDD Don't say 'always' because I want it to stop. :) People are becoming so aware of the needs of women and children (demonstrations over the weekend) and I would love to see that extended to bitches and their pups in pounds (detention?). Oh Yeah I know I am a dreamer but we have to start somewhere. :) That Gilgandra bitch looks gorgeous though. I hope she finds a beautiful home.

Another dog has given birth in a pound (Gilgandra Shire Pound). She seems to be a lovely dog. It doesn't say what happened to her pup but mum is back in the pound looking for a home. http://www.dolforums.com.au/topic/265532-gilgandra-shire-pound/page__pid__6781897#entry6781897 G214/15: “Bidda” – Roan Mastiff x Pointer, female, over 5 years old. Bidda has been with Council since 28 September 2015. She was put into foster care after she gave birth to a puppy in the pound. Bidda is now looking for a home. She has basic obedience, loves fetching toys, gets along great with people (but not necessarily other dogs). She appears to have had a tough previous life and is looking for somewhere with secure fencing to live out the rest of her life with lots of love. Bidda’s teeth are quite worn down, so appropriate dietary requirements will be needed.

Surely there is more to be concerned about than colour.

Great to see you back Yonjuro. I've missed your wonderful patient sensible posts. Good luck with the new rescue and your dogs as usual look magnificent.