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1TodayAutumn 2012

Inside RSPCA Today

Meet the new CEO Find out why David van Ooran is excited to be at the helm of RSPCA WA

Hollywood comes to RSPCA

Get the inside word on Red Dog’s visit

RSPCA target: Backyard breedersThe fight to stop irresponsible backyard breeders has been stepped up by RSPCA WA.

Recently 41 dogs and puppies were seized from a suspected underground operation in the Wheatbelt in a joint operation with police and local council rangers.

A 41-year-old woman is under investigation for breaching a court-imposed banning order, preventing her from having contact with animals until 2014.

RSPCA alleges the dogs were segregated according to different breeds, and 12 were found in an underground bunker-like facil-ity. A miniature pony was also seized.

The dogs will remain in RSPCA custody throughout the prosecution.

RSPCA WA has also launched an appeal for information into the dumping of sick Persian cats at Cat Haven and is following up a number of leads.

Two-dozen severely ill Persians have been left in its amnesty crates since 2009. Two cats and a kitten which were dropped off recently, two suffering severe eye damage, had to be euthanased.

Cat Haven management believe it is the work of a backyard breeder.

RSPCA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David van Ooran suspects many more backyard breeders are operating irre-sponsibly throughout WA.

“We’re hoping many will be put out of business with the new Cat legislation and the upcoming review of the Dog Act,” said Mr van Ooran.

Under the Cat legislation, which comes into force next year, people will only be allowed two sterilised cats unless they are a registered breeder.

The State Government is also currently reviewing the Dog Act. RSPCA is seeking for all dogs to have identification of origin at the point of sale, so even animals sold through pet shops can be traced back to the breeder.

“You can do this by looking for your new pet through a reputable animal rescue service, like RSPCA PawsCentral. If you can’t find the perfect pet here, ensure you choose a reputable registered breeder.”

To find out more, check out the Smart Puppy Buyer’s Guide at www.rspca.org.au.

You can also help us put a stop to irresponsible breeders by reporting suspected backyard breeders. Your details will remain confidential.

RSPCA won’t shut down operators found to be acting within the law, but if RSPCA doesn’t hear about it, we can’t investigate.

Report suspected animal cruelty on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589).

RSPCA WA (Inc)108 Malaga Drive, Malaga WA 6090

T (08) 9209 9300F (08) 9248 3144

www.rspcawa.asn.au

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Celebrating 120 years in WA

First glimpse at new holiday sessions

See why we take school holiday activities seriously

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Inside word from RSPCA President, Lynne Bradshaw2012 has signalled an exciting new dawn for RSPCA WA: a new CEO, new partnerships and new opportunities to bring improvements to animal welfare in this state.

I am pleased to welcome David van Ooran as the new Chief Executive Officer at RSPCA WA.

The Board and I believe David brings innovation and vision that will help to position RSPCA WA to drive change across a range of welfare issues. As the organisation’s role expands, he will also help build our resources to ensure we continue to keep up with ever increasing demands on services.

The Board has recently set down its new strategic plan and David’s appointment comes at a defining moment for RSPCA WA as we embark on a more inclusive approach to improving animal welfare in Western Australia.

Moving forward, we see the future as one of collaboration with State Government, animal industries, welfare organisa-tions and the public. If we are determined to drive continuous welfare improvement, we must seek to establish true “own-ership” from key stakeholders. In other words a “Partnership for Animal Welfare”. Critical to success is building a strong relationship with the government department that adminis-ters the Animal Welfare Act.

The Society has signed an agreement with the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA) with the aim of building a more collaborative relationship with the State Government, a relationship that is not partisan and lives through successive changes of Governments, while providing a mechanism for continuous update of the Animal Welfare Act. RSPCA WA and DAFWA recently hosted three successful Animal Welfare Forums, the first initiatives that bring the “Partnership for

Animal Welfare” to life. These forums brought together representatives of government, industry, animal welfare groups and other stakeholders. The forums examined how to improve and establish animal welfare practices within these industries, and ways to create an understanding that animal welfare should be a priority and a critical component of doing business. The results of the forums have now been collated. The next stage will see separate working groups established, involving forum delegates, to determine achievable actions to improve animal welfare.

This is all very exciting and a major breakthrough for the way we engage in WA in the future.

In the aftermath of last year’s live export campaign, I became very aware of the community’s strong concerns for animal welfare and its intolerance of the mistreatment of animals. It was clear that government and industry were also aware of the changed attitude.

By initiating the “Partnership for Animal Welfare” and the subsequent forums, RSPCA WA has been able to lead the way, bringing together those key stakeholders who together, have the ability to step up the process of improving welfare standards and get a better deal for animals.

