PIAA announces new CEO

The Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA) is pleased to announce that today there has been a verbal acceptance of the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Association.  The successful applicant is Dr Joanne Sillince BVSc (Hons) MBA FAICD. This selection came from a total of 17 applicants reduced down to three very capable people. Dr Sillince’s very extensive experience with associations as Director of the Australian Veterinary Association 1998-2003 and then President/Chairman of the AVA 2003-2004 proved to be the decisive factor in her selection.

She has also held a number of senior positions with companies involved in various forms of the animal industry.

President of the PIAA, Steve Austin, says the board is very excited about the appointment. He believes Dr Sillince brings into the industry a wealth of experience in dealing with the Media, and Government lobbying, as well as vast knowledge of the pet care industries. Dr Sillince will be assisted by Janine Yeates, well known to most of the industry, who has been promoted to Office Administrator/Member Liaison, and Anne Saunders, who has been contracted to organise the trade shows and bookkeeping. It is expected that the new CEO will also appoint an office assistant/receptionist in the not too distant future.

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All pets must be sterilised according to new law in LA

 

Sterilisation is no longer a choice for pet owners who live in Los Angeles. According to a new law, all dogs and cats must be spayed or neutered before they are 4 months old.

 

The ordinance, which is aimed at reducing the number of animals euthanized in the city’s animal shelters each year, was signed and put into effect by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa only yesterday.

 

According to city officials, animal shelthers in LA took in 50,000 cats and dogs last year. Of those, approximately 15,000 were put down at a cost of USD$2 million.

 

“We will, sooner rather than later, become a no-kill city and this is the greatest step in that direction,” said Councilman Tony Cardenas at a City Hall news conference.

 

Some animals are exempt, however. Those that have competed in shows or sporting competitions, guide dogs, animals used by police agencies and those belonging to professional breeders aren’t required to be sterilised.

 

For everyone else, their dog or cat must be spayed or neutered before reaching 4 months of age, or as late as 6 months if a letter is provided by a veterinarian. Anyone who caught breaking the new law for the first time will receive information on subsidised sterilisation services and be given 60 days to sterilise their pet. If they breach the law after this, they risk being fined USD$100 and ordered to serve eight hours of community service, and a subsequent offence could set them back a further USD$500 or 40 hours community service.

 

Source: Associated Press Newswires, Feb 2008

 

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Dog-friendly resuscitation masks donated to U.S. firefighters

 

Saving a family pet is no longer a hassle for firefighters at a handful of stations around America. The Fan Woman’s Club recently donated six pet-resuscitation masks to Weymouth’s unit at Richmond Fire Station No. 12, and last year donated six to Station No. 10 in Orange City, Florida.

 

Previously, firefighters attempted to use pediatric masks, but according to Lt. G. W. Weymouth, it was hard to get a seal.

 

“The old way has worked, but it’s been a problem,” he said. “With the new masks, you’ll be able to get a seal. That means you’ll be able to get more oxygen.”

 

The masks come in several sizes to fit small cats to large dogs, and each set of costs the club USD$355.

 

A number of houses in the neighbourhood have stickers on their windows indicating to firefighters the number of pets inside. In fifteen years, Weymouth has been involved or witnessed approximately five animals being saved.

 

“If firefighters went into my house, I’d like for my pets to have a chance,” he said. “Pets are pretty much part of the family.”

 

Source: Janet Caggiano, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Feb 2008

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Pet Trade Shows coming up

Merial to provide pet retailers with product support and education

Following pressure from pet stores, pet wholesalers, and even some consumers, Merial Australia have finally agreed to provide pet retailers with education and point of sale material to people buying their products such as Frontline Plus and Heartgard. Previously, this support was only available to Veterinary Clinics.

After conducting some research, Merial found that 25 to 30 per cent of their products were being sold through pet stores, and their 1800 number, which had been set up for customer enquiries, was receiving an increasing amount of calls from people who had purchased their products from pet stores and needed further information.

While there are no legal restrictions on pet stores selling these products, Merial believes that the vet is the best place for consumers to get advice about the management of flea and tick infestations and the prevention of heartworm disease, and it will continue to be the focus of their business.

From April or May, a full support team headed by Barry Tonissen will be dedicated to training owners and staff of pet shops. Joining the team for the Sydney area will be Viki Schumi. Merial will also provide retailers with an online training course and point of sale brochures.

“It’s great to see Merial recognising where their products are sold, and providing support and education to all dog and cat owners,” said Paul Treanor, General Manager of Dr Neil’s Pet and Equine Supplies, one of the two major wholesalers to be supported by Merial during the initial stages.

“Vet clinics provide a valuable service, but in the same way that doctors and chemists work together, so too should vet clinics and pet stores work together to promote pet health and safety.”

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Dog's Life PIAA Pet People Awards

Nominations are now open for the Dogs Life PIAA Pet People Awards 2008. This is your chance to nominate and recognise pet businesses that have worked hard to keep our dogs happy and healthy.

The three categories for nomination are:

- Best Grooming Service

- Best Boarding Service

- Best Local Pet Rescue Service

Prizes will be awarded at the PIAA Peer-Review Awards Night in September 2008 in Sydney.

To nominate, head to the Dogs Life website at www.dogslife.com.au

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Pet World Malaysia 2008

Coming up on the 28th of March until the 30th will be The Malaysian International Pets and Aquatics Exhibition, held in the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Kaula Lumpur, Malaysia. It will be open to pet lovers, hobbyists and the general public from 10am to 9pm daily.

Exhibitors include breeders, groomers and cleansing products, veterinarians, exporters and importers, general pets, exotic pets, pet accessories, aquarium accessories and related products, books and periodicals, as well as medical and treatment supplies.

Competitions, contests and demonstrations, including a Dog Fashion Show, Dog and Owner Look-Alike, and a Sniff & Hunt challenge, will also be provided to keep visitors entertained.

For further information or to book a booth, contact Jacky Chin Ee Hiang Tel : 603-5636 1788
Fax: 603-5637 2788 E-mail: jacky@femsb.com

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THE DECEMBER ISSUE OF PET INDUSTRY NEWS IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE -THE PRINTED COPIES HAVE BEEN POSTED OUT.

"Clover Moore attacks the Pet Industry"

"Record Keeping Requirements for Exotic Birds"

"Wrap-up of the PIAA Melbourne Expo 2007"