Some Help Writing A Letter

[FranVT]

This morning in my local paper there was a story on the front page titled "Dangerous Rocky Dog Deported to NSW". This dog was one of 3 seized from a property in my town after a woman was mauled in September last year. She required surgery and 60 steel clips and 20 stitches to patch up her wounds. The other two dogs were destroyed, but this one was sent to Lismore. The local council in Lismore has been notified, as well as surrounding councils.

In the end of the article, there is this statement from local council (here): "Mr Dawson said animal control was an area council was concentrating on improving as new legislative requirements come into place. 'We are spending more time on animal management than any other area within the organisation. We readily admit we are not yet on top of our game but we are absolutely committed to making sure we get on top of it over the next year or so.'"

What I would like to do is write a positively-worded, non-inciting letter into the editor about possible options / ideas for the local council. The things I want to highlight / suggest / comment on are:

1. More focus on good socialisation / puppy pre-school / obedience training which is offered VERY cheaply in our town and run by VOLUNTEERS at a local dog park.
   
2. Backyard breeding and buying from petshops on impulse which could be contributing to out-of-control dogs
   
3. Solid education of children about how to interact with dogs (tied up dogs, dogs in utes, how to avoid being attacked)
   

That's all I can really think of right now, seeing as how I've only had half of my coffee and just read the story.

I would really like further suggestions and ideas on how I can make people take notice. I have a feeling (just knowing the journos as I sort of do) that they will actually interview me rather than just take my letter. Perhaps Atlas, Luuka and I will be stars? ;)

[StaceyB]

My local council has a pet information day/expo type thing every year. They have information and stalls from the council about dog registration, local vets, training & obedience schools, rescue groups, pet supply stores etc... They really make it into a big family event and I think it really encourages people in the area to be better informed about pet ownership.

Maybe you could suggest something like this to your council... PM me if you want to know the details for council.

[Agility Dogs]

This morning in my local paper there was a story on the front page titled "Dangerous Rocky Dog Deported to NSW". This dog was one of 3 seized from a property in my town after a woman was mauled in September last year. She required surgery and 60 steel clips and 20 stitches to patch up her wounds. The other two dogs were destroyed, but this one was sent to Lismore. The local council in Lismore has been notified, as well as surrounding councils.

In the end of the article, there is this statement from local council (here): "Mr Dawson said animal control was an area council was concentrating on improving as new legislative requirements come into place. 'We are spending more time on animal management than any other area within the organisation. We readily admit we are not yet on top of our game but we are absolutely committed to making sure we get on top of it over the next year or so.'"

What I would like to do is write a positively-worded, non-inciting letter into the editor about possible options / ideas for the local council. The things I want to highlight / suggest / comment on are:

1. More focus on good socialisation / puppy pre-school / obedience training which is offered VERY cheaply in our town and run by VOLUNTEERS at a local dog park.
   
2. Backyard breeding and buying from petshops on impulse which could be contributing to out-of-control dogs
   
3. Solid education of children about how to interact with dogs (tied up dogs, dogs in utes, how to avoid being attacked)
   

That's all I can really think of right now, seeing as how I've only had half of my coffee and just read the story.

I would really like further suggestions and ideas on how I can make people take notice. I have a feeling (just knowing the journos as I sort of do) that they will actually interview me rather than just take my letter. Perhaps Atlas, Luuka and I will be stars? :cry:

Great idea.

One thing you might want to be careful of is suggesting BYB and Petshops are contributing to the problem. Technically they aren't - it is the people who buy on impulse from these places that are causing the problem. what I'm trying to say is that you need to focus on that behaviour rather than the outlets. By doing this you won't be perceived to have an agenda.

Why not focus on the benefits of well bred dogs that are bred for temperament and the benefits of dogs being socialised in the home rather than bashing what others are doing.

Hope that helps

Tony

[FranVT]

Excellent point Tony, of course I would have worded it more diplomatically, I really wanted to put emphasis on thinking VERY hard and people taking a good hard look at themselves and their situation and doing breed research before picking a puppy, not just impulse buying.

I really want to use Atlas as an example of a misunderstood dog who, with some firm handling and good leadership and a fair amount of training, is a wonderful companion and a great pet. Was certainly a learning curve for us, I want to inspire people not beat people over the head about it.