This is, after all, what RSPCA is all about – preventing cruelty to animals.

Thank you for your support of RSPCA WA as we speak up for all creatures, great and small.

Yours sincerely

Lynne Bradshaw RSPCA WA President

Protect your best friend while helping the RSPCA

Call 1300 728 135 or visit rspcawa.asn.au

This is general advice only. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement to ensure the product suits your needs. RSPCA Pet Insurance is distributed and promoted by Hollard Financial Services Pty Ltd ABN 53 128 692 884, AFSL 343079. Terms and conditions apply. H0903 RSPCA News 03/12

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Red Dog visits RSPCA

RSPCA WA gained national media attention when a Hollywood star popped into Malaga last month.

Koko, the Red Cloud Kelpie and star of big screen blockbuster ‘Red Dog’, visited PawsCentral with the movie’s producer (and also his owner), Nelson Woss.

They came to present a cheque for $17,000 to RSPCA Australia President Lynne Bradshaw.

The money was raised through a joint promotion by Roadshow Entertainment and Coles in December. $1 was donated to RSPCA from the sale of every Red Dog DVD at Coles nationally.

Mr Woss said the RSPCA is Red Dog’s friend.

“It was wonderful to hear how much we raised nationally for a great organisation like the RSPCA through the sale of our DVD,” said Mr Woss.

Mrs Bradshaw was delighted that the team behind ‘Red Dog’ chose to help RSPCA and said the donation will help care for dogs less fortunate than Koko.

Red Dog is the 8th highest grossing movie in Australian cinematic history and has now become the biggest selling Australian DVD of all time.

Introducing RSPCA WA Chief Executive, David van Ooran David van Ooran has arrived at RSPCA WA with his sleeves rolled

up, ready to continue building on the legacy of the State’s leading animal welfare authority.

He commenced as Chief Executive Officer of RSPCA WA in February, replacing Steve Vanstan, who retired last year.

Mr van Ooran is keen to expand on the great work of the Society to date.

“I’m very excited about the future,” said the new CEO.

“This is a great opportunity to come in and build on the work that’s already been done and help take RSPCA WA to the next level.”

Mr van Ooran has his sights set on increasing the profile and services of RSPCA WA.

“There is a great opportunity to expand our role in community education and build the public’s awareness and knowledge of animal welfare, as well as the great work of RSPCA WA.”

He is also committed to a stronger presence in the southern suburbs and regional WA.

Mr van Ooran joins RSPCA WA from EventsCorp WA, where he was the Executive Director. In his five years with the State Government’s events body, Mr van Ooran was involved in substantially boosting the number and diversity of major events in Western Australia.

Prior to EventsCorp, he worked at the WA Museum, AQWA – Aquarium of Western Australia and Perth Zoo.

Mr van Ooran’s strengths lie in his negotiating and management skills, as well as strong networks within the

private sector, community and State and Local Governments.

While he confesses to an affinity with animals, which started at Perth Zoo, Mr van Ooran admits he still has a lot to learn about animal welfare and the issues, politics and dynamics of this sector.

“I am engaging with key stakeholders, from government to industry, as well as RSPCAs from across Australia to build my knowledge base quickly and identify the key issues across the different States.”

“I am also learning from staff where the needs and opportunities are.”

“I bring a fresh perspective and, com-bined with the knowledge base that already exists within the organisa-tion and across the animal welfare sector, I know we can achieve some really great outcomes for the animals in Western Australia.”

No room in Malaga shelter

Wondering why there are limited dogs available for adoption at RSPCA Malaga?

The shelter is nearly full with dogs and puppies seized by Inspectors that cannot be re-homed until the legal process is resolved.

Over the last six months, nearly 80 dogs have been seized in separate animal cruelty investigations.

These seized animals must stay in our custody until the conclusion of their individual cases. Some will go to foster carers, however, due to the serious nature of their cases, most have had to remain at PawsCentral, taking up kennel space for months on end.

As far as the RSPCA is concerned, there is no alternative: the animals’ welfare and security are our priority.

So, as a result of this, only a limited number of dogs are available for adoption.

However, an increasing number of dogs will become available as cases are resolved throughout the year.

David van Ooran meets the animals

Koko & Nelson Woss after presenting cheque to Lynne Bradshaw

Red Dog & the RSPCA team

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Sharing love through foster care

A broad grin lights up June’s face and her eyes sparkle as she talks about the many kittens she has cared for through RSPCA WA’s foster care program.

A long term volunteer at RSPCA WA, June Bartlett has looked after more than 155 foster kittens in the last three years and she has no plans to slow down.

