UQ awarded for virtual vet lesson

For the second year running, the University of Queensland (UQ) has received an award at the recent Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ascilite) conference in Singapore, this time receiving two awards for the development of an interactive CD-ROM which helps to train veterinary students in a virtual environment.

The CD allows students to learn the basics of bovine reproduction, and presents a variety of textual and visual representations including 3D animations, video, photographs and ultrasound footage to improve student learning and overcome some of the practical problems encountered in fieldwork.

“The ascilite awards are designed to reward leaders in the use of electronic technologies in teaching and learning in tertiary education,” said Wendy Chalmers, project manager at the Teaching and Educational Development Institute (TEDI).

“Winning recognition for two consecutive years demonstrates the consistent high quality of TEDI’s work when compared with our peers.”

Dr Scott Norman and Dr Steve Johnston from the Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science (NRAVS) supplied expertise for the CD’s content, while the overall design and development was provided by a multidisciplinary team within TEDI.

“Working in close collaboration with our client in the key role of content expert, our aim is to design and develop pedagogically sound, high quality educational resources,” said Ms Chalmers.

“This method of working produces higher quality results than if the client had to learn all the necessary skills required for quality multimedia development or attempted to do it all themselves.”

Two awards were also given to the previous TEDI and UQ collaborators at the 2006 ascilite awards, with Dr Vic Galea from NRAVS and TEDI developing an award-winning Virtual Plant Pathology CD-ROM.

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US Valentine’s day spending

BIGresearch, an online consumer market researcher, has surveyed pet owners on behalf of the American National Retail Federation (NRF) to find out the nation’s consumer spending plans for Valentine’s Day 2008.

They surveyed just under 8,500 American consumers early in January and discovered that 17.2% intended on spending money on their pets this Valentine’s Day. Out of the 23+ million consumers who do buy for their pets, the average spend will come to USD$15.37, a total of USD$367 million.

Well-off young males around the 18 to 24 age group are expected to be the biggest spenders during Valentine’s day – but not on their pets. Of all the consumers surveyed, 18.7% of women will be buying for pets, compared to 15.7% of men.

Source: Steve O’Malley, UKPets Jan 2008

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Puppy trumps hubby, according to UK survey results

Men in the UK may need to start watching their backs, because their wives might not. Almost two-thirds more women than men would opt to insure their pets over their own hubby, a British survey has found.

Among some of the poll’s other results:

·         Almost one-third of pet owners would sell their valuable belongings to pay a vet bill – with 11 per cent prepared to re-mortgage their home,

·         Three times more people would use a loan to pay a pet’s medical bill than use it to buy gifts for their children, and,

·         The top three concerns people had included fears about their pet becoming ill, getting run over or being pet-napped.

Joe Inglis, a vet who has worked with BBC1’s Vets In Practice, said, “When it comes to the UK’s love of animals, I’m not at all surprised by the figures – although I do feel a bit for some of my fellow men.”

Source: The Independent, Feb 2008

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Bill would put Tennesse’s worst pet abusers online

A Tennessee senator has proposed a bill to ensure that the state’s worst animal abusers have their names, addresses and photos posted on a state Web site, not unlike convicted sex offenders in the US.

“Aggravated animal cruelty is something that’s truly shocking,” said Senator Doug Jackson, D-Dickson, the bill’s sponsor. “It demonstrates a malignant heart. This is a person who would be capable of many other crimes.”

If approved by the state legislators and signed by the governor, the bill would create a statewide Internet-based database of every person convicted of aggravated animal cruelty, bestiality and dog fighting. According to Sen. Jackson, there are about three convictions statewide per year for aggravated animal cruelty, although he believes that there could be more. He argues that posting offender’s conviction information online would deter the behaviour and provide an added consequence alongside jail time.

LeighAnn McCullum, Tennessee state director for the Humane Society of the United States, believes that if passed, the registry would be the first of its kind in the country.

“If it’s successful in Tennessee, we’d certainly like to model other states’ legislation after it,” she said. “These crimes are really about victimisation. We know that harming an animal is often the first step toward harming a human.”

Most criticism surrounding the bill has been focused on its cost in relation to the comparatively low number of offenders, said Sen. Jackson. He estimated the cost of running the website in its first year to about around USD$20,000.

Despite this, the bill still has gained support. Guy Bilyeu, executive director of the Hamilton County Humane Educational Society, believes that Sen. Jackson’s proposal has merit.

“Those crimes are a concern to us,” he said. “We adopt out all the time and we’d prefer not to have anything to do with someone who abuses an animal.”

Source: Adam Crisp, Chattanooga Times/Free Press, Feb 2008

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POSITION AVAILABLE:

SALES REPRESENTATIVE - NEW SOUTH WALES

 

Do you have an interest in Reptiles?

Have you got that flair for selling?

URS Wholesale is Australia's leading supplier of reptile accessories.  Due to unprecedented growth, we are looking for a self-motivated sales person to service the large number of pet and associated stores throughout New South Wales.

This is the growth sector of the pet industry and opportunities are endless for the right person.

If you are not afraid of hard work and can think outside of the ordinary, then please read on:

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

-  To create and service a regular base of clients

-  To have a winning can-do attitude

-  To represent our company at the highest level

-  Be willing to travel to see clients

-  Be willing to learn more about this area of the pet industry

 

ESSENTIAL SKILLS:

-  Ability to make appointments on time

-  Ability to create own source of clients

-  Ability to generate B2B sales from cold calling

-  Ability to present to clients face to face with confidence

-  Ability to create sales opportunities

-  Ability to close the sale

-  Ability to complete weekly written reports.

You will be required (and be able to) speak to clients from any background.  If you can see the opportunity to do business with every business person you meet, then you will thrive in this role.

Previous experience in the pet industry or a keen interest in reptiles with proven sales skills is desirable.

 

REMUNERATION:

Starting base salary from $46,000 - $ 50,000. 

Plus $ 15,000 car allowance.

Attractive and achievable commission structure.

Please note - not all applicants will be contacted due to the large number of applications expected.  Those that are successful will be contacted by phone.

 

Please send written applications to the address below:

URS Wholesale
PO Box 11
Enfield Plaza,

Enfield

SA 5085