Paws for Action protest in support of Clover Moore's Bill

A protest took place between midday and 2pm yesterday outside Parliament House Steps, in the hopes of getting Members of Parliament to support the introduction of Clover Moore’s Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill.

The event was organised by Kelly Lachman and Derek Knox from Paws For Action, and approximately 60 people attended at the peak of the protest.

The protesters held signs calling to “Ban sale of pets in Pet Shops” and “Stop Backyard Breeders”. During the protest, organisers took down names for their petition.

In an invitation sent out prior to the protest, the organisers state:

“During the past few months the Bill has gained widespread public support, with MPs receiving thousands of emails, letters and phone calls from their constituents asking them to vote 'yes'.

“The key opposition to the bill comes from the Veterinary and Pet Industry associations, keen to continue profiting at the expense of the treatment of animals.

“Pet shops source animals from puppy farms or backyard breeders where animals are kept in appalling conditions. They then suffer in the hands of the pet shops who often mistreat, neglect or abuse them in an attempt to increase their profit margins.”

PIAA’s CEO, Joanne Sillince, and three directors attended the protest as observers.

The association has been fighting against the introduction of Bill since it was presented to Parliament late last year, and has been appealing to pet shop owners to join as members and commit to a Code of Practice so that animal welfare is kept at the forefront of the industry.  

Those opposing the bill walked through the crowd of protesters and clarified the role of pet shops, shedding light on some misconceptions, and explaining that the protest effort should be directed towards sources other than supply.

Only 5%-10% of dogs and cats are bought from pet shops, and if the Bill is passed it will punish those who are doing the right thing without solving the problem of high euthanasia rates in NSW.

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Housing crisis leaves Kalgoorie pet owners without a home

Kalgoorlie residents are having to make the tough decision between their pets or a roof over their heads, now that the high demand for rental properties has allowed landlords to be more selective about who they want as tenants.

Ivy Bilos, owner of Seven Oaks Kennels and Cattery, said she had nearly 30 pets boarded at one point while their owners anxiously searched for a rental home that would allow pets.

“A lot of the time people just can’t bear to give up their pet so they come almost every day to see them and walk them,” Ms Bilos said. “They are trying to be responsible but it’s just so difficult for them.”

Ms Bilos believes that some people who had come to Kalgoorlie for work reasons chose to put their pets first and left when they couldn’t find accommodation. The remaining workers who needed to keep their job found themselves in a difficult position, with no other choice than to give up their pets.

“The situation is really heartbreaking,” she said. “Some people have to stay for work and are having to make the very difficult decision to surrender their pets.

“There have been a lot of tears. We have had grown men crying because they have to part with a dog they have had for many years.”

She hopes that real estate agents will allow tenants to pay pet bonds so they can keep their beloved animals with them. The standard pet bond is $100 and Ms Bilos is sure many pet owners would be willing to pay this if it means they don’t have to say goodbye to their animals.

Source: Zoe Rudder, Kalgoorlie Miner, May 2008

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American pets named after products

Ever heard of a cat named Tinkerbell and a dog called Mercedes? An American pet insurance provider, PetFirst Healthcare, has discovered that an overwhelming number of pet owners are naming their pooches after characters on cartoons, sitcoms and movies, as well as brand names of products and labels.

PetFirst made this discovery after analysing data from thousands of its policy holders across 50 states, and ranked the most persistent pet names related to pop culture.

    Top 10 Brand-name Pets:

    1.  Bentley

    2.  Roxy

    3.  Hershey

    4.  Guinness

    5.  Remington

    6.  Comet

    7.  Lexus

    8.  Chanel

    9.  Corona

    10. Pepsi

    Top 10 Character Pet Names:

    1.  Lady

    2.  Jasmine

    3.  Mickey

    4.  Heidi

    5.  Minnie

    6.  Rambo

    7.  Hercules

    8.  Xena

    9.  Bambi

    10. Merlin

Some other interesting pop-culture pet names that didn’t quite make the top 10 list include Captain Morgan, Harley Davidson, Mr. Big (“Sex and the City”), and Yoda and Princess Leia (“Star Wars”).

"It seems to be an emerging trend for pet owners to give their furry friends a name that resembles a favorite automobile, favorite food or even favorite character," said Katie Grant, PetFirst vice president. "It's reassuring that owners associate their pets with their favorite things -- as, we hope, that translates into ensuring those pets receive the loving care and treatment they deserve."

Source: PR Newswire Association LLC, May 2008