“I love it. I think I’ve finally found my vocation later in life,” enthuses June. “I just love it!”

June has cared for kittens as young as a few days old, bottle feeding the neonatal babies and taking them through the transition to solid food and toilet training until they are ready for adoption.

June’s tip – you have to be organised.

‘It’s challenging, rewarding and heartbreaking – all at the same time.’

A Docker’s pet project

Dockers’ defensive forward, Matt de Boer, has animal instinct on and off the football field.

Fremantle’s 2010 Clubman is proud to be an ambassador for RSPCA WA this year during the Dockers Associate Charity Partnership with the Society.

A self-confessed dog man, he was right at home with three small kittens clambering over him at a recent photo shoot at RSPCA PawsCentral, Malaga.

“I’ve always had pets in my family. They give so much affection,” said de Boer.

With a Bichon-Frise and Border Collie at home, he loves nothing more than taking the dogs to the beach and playing catch.

De Boer is looking forward to lending his support.

“Animals don’t have a choice about what happens to them. They can’t look after themselves. When you hear about cases of animal cruelty, it makes you want to get involved with the RSPCA,” said de Boer.

De Boer campaigned for RSPCA WA’s selection as one of the club’s new Associate Charity Partners.

“I was loosely involved with RSPCA WA last year, and was keen to get more involved and make it official.”

The new RSPCA WA Ambassador is looking forward to supporting the Million Paws Walk on 20 May and he is encouraging animal lovers to support the event and the RSPCA.

Registrations are now open for the 2012 RSPCA Million Paws Walk. Visit www.millionpawswalk.com.au.

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es Matt de Boer with his new feline friends

The Docker gets up close to the animals

June Bartlett and two of her ‘babies’

RSPCA celebrates 120 years in Western Australia in 2012.

The Society is the State’s oldest animal welfare charity, formed in August 1892 by a ladies’ reading society, which included Edith Cowan, WA’s first female MP.

By 1894, the SPCA, as it was then known, recruited its first Inspector, Mr Titus Lander. In 1906, a second Inspector was dispatched to the Goldfields. It’s quite

fitting that in our 120th year, RSPCA will re-instate the Inspectorate at Kalgoorlie.

It became the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1922 when it received Royal Patronage from HM King George V, the first to receive the honour outside Great Britain.

Among the memorable moments over the years were the introduction of animal welfare legislation and construction of the Malaga shelter.

Celebrations are being planned for this significant milestone in August.

If you would like to join RSPCA WA’s Foster Care program, call Corinne on 9209 9335.

As well as kittens, we also need foster carers for puppies, animals involved in Inspectorate cases, or pets that just need a break from the shelter.

Titus Lander was WA’s first

RSPCA Inspector

120th milestone for RSPCA WA

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RSPCA WA appoints new Chief Inspector

RSPCA WA is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Inspector. Simon Eager has been an RSPCA Inspector for 4 years and brings a wealth of animal welfare knowledge to the organisation. Simon’s previous roles have included law enforcement in police and local government.

“I was honoured when I received the call from Chief Executive David van Ooran to tell me I was successful in obtaining the Chief Inspector’s job,” Simon said.

“I am looking forward to working with a fresh and invigorated team of Inspectors. I truly feel we have some new people

with fresh ideas and a sense of urgency in carrying out their duties and promoting animal welfare in Western Australia. This combined with the considerable experience which already exists in the Inspectorate guarantees a strong team now and into the future.”

Chief Executive David van Ooran said the RSPCA WA is

delighted to have secured someone of Simon’s calibre in the top job.

“Simon’s professionalism, integrity and excellent communication skills are a clear strength and we are well placed to build on the great work of the inspectorate team,” CEO David van Ooran said.

Chief Inspector Chris Jones has recently left after more than a decade with the organisation and in the role of Chief Inspector since 2007. Her love of animals and dedication to their welfare was tire-less, and she leaves the department in a strong position.

New additions to the Inspectorate team, but familiar faces at RSPCA WA, are Inspectors Tony Douthat and Natalie Foster. Inspector Douthat is the former manager of PawsCentral and Inspector Foster is the Shelter’s former Senior Adoptions Officer.

Both are excited to be on the beat.

“I love my new role” said Inspector Foster. “There’s nothing better than helping our furry friends out of bad situations. So many people don’t even know they’re doing the wrong thing. They just need education and guidance.”

“I have been with RSPCA for 11 years and needed a new challenge,” said Inspector Douthat. “It’s been even better than I expected, especially coming to the rescue of dozens of dogs from a suspected puppy farm.”

RSPCA WA has recently expanded its Inspectorate to recruit a Kalgoorlie Inspector, who will commence training in Perth later this month, before deployment to the Goldfields.

