Latest news on the Clover Moore bill

We have been advised that the Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill is still with the Parliamentary Council and will continue to be for 4 to 6 weeks. We are aware that the bill has been amended to incorporate cats and dogs only.

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Sensis Consumer Report uncovers Australian spending on pets

A report released by Sensis today has revealed that Australians aren’t slowing down when it comes to spending on their pets. They are happy to spoil their pet animals with presents, clothing, and even expensive bling.

Ms Christina Singh, author of the report, said that Australians were likely to keep their pet inside the house and buy more presents for them because they have a deep, emotional attachment to their pets, and want to treat them more like a member of the family.

“Half of all Australian households have a pet. And more than one in 10 households own three or more pets,” Ms Singh said.

The most popular pets continue to be dogs, followed by birds, fish and poultry. Puppies and dogs are the most common animal searches on tradingpost.com.au, with Staffy, Maltese and Labrador breeds reigning supreme.

Retailers also appear to be popular in the search engines; “Last year alone, there were more than 800,000 searches for pet shops on yellow.com.au, and more than 365,000 searches for dog and cat clipping and grooming. Searches for both these pet categories have grown 14 per cent in the past year.”

Ms Singh found that almost half of all owners bought presents for their pets leading up to Christmas or for birthdays; and women (46%) were more likely to buy them than men (31%).

“We are also seeing about one in 10 owners buying clothing or bling for their pets, and this is fairly consistent across income groups,” said Ms Singh. “In fact, on our TradingPost site, we’re seeing a range of specialty pet goods being sold – everything from rain coats and dog carry bags to indoor dog toilets, pearl collars and doggie treadmills.”

On average, Australians spend about $1,083 per year on their pets according to the report, although there are exceptions; “Interestingly, one per cent of pet owners said they spent in excess of $5,000 per year taking care of their pet.”

Location

Average number of pets

% buy pets presents

% buy clothing or bling

Ave spend per year taking care of pet

National

3

39%

11%

$1083

Metro

3

39%

13%

$1130

Regional

4

39%

9%

$1015

New South Wales

3

38%

9%

$1000

Victoria

3

47%

12%

$1363

Queensland

3

30%

11%

$893

South Australia

4

40%

8%

$985

Western Australia

4

43%

20%

$1189

Tasmania

4

45%

16%

$1088

Northern Territory

7

29%

8%

$1717

Australian Capital Territory

3

43%

4%

$949

Source: Sensis, June 2008

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Darwin Lord Mayor introduces by-laws to reduce dog attacks

Darwin Lord Mayor Graeme Sawyer has released a statement to residents in the area to lock up their cats and dogs as of July 1, 2008.

Darwin City Council is introducing by-laws affecting dog and cat owners, having received a high number of complaints over the years.

“We want to balance your right to own a pet with the community’s need for safety, amenity and quiet,” said the Lord Mayor. “To address this issue, Council has reviewed and amended its by-laws. To back that up, a comprehensive Animal Management Plan has been developed to act as a practical guide outlining how Council manages our pets within Darwin.”

Among the changes taking place, all dogs and cats in the Darwin municipality will have to be registered and micro-chipped. Owners wishing to microchip their animals can do so at the RSPCA, Berrimah, for $30. Owners will be held accountable if their dog is guilty of an offence, and will face a fine of up to $11,000 for an individual or $110,000 for businesses.

More information can be found at the Council’s website, www.darwin.nt.gov.au, or by contacting the Lord Mayor on 89 300 517 or lord.mayor@darwin.nt.gov.au.

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FEDIAF releases new pet nutrition guide

A free nutritional guide for pet food manufacturers has been published by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). It is entitled Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complimentary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs and gives nutrient recommendations for healthy cats and dogs eating regular commercial pet food. It also supplies tools for assessing the nutritional value of pet foods; recommendations for energy intake; and additional advice on specific foodstuffs such as the use of garlic and raisings.

The FEDIAF represents national pet food industry associations in the European Union (EU), and from Norway and Switzerland, representing around 450 pet food factories across Europe.

Click here to view the Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complimentary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs [.pdf].

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Top 10 reasons for a vet check
 
An American pet insurance company, Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI)
has analysed the medical claims it received in 2007. It has released
the top ten most commonly claimed conditions for cats and dogs, 
and here are the results:
 
        Canine                                           Feline
    1.  Ear Infections                         1.  Urinary Tract Infections
    2.  Skin Allergies                          2.  Gastritis/Vomiting
    3.  Pyoderma/Hot Spots                3.  Chronic Renal Failure
    4.  Gastritis/Vomiting                    4.  Enteritis/Diarrhea
    5.  Enteritis/Diarrhea                     5.  Diabetes Mellitus
    6.  Urinary Tract Infections            6.  Skin Allergies
    7.  Benign Skin Tumors                  7.  Colitis/Constipation
    8.  Eye Inflammation                     8.  Ear Infections
    9.  Osteoarthritis                          9.  Respiratory Infections
    10. Hypothyroidism                       10. Hyperthyroidism
 

Source: PR Newswire (US), June 2008

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CLASSIFIEDS

Clerical Assistant Wanted - Must Love Pets! Friendly, energetic and professional Clerical assistant required for small busy member association office in Norwest Business Park.  Public transport at the door!!  Hours 8.30 – 5 Monday – Friday

The successful applicant will boast advanced computing skills (Office 2007), polite & friendly phone manner, experience in a busy office environment, the ability to multi task, work under pressure, work unsupervised and show initiative.


