Dr Katrina Ward

26/07/2024

More needs to be done to prevent this happening again. More reports from “customers”, more action from vets and much more responsibility and liability given to the breeders. Come on government- update the Animal Welfare Act, not every 3 years, but annually. Keep up with welfare expectations!

When Mary purchased a labradoodle in Tasmania, she didn't expect to feel like she was rescuing him. She also didn't expect the health conditions that would follow.

25/07/2024

Congratulations to the RSPCA for the closure of Tasmanian Labradoodles. As a veterinarian, I could say this is well overdue but understand the legalities causing delays.
Acknowledging the fact that overbreeding was occurring, and this is what finally closed the puppy farm down, I am concerned about 4 other unaddressed issues:
1. The dogs were in**ed with the breeders knowledge, including on-breeding of potentially fatal conditions such as Addisons disease.
2. the RSPCA has dropped all of the charges against Labradoodles Tasmania as a settlement in exchange for an agreement that they "will not breed" (dogs I presume) again. If nothing is stated in law about their unlawful treatment and breeding of animals, how can the Bartletts not be prevented from doing the same with another species or in another location?
3. there will be no documentation in Tasmanian Animal Welfare Regulations (2016) that record this event and provide reference or scope for future cases.
4. Despite veterinary advice for owners to report Tasmanian Labradoodle health issues back to the breeder, most refrained from doing so. Why is this so?
Thank you to all of you who have fostered, adopted or donated to this cause. But surely this story should be a motive to all of us to improve our awareness of animal welfare gaps and the need for improvement.

15/07/2024

https://youtu.be/D7QgwJHfOew?si=1dPhUQGzQVB-saxx
Sampson supporting his greyhound siblings. Report starts at 1.35 mins.

Nightly News on 7 Tasmania is the state’s most watched and trusted news service. Watch live, daily at 6pm, or catch-up on local news stories here on YouTube.

15/07/2024

From Senator Nick McKim, The Greens

"The Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024 passed the Senate!

This means that from 2028 there will be no more live export of sheep from Australia.

This is a major win for animal welfare advocates, whistleblowers and activists and everyone who has campaigned so long for animal rights.

For years, the Greens and civil society have campaigned tirelessly to put an end to the cruel live sheep export trade.

Our collective efforts have finally paid off!

The Greens moved several amendments to strengthen this Bill, including:
• Bringing forward the end date to 1 May 2026.
• Reducing the number of sheep exported each year until the ban is fully in effect.
• Requiring independent observers and vets on all live sheep export ships until the ban is enforced.
• Imposing a seasonal ban on ships travelling to the Northern Hemisphere from May 1 to October 31, to protect animals from extreme summer heat.

Unfortunately, the Government voted against these crucial amendments.

Despite this, the passage of the Bill itself is a historic step forward.

Shutting down the cruel live sheep export trade is a win for every single person who cares about animal welfare in this country.

You can watch my speech in the Senate here.

This victory belongs to every activist, every organisation, and every person who has fought relentlessly to end this barbaric practice. The Greens have always been proud to stand with you.

We will remain vigilant, ensuring that the Government adheres to this new legislation and that the suffering of sheep is minimised until the trade is fully banned.

Your support has been instrumental in achieving this outcome, and we’re grateful for your continued dedication to our cause.

Thank you for all that you’ve done to achieve this outcome. "

15/07/2024

From Cassy O'Connor MLC
Tasmanian Greens’ Animal Justice spokesperson

"Every year taxpayers fork out more than $30 million to subsidise Tasmania’s three racing codes under the 2009 Racing Deed.

The twenty-year Racing Deed guarantees public funding to an industry beset by cruelty, the exploitation of animals and huge integrity issues.

Just last week in NSW, shocking allegations were made by the former Greyhounds NSW Chief Vet that again paint this irredeemably cruel industry in the darkest light. It’s delusional to think there’s any real difference in the industry here.

Tasmania is the only Australian jurisdiction that guarantees massive annual industry funding through a twenty-year funding agreement. It’s an extraordinarily generous arrangement for an industry with so little public support.

The Deed is propping up an increasingly unpopular and dying racing industry. It expires in June 2029 so there’s an excellent opportunity here to examine its ongoing impact, and its relevance in the future.

Parliament has a responsibility to examine the social, economic, and animal welfare impacts of the Deed before its expiry and any government move to renew it in secrecy.

With the State lurching towards massive debt and the pressing need for more funds into health, housing, and education, it is the right thing to do.

As the Greens’ MLC, I will be proud to table the petition calling for a joint select inquiry into the Deed when Council returns in August. It will be the first Greens’ petition ever tabled in the Legislative Council and I’m so glad it will be for animal justice.

On behalf of the Greens, I warmly thank and commend the individuals and organisations who are fighting to end this waste and cruelty. The e-petition is supported by the RSPCA, Dogs Home Tasmania, Let Greyhounds Run Free, Animal Liberation Tasmania, GREAT and all their supporters."

YOU CAN SIGN THE PETITION HERE:

The wholly unacceptable rates of violent on and off track deaths, cruelly injured and prematurely euthanised dogs in the publicly funded Tasmanian greyhound racing industry.

23/05/2024

My apologies but I have been hacked on email and now social media. I can’t communicate with anyone until this is sorted. You can keep trying to reach me though.