Outgoing Chief Inspector Chris Jones (c) and Inspectors Foster, Eager, Milne & Douthat (l-r)

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Skywest assisting RSPCA prosecutions

RSPCA’s recently renewed sponsorship with Skywest is making it easier for the Inspectorate to do its job.

We have three Regional Inspectors for Western Australia, based in Bunbury, Albany and Geraldton. A fourth regional inspector, based in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, has recently been appointed and will commence work in the coming month.

When an investigation leads to a prosecution, Inspectors work closely with our Prosecuting Officer and lawyers to compile the brief. For inspectors based in regional areas, this requires many hours commuting to RSPCA headquarters in Perth.

In a recently concluded case, a Kojonup farmer was convicted of animal cruelty after Inspectors found he had neglected his cattle, leaving them to starve.

A $40,000 penalty was imposed at the conclusion of the legal proceedings.

The protracted case, some of which was heard in Perth, had a great impact on RSPCA Albany Inspector, Dr Helen Milne, who attended prosecution briefings and court appearances in Perth over a period of almost 18 months.

“It was very time consuming and mentally exhausting. Being able to fly to Perth during this case saved me time, allowing me to be away from my Inspectorate area for short periods of time,” said Dr Milne.

Without the support of Skywest, circumstances like this would put undue pressure on Regional Inspectors, who would spend countless hours travelling and would impact on the time they have working in their community.

Skywest flies around Western Australia including Albany, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie. www.skywest.com.au

Canberra fails cattle in IndonesiaNew footage has again emerged of the horrific slaughter of cattle in Indonesian abattoirs.

The vision, aired on ABC’s Lateline program recently, reveals major breaches of the Australian Government’s Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System.

The footage was filmed in three Indonesian slaughterhouses in January this year.

It shows what are believed to be Australian animals being tripped over and falling onto their sides in Mark I restraint boxes – contravening the new Supply Chain Assurance System.

RSPCA Chief Scientist – Bidda Jones has assessed the new footage and found clear breaches of the supply chain checklists.

“From what we’ve seen from this Indonesian footage, the RSPCA has significant concerns that the Supply Chain Assurance System will not protect exported animals from cruelty” said Dr Jones.

Seriously good (new) fun for kids at RSPCAThe April school holiday program is currently in full swing at RSPCA WA, creating yet another opportunity for young people to experience positive interactions with animals.

RSPCA is unique in offering a hands-on experience with animals from the Pet Barn at PawsCentral (Malaga) and the Education dogs, which have passed specialised behaviour testing to work with children. Every school holiday session offers kids an exclusive back-stage pass to RSPCA operations and hands-on animal experiences, as well as enjoyable age appropriate activities.

In the January holiday program, the Education Team ran several new sessions including Radical Reptiles and Waggy Tails, which proved to be so popular that they have been repeated in the April School Holiday program. Currently, the Education Team

is very busy teaching and entertaining the many children who were fortunate enough to gain a place in our expanded program with many new and exciting sessions available for all age groups.

New to the RSPCA WA School Holiday Program in April were Horsin’ Around (ages 10–13), Pony Tales (ages 6–9), Canine Capers (ages 8–12) and Cotton Tails (ages 4–6).

Back by popular demand are Radical Reptiles (ages 8–15), Pet Photography (ages 8–12), Be A Volunteer (ages 11–14), Cat Carer (ages 8–14), Pocket Pets (ages 6–8) Creature Comforts (ages 7–10), Crafty Critters (ages 6–9) and On the Farm (ages 4–6).

Our April School Holiday Program is now fully booked but our new program for the July School Holidays will have greater capacity and is soon to be released. All activities are reasonably priced and places fill quickly so call 9209 9325 to secure your child’s spot or visit www.rspcawa.asn.au to find out more.

Wrapped up in Radical ReptilesGetting up

close to the animals

Cat Carer session keeps kids busy

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RSPCA launches layer hen campaign

The RSPCA’s major campaign of 2012 against caged eggs has been launched. While some Australians are getting the message and buying free range or barn laid eggs, RSPCA believes more needs to be done. Why has RSPCA launched this campaign?

Almost 17 million layer hens are involved in Australian egg production (producing 392 million dozen eggs during 2011 or 12.9 million eggs each day), 11.1 million hens (65%) live in cages, with this expected to increase to 11.7 million in 2012. More hens live in cages today than did ten years ago.

Hens confined to battery cages live for around 72 weeks and with less space each than an A4 piece of paper. Hens in cages cannot express natural behaviours like scratching in the dirt, dust bathing, perching, stretching and flapping their wings or laying their eggs in a nest.

