This year, 2015, has been one of the most extraordinary years - and not in a good way!
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| The rules are written there - just for you! |
As a vet, I am here to care for injured and sick animals, but what devastates me, is that this year, I have seen a spike in the number of dog bite wounds I have had to treat, as well as the number of cats too!
What made it worse - the number of pet owners who just walked away after the incident!
The Companion Animal Act 1998 changed the
landscape of our animals as part of our New South Wales animal loving community.
Cats
became a "legal entity", and it was legal requirement for
BOTH cats and dogs to be microchipped and registered!
Pets could not be purchased or given away (even if free) without being microchipped, and the new pet owner details needed to be updated on the Companion Animal Register.
Dogs walking "off leash" in public areas was banned, and "Off Leash " parks and beaches were created.
In 2014, there was a BIG move to STOP our dog's access to some areas - all because some pet owners refused to follow community expectations of "Pet Etiquette" . These policies are reviewed on a regular basis, so please do not do anything that gives the "anti-dog" people of our community and council any leverage!
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| Paige doing the "Poo Pick up" |
The
power is in OUR hands!
And
our hands should be holding a leash, attached to our dog when in a
public space! If you are an "animal lover', you will love and
respect all animals, not just your own; you should understand how the
behaviour of your pet will affect other pets.
What has upset me this year, has been the number of people who have witnessed their dog attack another dog, but walk away! This is directed towards you - be the person your dog thinks you are!
Hint: If you are travelling to another area, please check with the local Council's rules on pets - some councils will not even allow pets on sports grounds, or parks.
Pet
Etiquette Tips
- Take ample "poo bags" with you - they are cheap, and it really isn't that icky a job.
- Make sure your dog always has a collar with an up to date (with phone numbers) pet tag attached. If they are being baby sat, a key tag with phone numbers is cheap and easy.
- Do not use retractable leads - they are dangerous, and not appropriate leads for a walk. Many dogs have damaged their necks as a result of these leads, or worse
- Socialise your dog - i.e train them to not want to go up to every other dog out there!
- Respect those around you - if you want your dog to play with their dog - ask them first if their dog is up to social interaction!
- One dog per person - if you have four dogs - then you need four people. Allowing four dogs to run amok, and harass another dog (this happened to our Piper recently) is unfair, and is, in reality, bullying. No one likes a bully!
- Your dog should be able to obey basic commands - such as "come" and "sit"
Hint:
Ask other pet owners if their pets are OK with other dogs - your pet
may be friendly, but theirs may just like to walk and play solo! 
- If your pet hurts another (even if minor), do not say "its only a scratch", or worse, walk away. Be the person your pet believes that you are, and help the other pet and their owner.
- Do not tie your pet outside a shop, house anywhere unattended - it is an open invitation to someone to steal them, or worse, they are tied and could be attacked by any stray pet that may come along.
- You are in control of your pet's world - so if they need exercise, you need to do it, if they need food, water, you must supply it, and if they need love - give it!
And - if you know your dog doesn't like other dogs, and if you have no control over them, DO NOT go to an off leash area!
I am Dr Liz, the mad vet from Bellambi. Our dog Piper loves going to our off leash dog beaches and parks, and, and she (mostly) behaves very very well. We wish we had a fenced Dog Park area for her to play in, such as the dogs in Canberra, but alas, it is not to be!