For further enquires or a position description, contact Janine 02 9659 5811 or jyeates@piaa.net.au  Positions close 4pm Tuesday 24th June. 

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SHOP FIT-OUT FOR SALE

Complete shop fit-out for sale.  125sq metre shop.  Includes slat-wall, 4 unit dog display, large 2 unit bird display, 6 unit smaller bird display, Fish tank display 5 units x 3 tanks – total 15 tanks each 180 litres. 5 divided into 3, 5 divided into 2 and 5 no divisions, and Plant tank. Cupboards, shelving and counter.  Store still operating – can be viewed at Rhodes Shopping Centre.  Call Bob Croucher 0418 215 722

Click here to view images of shop fit-out

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Pet Trade Shows coming up

Sunday Program

Missed the “Sunday” program on pets in pet shops? The Pet Industry Association was interviewed and the least valuable parts of a 45 minute interview were used, Narelle Dearden from Pets Paradise had the same experience. The same apparently happened to the Australian Veterinary Association. The footage of poor quality “puppy farms” was nearly half a decade old, and the “model puppy farm” that was “raided by Animal Liberation 3 times” actually has prosecutions pending against AL. If you didn’t see the program, view it here.

Have Your Vote - Grumpy about the pets in pet shop issue and all the activist activity? VOTE on the issue by clicking here. If your clients support your stance on pets in pet shops, send this them link as well!

- Janine Yeates, Member Liaison Officer, PIAA

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INDUSTRY EVENTS:

Challenger TAFE WA recognising Grooming

Challenger TAFE in WA will be offering the skill set for pet groomers as delivered by TAFE NSW. The decision to offer this course was after discussion with groomers in WA both experienced and new to the industry. The TAFE also offers skills recognition for all in the companion animal industry.

If you have any questions or need further information please feel free to contact Ken Storrs dogskool@bigpond.com

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AusBoard, AusGroom and PetExpo 2008!

 

Registrations are coming in thick & fast to attend the fantastic annual conferences & trade exhibition for groomers and boarders! Don’t delay your booking to avoid disappointment!! Please see www.piaa.net.au under Industry Events to download the fantastic program on offer! RETAILERS – if you are thinking of offering a grooming service in the future or your groom staff need additional training there is a 1 day bathing/brushing and basic grooming day included!!

BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION AND TRAVEL EARLY to secure the best rates! The longer you wait the more you will pay!

Same applies for PetExpo! See over 97 exhibitors and 5000m2 of exhibition space. This is your industry on show and is open to the national trade to attend (PIAA members and non members) Darling Harbour Sydney Sept 11-13. If you are thinking of visiting the major event for the Australian Pet Industry from interstate call Ozaccom on 1800 814 611 for great accommodation rates! Interstaters -  take a break, bring the family and experience all Sydney has to offer!!

- Anne Saunders, AnEvent Management

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PIAA OFFICIAL PETEXPO 2008 SHOW CATALOGUE

Advertising is available to exhibitors only and will close early to allow the catalogue to be printed and distributed nationally in August. It will also be placed in the visitor satchels available at the show entry point.

Please call Bob or Narelle Croucher in relation to advertising. 02 9552 6200.

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‘Take Your Dog To Work Day’ Friday June 20

 

If you long to hear the tiny pitter patter of doggy feet in your workplace, then this Friday is the opportunity you've been waiting for.

 

A surprising number of progressive businesses recognise the added value of allowing dogs in the workplace and an annual event called 'Take Your Dog To Work Day' Friday June 20 will attempt to support and develop this healthy trend. After ten years of being an annual event overseas, an Australian online social networking site, Muttspace, is unleashing it here for the benefit of workers, employers, businesses and institutions.

 

Innovative businesses in the US like Amazon, Google, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream and many universities have developed official pet policies as part of the employee handbook and have set out rules and procedures for introducing and maintaining pets in the work environment.  These initiatives not only encourage worker loyalty and take the strain off leaving pets at home, they also can be effective in stress relief and socialisation of staff as well as having a welcoming nose for clients.  Having a pet at work can increase productivity, add to a casual corporate environment and encourage healthy relationships among staff as they socialise with the animals during the day.  It encourages needed physical and mental breaks as well as a sense of community.

 

For more information about ‘Take Your Dog To Work Day’ or to notify Muttspace of your involvement, visit www.muttspace.com.au, email mutts@muttspsace.com.au or call (02) 9557 8894.

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International Pet Conference

If you happen to be in Europe during November you may like to come along to the two-day International Pet Conference. this year's theme is "a tour d'horizon of the international pet product sector". Delegates who register before the 30th of June will receive a discount.

When: 13th-14th November 2008

Where: Dorint Hotel Amsterdam Airport, The Netherlands

To download the provisional programme, go to www.PET-global.com/conference.

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THE JUNE ISSUE OF PET INDUSTRY NEWS IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE -THE PRINTED COPIES WILL SOON BE POSTED OUT.

"Seahorse Sanctuary"

"Susan Carson Wins Award"

"Clover Moore UPDATE"

"Full details ABAG & PETEXPO"