Over the past two decades, the RSPCA has been working to raise community awareness about the plight of hens in cages and have been asking consumers to change their buying habits. These targeted and ad hoc activities will have made a contribution to the knowledge in the community and some change in consumer buying habits towards cage-

free eggs. However, the reported level of consumer concern is not leading to steep decline in cage egg sales year on year – and therefore a decline in the number of hens in cages.

The European Union has been making a number of changes to benefit hen welfare in the EU over recent years, with the latest being an end to the use of conventional battery cages in 2012.

The Australian Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Domestic Poultry, sets minimum welfare guide-lines for people involved in the care and management of domestic poultry and still allows for the confinement of hens in cages.

With an increased community interest in animal welfare, this campaign will re-engage the community and consumers on issues of layer hen welfare and how they can help significantly improve the lives of hens.

Have a cuppa for all creatures great and small

You can now enjoy a good cup of tea knowing you’ve made a valuable contribution to the lives of Australian animals.

Twinings launched a new Australian Afternoon Tea on Australia Day, with 10 cents from the sale of every packet coming to RSPCA.

It is available from most leading supermarkets and is said to be a full flavoured, lively brew.

Blended by Kevin Rudd, who nominated RSPCA as his chosen charity, it was voted as Australia’s favourite tea, beating blends by Layne Beachley, Kerri-Anne Kennerly, Alan Jones and John Williamson.

Eggs and consumers

Market• More than 50% of eggs are sold via

food manufacturing and food service with the rest sold via retail.

• Of retail sales:

• 55% are eggs from cage hens.

• 34% are eggs from hens that have access to outdoors (labelled Free Range).

• 9% are eggs from hens that live in barns (labelled Barn).

• 2% are eggs from hens that are part of organic or other speciality systems.

• Of food service and food manufactur-ing sales greater than 95% of eggs are from cage hens.

• Egg consumption in Australia is growing, with an average of 6 eggs per person per week.

Consumer trends• There is an increasing interest

in higher welfare/humane food production this is a growing segment in mainstream supermarkets and speciality stores.

• Animal welfare campaigns focusing on pig production and the use of sow stalls has led to significant and rapid change in this industry, including a voluntary declaration by the pork industry in 2010 that they will cease using sow stalls by 2017 and a R&D program focused on addressing other welfare concerns (including farrowing).

• RSPCA research shows 2/3 of con-sumers are interested in hen welfare.

• Coles customers have indicated that the main barrier to purchasing cage free eggs (either free range or barn) is cost.

RSPCA National President Lynne Bradshaw and 96FM’s Darren de Mello launch RSPCA’s Hens Deserve Better campaign

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Sit!Training tips with Chris Gadbsy, RSPCA Dog Training

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Hill’s Pet Nutrition has provided Hill’s™ Science Diet™ to shelter

animals awaiting adoption for over 12 years

For more information about Hill’s Pet Nutrition or the RSPCA visit www.hillspet.com.au and www.rspca.org.au

®/™ Trademarks owned by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. © 2012 Hill’s Pet Nutrition Pty. Limited. ®RSPCA trademarks are owned by RSPCA Australia Inc.

By feeding Hill’s™ Science Diet™, the RSPCA can ensure that cats and dogs awaiting adoption have the special nutrition they need to be healthy, happy and ready to start their new life with you. If you’re ready to bring a new cat or dog into your life then why not consider adopting from your local RSPCA.

Simply visit www.adoptapet.com.au today.

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Did you get a new puppy over the summer? Is the honeymoon subsiding?

Don’t worry – that’s very common. The important thing is to start addressing the bad behaviours now while your dog is still young.

Here are a few tips to help:

Decide what you want from your dog. Is it an inside dog or outside? Allowed on furniture or off furniture? Then make a list of rules and commands for the pup and make sure everyone in the house sticks to it. Consistency is essential.

Just like young children need to play and explore, so do young dogs. There is a huge range of puppy toys available and it’s a good idea to give them a variety – but rotate the toys to avoid boredom.

Pups also don’t make the distinction between the old shoes you let them have or your new $200 heels.

The same applies with the games you play with your pup. Those that are cute as a puppy may not be so cute when the puppy grows up, such as letting them jump on you or play bite.

A new puppy needs plenty of socialisation so it learns to handle different situations and appropriate play. Puppy classes are great for this. RSPCA runs Puppy Kindy at our Malaga premises.

The best tip is to start training your pup before any issues arise. Puppy training also helps you build a bond and means the pup will have consistency from the very start.

Find out more about RSPCA Puppy Kindy at www.rspcawa.asn.au or call 9209 9300.

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