|
The New
|
|
|
The New
|
|
_________________________________________________________________________
|
|
Animals lovers consider their pet dog or cat to be a family member. They find it hard to understand that some people believe cats and dogs are for throwing away - like a toy that's no longer wanted. Each year hundreds of pets are dumped and end up in animal shelters - and they're the lucky ones. At least they stand a chance of finding new owners. |
|
|
The sad truth however, is that 80,000 cats and dogs are put down every year. Pets are not toys. An animal is a responsibility, just like any living thing, requiring an awareness of their needs; love and attention, training, feeding regularly, exercising, and medical attention. Animals make a mess - their fur comes out and sticks to carpets and furnishings, they leave a grubby layer on the walls, and most of them don't wipe their feet when they come into the house! While small and untrained they may chew and scratch furnishings and belongings. The next dog that chews a pair of favourite slippers won't be the first! Or the last! |
||
|
To enjoy the relationship with your pet you must be sure you have the time, inclination, finances and temperament to put in the effort required to train your animal while they learn what is required of them. Loved and well-trained pets are a delight. They feel comfortable with themselves and their place in the family. In the hierarchical world of animals this is essential. Before you buy your pet, think carefully - do you have sufficient free time to care for this new family member - not just whilst they are babies but for their lifetime? Are you prepared to take the time to walk your dog regularly, preferably daily? Will you brush the long haired breeds of cat and dog to keep their fur tangle free? Will you bath your pet with the proper pet shampoo and keep them flea and tick free? |
After July 1999 all new dogs must comply with the new legislation. From July 1999 all new cats and kittens must be permanently registered . this can be by microchip, or by a collar and tag. This new act is to protect the animals, and their owners, the community they live in and the environment we all share. The new permanent identification laws will allow identification of lost animals, allowing them to be returned home. Microchip insertion will ensure a permanent identification. Older dogs must be transferred to the new microchip within 3 years. |
|
|
|
Can you afford the regular veterinary bills, and the pills required to keep them free of worms, and diseases? |
|
|
Will you will love them when they are no longer cute and cuddly? Where will they go when you are away? Dog and cat boarding adds considerably to your holiday costs. Taking your pet on holiday is possible but restricts your choices. Is your pet suited to you, your accommodation, and your lifestyle? |
||
|
Buy a pet just because it's cute and cuddly. Get a huge horse of a dog when your lifestyle really needs a mouse sized toy dog. Get any pet if you sneeze whenever the neighbours' cat comes near you. Get a big dog just for a guard dog - little dogs often make far more noise! Big dogs require a different approach. Have a puppy if your garden is your delight - young dogs can and do dig up the garden until they have learned better. |
|
|
Train your puppy to allow you to take food out of its mouth and off its plate. |
Exemptions
|
Farm dogs living on rural properties Greyhounds - but they pay a fee while registered for racing. Guide dogs for the Blind, |
|
An inert microchip the size of a grain of rice - will be 'injected' under the skin in the animal's neck. Each chip will contain a unique number - like your passport number - that links the animals to the owners details - which will be filed on a Statewide register. |
You are already encouraged to desex your pet cats and dogs by a reduction in the registration fee. Desexing animals ensures the young that are born are wanted, and not the result of 'accidents of nature'. Pensioners and registered breeders will receive a further discount . |
|
Owners details will be confidential and access limited to lawful purposes. Life time registration will be required by the time your pet is 6 months old. Pets can be desexed by the time they are 6 months, and thus the registration can be at reduced cost. |
|
|
|
Many of the old rules remain - dogs must be under control at all times when away from home. A dog must never be trained to attack. |
|
They should be trained to be sociable and friendly, and not to bark incessantly. |
|
|
They must be on a leash unless in a specified 'off leash' area. New areas where animals can run free - while accompanied by their owners - will be instigated. |
|
|
|
You must pick up your Dogs droppings in places where people may go - slide a polythene bag over your hand, Pick up the droppings, turn the bagover the droppings and take them home |
|
Older dogs must be transferred to the new microchip within 3 years. |
|
|
|
Up to now, there were few laws concerning cats. This new law gives cats special protection and introduces new responsibilities for cat owners. From July 1999 all new cats and kittens must be permanently registered . this can be by microchip, or by a collar and tag. |
|
Cats will not be allowed to cause a nuisance to neighbours either by noise or by attacking other animals. The owner will be expected to control the unsociable behaviour. The current laws concerning cats in wildlife protection areas remain. Stray or feral cats that attack animals may be removed |
|
|
Your local council |
Information processed from the Companion Animals Leaflet
Photos, Page Design - Nepean Blue