23/05/2024

05/05/2024

A wonderful reflection. Congratulations Glenys and all you do for Animals Australia XX

Recognised as Victoria’s Senior Australian of the Year 2024 for her work in animal advocacy, Glenys Oogjes shares her journey from Animal’s Australia’s first employee all the way to becoming the organisation’s CEO.

21/03/2024

UPDATE: Criket is now at the Dog's Home of Tasmania (Hobart I presume). Please contact them if you are interested!!!!!

This is Criket, a 6 year old American Staffie. She needs foster carers to share the load of looking after her while her Dad is in hospital. She is great with other dogs and all types of people including children. She is also fine with horses, unsure re cats or chooks.
She is accustomed to a small enclosed lifestyle, is toilet trained but also loves a run. Ideally the carers would be strong (she does pull on the lead initially).

07/03/2024

https://www.dogenrichsummit.com/optin-page

Optin

31/01/2024

Thinking about getting a Pug or a Frenchie? You should listen to this first. By the way, the "Love is Blind" initiative was a joint endeavor with the Australian Veterinary Association and the RSPCA.

Squishy faces, bulging eyes, curled tails ... Unfortunately, these features can represent serious health and welfare issues for certain breeds of dogs and cats (like Pugs, French Bulldogs, British/English Bulldogs and Scottish Fold cats).&nbs...

29/01/2024

ANNOUNCEMENT!!
Dr Caroline Thursfield will be in Hobart for behaviour consultations on the 26th and 27th of February! She will be at the Dog Clinic (4/148 Channel Highway, Taroona). Make sure you book in if you need help with your pet. More information can be found on her website: https://drcarolinepetbehaviourvet.com.au/ or you can email her at [email protected]

Dr. Caroline graduated from Melbourne University in 1995 and has worked predominantly in small animal practice in Victoria and the UK. Caroline has volunteered her veterinary services in South Africa and Botswana, working with a variety of species. She commenced as the behaviour veterinarian in a la...

29/01/2024

Great short film highlighting the pitfalls of the greyhound racing industry and the work being done for positive change for the welfare of the dogs

Through a series of candid interviews with politicians, rescue organisations and foster carers, a curious dog owner discovers the horrors of the greyhound ra...

22/12/2023

Sharing this RSPCA post about how to keep your pets safe from harm this Christmas:

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for chocolates, treats and tinsel, but the festive season can also bring a lot of safety hazards for our pets. This Christmas, the RSPCA is encouraging pet owners not to share human food with their furry family members, and to be mindful of where....

20/12/2023

https://illis.se/en/cost-benefit/ Good article to put your thinking caps on re animal training and welfare.

Is the intended training useful, useless, an ethical dilemma - or abuse?

11/12/2023

https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=69800188185170
I'm not supporting all her methods, but do find it interesting in how much our animal behaviour modification is applicable to human-animal bonds, not unlike child-parent bonds!

07/12/2023

doggy noses. Superb!

07/12/2023

Some advice for anyone looking for dog training advice. How to find a trainer and what to avoid. Please read the letter below.

Dog training in Tasmania

15/11/2023

For you travelers, keep real about diseases you might not think about, e.g. rabies:

The girl who survived rabies is about 15 year old, Jeanna Giese, from Wisconsin in the USA, who survived rabies thanks to an innovative and desperate treatme...

15/11/2023

Your dog's reactive behaviors are expressions of unmet emotional needs. You may not be able to identify what the emotional need is, yet you can still help your dog feel more calm. The first two steps are:

15/11/2023

Glenys Oogjes, CEO of Animals Australia has been named Victoria's Senior Australian of the Year. What a hero!! Listen to her speech:

The prestigious honour is not only recognition of decades of dedicated service to animals but an important acknowledgment of the growing status animals have in our society.

14/11/2023

Free webinar "Holiday Survival Kit for Sensitive Dogs": Saturday November 18 at 2pm (USA Eastern time) by Marilyn Mele. It might interest some of you!

Your dog's reactive behaviors are expressions of unmet emotional needs. You may not be able to identify what the emotional need is, yet you can still help your dog feel more calm. The first two steps are:

26/10/2023

Another survey- say your mind on allowing more controlled freedom in Tassie!

Clarence City Council is proposing to conduct a 12-month trial of designating a special off-lead exercise area for greyhounds, using part of South Street Reserve in Bellerive. The trial will provide a dedicated area where for Greyhounds to safely and lawfully be exercised off-leash, while also provi...

26/10/2023

What do you think? Would you like your dog to have some more accessibility to public places?

Thank you for taking part in this survey about the potential to change Bellerive Boardwalk from a dog exclusion zone to dogs on lead.The survey should take no longer than 2-5 minutes to complete, depending on your answers.We will ask couple of structured questions then provide an opportunity to shar...

23/10/2023

To all dog owners in Kingborough Council area, now is the time to be thinking about the Dog Walking Act amendments. Submissions close on the 28th, so you only have 5 days to have your say. Remember, we only get this chance every 5 years- so make sure you express your opinions! Do you want more beach access for your dog, on Blackmans Bay Beach or Snug?
See the link below for more information.

Blackmans Bay Beach (south of the stormwater drain and on the sand only) has been proposed by Council as a new off-lead dog exercise area at all times. This proposal is now out for public consultation. If enough people support it this will happen. Otherwise the chance is lost for 5 years.